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‘You’ll be living in hell’: Is Trump threatening war crimes?

Apr 8, 2026 •

It’s been a war of shifting deadlines for President Trump. And now, his latest one expires this morning.

Trump is threatening that if Iran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the US will strike the country’s bridges and power plants in what he’s calling "Energy Plants Day and Bridges Day” – stating there will be "nothing like" the attack he will unleash if Tehran ignores his ultimatum.

But indiscriminately targeting infrastructure that civilians rely on to survive could amount to war crimes.

Today, Rachel VanLandingham – a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and former military lawyer – on whether the US can lawfully target civilian infrastructure, and what it would mean for international law if it did.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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‘You’ll be living in hell’: Is Trump threatening war crimes?

1873 • Apr 8, 2026

‘You’ll be living in hell’: Is Trump threatening war crimes?

It’s been a war of shifting deadlines for President Trump. And now, his latest one expires this morning.

Trump is threatening that if Iran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the US will strike the country’s bridges and power plants in what he’s calling "Energy Plants Day and Bridges Day” – stating there will be "nothing like" the attack he will unleash if Tehran ignores his ultimatum.

But indiscriminately targeting infrastructure that civilians rely on to survive could amount to war crimes.

Today, Rachel VanLandingham – a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and former military lawyer – on whether the US can lawfully target civilian infrastructure, and what it would mean for international law if it did.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Guest: National security law expert and former active duty judge advocate in the US Air Force, Rachel VanLandingham

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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.

It’s made by Arielle Richards, Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Krystal Keller, Nicole Johnston, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.

Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.





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1873: ‘You’ll be living in hell’: Is Trump threatening war crimes?