Backlash at Trump’s ‘war crime’ plan to attack Iran’s cultural sites: Boris Johnson and leading Democrats slam President’s suggestions they were fair game because Tehran ‘maims and tortures’ people

‘British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and leading Democrats have warned Donald Trump that attacking Iran’s cultural landmarks could constitute a war crime.

Last night Trump doubled down on Saturday’s threat to sites ‘important to Iran and Iranian culture,’ saying that they were justified by Tehran’s attacks on US personnel.

Johnson’s spokesman told reporters that there are ‘international conventions in place that prevent the destruction of cultural heritage.’

However, careful not to be drawn into a direct rebuke of the US, he added: ‘You can read the international conventions for yourself. It is the 1954 Hague convention.’

Democratic Presidential hopeful, Senator Elizabeth Warren, put it more squarely: ‘You are threatening to commit war crimes.’

On Saturday, Trump tweeted that he would strike 52 Iranian sites, including targets important to Iranian culture, if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets.’

Read more: Backlash at Trump’s ‘war crime’ plan to attack Iran’s cultural sites: Boris Johnson and leading Democrats slam President’s suggestions they were fair game because Tehran ‘maims and tortures’ people