In a move that has reignited tensions between Washington and the International Criminal Court (ICC), US President Donald Trump has imposed economic and travel sanctions on ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan. The decision marks the first instance of these sanctions being utilized under an executive order targeting the court for its investigations into alleged war crimes committed by US citizens and allies. On February 6, Trump issued an executive order sanctioning the ICC, underscoring his administration’s long-standing opposition to the tribunal’s authority.

According to two sources briefed on the matter, Khan’s name was included in an annex to the executive order signed by Trump. While the annex has not yet been made public, a senior ICC official and another source who received details from US government officials confirmed the development to Reuters. The sanctions involve freezing any US-based assets Khan may hold and barring both him and his family members from entering the United States.

The directive, issued by Trump to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, mandates a report within 60 days to determine additional individuals who should be sanctioned. The move follows previous US actions against the ICC, including similar sanctions imposed in 2020 on former ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda over investigations into alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan.

The ICC swiftly condemned the sanctions, declaring its continued commitment to upholding justice for victims of atrocities worldwide. In a statement issued on February 7, court officials reaffirmed their support for Khan and emphasized their intention to persist in investigating crimes under their jurisdiction.

“The........

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