The United States has voiced its objection to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) jurisdiction over cases involving Israel, citing concerns about procedural overreach. Addressing reporters on Tuesday, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the ICC is intended to be a court of limited jurisdiction and a last resort, functioning only after domestic judicial systems have concluded their investigations.
Miller stressed that Israel is already conducting hundreds of investigations into potential violations of international humanitarian law, making the ICC’s decision to proceed unwarranted. “The ICC is supposed to be a court of last resort after those investigations have proceeded,” he stated. He also pointed to the ICC’s more cautious approach in other contexts, such as Venezuela, where it waited for national processes to conclude before moving forward.
The US also ruled out participation in the upcoming nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva, taking a hardline stance against Tehran’s actions. Miller warned Iran against escalating tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for the country to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and fulfill its nuclear obligations.
“We will not be joining those talks,” Miller confirmed. “Iran’s ccontinued production and accumulation of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent has no credible civilian justification.”
He criticized Iran’s failure to address unresolved nuclear issues that have persisted for over five years and reiterated US alignment with its European partners—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—in holding Tehran accountable.
