According to a Trump administration official, the US also expects the end of investigations into Israeli leaders regarding the war in the Gaza Strip and the formal discontinuation of the investigation into the actions of American soldiers in Afghanistan.
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If these demands are not met, Washington is considering imposing additional sanctions on both ICC members and the institution itself.
Reuters emphasizes that possible sanctions against the tribunal would mean a significant escalation of tensions between the US and the ICC. The Tribunal, established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, has long been controversial among American politicians. Both Republicans and Democrats criticize him for interfering with US sovereignty.
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According to Reuters sources, the US conveyed its position to both ICC member states, including allies, and the tribunal itself. The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, which means it is not formally subject to the jurisdiction of the ICC. However, Washington fears that the tribunal could try to bring charges against American leaders in the future.
In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif. They were charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the attack by Hamas on Israel in October 2023.
Another point of contention between the US and the ICC is the investigation into the actions of US soldiers in Afghanistan. Although this topic was put on the back burner in 2021, the proceedings have not been formally completed. In response to the tribunal's actions, this year the United States imposed sanctions on nine ICC officials, including judges and prosecutors. However, these sanctions have not yet covered the institution itself, which could seriously impede its functioning.
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— There are growing concerns that in 2029 the ICC will target the president, vice president, secretary of war and others for criminal prosecution. This is unacceptable and we will not allow it to happen, said one Trump administration official, quoted by Reuters. In January 2029, Donald Trump's second term as president ends.
