Ex-General Slams ‘Secretary of War Crimes’ Over Iran Comments

Ex-General Criticizes War Rhetoric, Warns of War Crimes

A former high-ranking Army general has strongly criticized recent rhetoric regarding potential military action against Iran, calling for the office of the Secretary of Defense to be renamed the ‘Secretary of War Crimes.’ The general’s comments came in response to remarks attributed to President Trump, who reportedly suggested using military power to inflict severe damage on Iran, including destroying infrastructure and creating a humanitarian crisis.

The former general, speaking on a YouTube video, expressed deep concern over the implications of such statements. He argued that any soldier ordered to carry out such actions would be committing a war crime. This aligns with warnings previously issued by Senator Kelly and his colleagues about the dangers of unchecked military directives.

Christian Nationalism and War Support

The discussion also touched upon the influence of Christian nationalism within the current administration, specifically mentioning OMB Director Russell Vogt’s involvement in Project 2025. The speaker highlighted that the rhetoric is not just words but is being believed and acted upon by influential groups.

Donald Trump’s appeal to certain segments of the population, particularly evangelical and Christian communities, is seen as a factor in growing support for aggressive stances on foreign policy. The speaker noted that the media within these communities is amplifying these messages, making them more passionate by directly linking them to religious beliefs.

The Threat of Illegal Orders

The core of the former general’s argument centers on the legality and morality of the proposed military actions. He stated that directing soldiers to carry out acts that would create a humanitarian crisis and destroy civilian infrastructure constitutes an illegal order under international law.

He drew a parallel to the Nuremberg Trials after World War II. At Nuremberg, several senior German military leaders were executed for obeying illegal orders. The general emphasized that American soldiers should never be put in a position where they must choose between obeying an illegal order and facing potential prosecution.

“Any soldier that would obey the war crime that’s being directed by the president and the secretary of defense would be committing their own war crime.”

Call for Stronger Pushback

The former general urged the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to push back more forcefully against such directives. While acknowledging some initial resistance, he believes more significant opposition is needed to prevent potentially catastrophic and illegal military actions.

He stressed that senior military leaders have a duty to understand the nature of orders they receive. They must ensure that these orders are lawful and ethical before directing their troops to execute them. The potential consequences for soldiers, including facing international tribunals, are too severe to ignore.

Broader Implications for International Law

The comments underscore a critical debate about the boundaries of military power and adherence to international humanitarian law. The use of rhetoric that suggests widespread destruction and the creation of humanitarian crises raises serious questions about a nation’s commitment to global norms and civilian protection.

The reference to the Nuremberg Trials serves as a stark reminder of the historical precedent for holding individuals accountable for war crimes. This principle remains a cornerstone of international justice, aiming to prevent future atrocities by establishing clear lines of responsibility.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, attention will likely remain focused on the pronouncements of political leaders regarding foreign policy and military options. The stance of military leadership in responding to potentially unlawful directives will be crucial. The international community will also be watching closely to ensure that all actions adhere to established laws and ethical standards, preventing a slide into actions that could be deemed war crimes.

Source: ‘Secretary of War Crimes’: Ex-Army Gen says Hegseth should rename office over Iran  (YouTube)