The United States has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), escalating its long-running opposition to the tribunal over investigations involving US personnel and Israeli regime officials, including cases related to the genocide in Gaza.

According to the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the ICC has been added to the US sanctions list, subjecting the court to sweeping financial and economic restrictions.

The move marks one of Washington's strongest measures against the Hague-based court and follows repeated criticism by the US administration of the ICC's jurisdiction over American citizens and Israeli regime officials.

Washington defends sanctions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ICC had violated US sovereignty by pursuing investigations involving American military personnel, border officials and elected leaders.

"Our message is clear: The United States and the American people are not subject to the jurisdiction of this illegitimate court," Rubio said.

He also pledged to sever all cooperation with the tribunal.

"We will prohibit all relations with this fraudulent court, cut off its resources, and deprive it of the ability to act against us," he said.

Rubio further urged other ICC member states to follow Washington's example, arguing that many US allies rely on American military assistance for their security.

The sanctions follow remarks by President Donald Trump during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September, in which he described the ICC as a "rogue institution" and called on countries to withdraw from the court.

Sanctions target financial and commercial ties

Under the new measures, US individuals and companies will be prohibited from providing banking, technical, commercial and professional services to the ICC.

The Treasury Department has issued a 180-day general license, allowing organizations and individuals currently working with the court to wind down their activities before the restrictions take full effect.

US authorities may also freeze or seize ICC-related assets that fall under US jurisdiction and block transactions involving property controlled by US persons.

The measures significantly expand Washington's previous actions against the court by targeting its operational and financial networks.

ICC condemns US decision

The ICC condemned the sanctions, saying the measures seek to obstruct the independent administration of justice and undermine the international rule of law.

The court reaffirmed that it would continue carrying out its judicial mandate despite political pressure and called on its member states and the international community to support its work.

Several countries that are parties to the Rome Statute also expressed support for the ICC, emphasizing the importance of preserving the court's independence and safeguarding international accountability mechanisms.

Long-running dispute over jurisdiction

The United States has for years opposed ICC investigations involving American personnel and Israeli regime officials, arguing that neither country is a party to the Rome Statute and therefore falls outside the court's jurisdiction.

The dispute intensified after the ICC opened investigations into alleged crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories and took legal steps against Israeli regime officials over the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Washington has repeatedly rejected those proceedings, while the ICC maintains that its actions are based on its judicial mandate under international law.

The latest sanctions are expected to further deepen tensions between the United States and the Hague-based court, while raising concerns among international legal experts and human rights organizations about the future functioning of the world's permanent international criminal tribunal.(ILKHA)