U.S. declares war on ICC, sanctions top officials over ‘threats’ to Americans, Israelis

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The U.S. has announced fresh sanctions against four senior International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, accusing the tribunal of threatening American and Israeli sovereignty through what it described as illegitimate investigations.

In a statement on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions target Kimberly Prost of Canada, Nicolas Guillou of France, Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji, and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal.

The move is being carried out under Executive Order 14203, issued by President Donald Trump, which authorises penalties against foreign individuals involved in ICC efforts to prosecute U.S. or Israeli nationals without their governments’ consent.

Rubio condemned the Court’s actions, saying the United States “has been clear and steadfast in our opposition to the ICC’s politicization, abuse of power, disregard for our national sovereignty, and illegitimate judicial overreach.”

Describing the Court as a “national security threat” and “an instrument for lawfare against the United States and our close ally Israel,” Rubio stressed that Washington would continue to use “whatever actions we deem necessary” to shield its troops, sovereignty, and allies.

The Secretary of State further urged nations that still back the ICC to reconsider their stance, pointing out that “many of whose freedom was purchased at the price of great American sacrifices.”

According to the State Department, the designations mean the four officials will be subject to asset freezes and other restrictions.

The Department also released a fact sheet providing further details on the sanctions.