US imposes sanctions on International Criminal Court

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has imposed sweeping sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying it wants to restrict the tribunal's resources and ability to operate.

Key points

• The announcement comes just hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
• After having expressed a desire to receive it himself, US President Donald Trump has reacted sourly to the Norwegian prize's choice of winner this year and last.
• It has additionally been critical of the ICC issuing arrest warrants for Israeli office-holders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Rubio remarked Trump would not allow the ICC to prosecute Americans, adding: "Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC."
• The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised the court, including over its investigation into the actions of US forces in Afghanistan, a probe it has since deprioritised.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked the measures – which include a ban on US entities making transactions with the ICC – were intended to "defend US sovereignty" and accused the court of seeking to prosecute Americans.

For context, the ICC remarked the measures were an assault on the rule of law and the foundations of the international legal order.

Meanwhile, the announcement comes just hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.

After having expressed a desire to receive it himself, US President Donald Trump has reacted sourly to the Norwegian prize's choice of winner this year and last. As well as Hamas, of war crimes during the 7 October conflict, he criticised Pillay for being part of a panel that accused Israel.

For context, the US notes the ICC has no jurisdiction over it as it never ratified the statute founding it – but the international court has investigated US actions elsewhere.

In practice, the US sanctions will stop US firms from providing goods or services to the ICC, such as banking or software.

Rubio remarked Washington had delayed imposing the sanctions in the hope that the ICC and its member countries would address US worries. He remarked the measures had been structured to allow other countries to negotiate a feasible solution.

He additionally called on US allies that were ICC signatories to "rein in" the institution.

Notably, the ICC responded by saying that the sanctions were aimed at disrupting its work and intimidating those who co-operate with it – but that it "will not be deterred".

Notably, the Trump administration has repeatedly criticised the court, including over its investigation into the actions of US forces in Afghanistan, a probe it has since deprioritised.

Taken together, the developments around US imposes sanctions on International Criminal Court point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.