The Middle East conflict is approaching ‘a point of no return’, the Red Cross warns

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has again sounded the alarm over escalating conflict in the Middle East, and warned that continued attacks on critical infrastructure could push the region towards irreversible, catastrophic consequences.

In a strongly worded statement on Monday, the organization’s president, Mirjana Spoljaric, warned that the latest developments signaled a dangerous turning point in the war, especially as attacks increasingly target essential services.

“What we have seen in recent days in the Middle East risks reaching a point of no return,” Spoljaric warned.

He expressed concern over increasing threats to sensitive installations, stating, “Of most concern is the potential for damage to nuclear facilities, whether intentional or unintentional.”

Since the conflict escalated on February 28, with coordinated military action involving the United States and Israel against Iran, both sides have exchanged attacks that have increasingly impacted energy and civilian infrastructure throughout the region. Over the weekend, tensions escalated further when an Iranian strike reportedly hit Dimona in southern Israel, which is home to a nuclear facility, in what Tehran said was retaliation for an earlier attack on the Natanz nuclear site.

Spoljaric emphasized the devastating impact of such developments, stating, “Damage to these sites could trigger irreversible consequences, which is why these sites are given increased protection under the rules of war.”

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He further condemned the pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure, and warned that such acts blur the line between military operations and humanitarian violations. “A war on critical infrastructure is a war on civilians,” he said.

“Intentional attacks on critical services and civilian infrastructure can be considered war crimes.”

His remarks came amid a change in rhetoric from Donald Trump, who previously threatened to “wipe out” Iran’s power infrastructure if it failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route. Instead, Iran signaled possible retaliation, including the placement of sea mines and attacks on regional energy facilities.

However, Trump later softened his stance, saying he was suspending the ultimatum after “very good” discussions with unnamed Iranian officials. Iranian authorities, meanwhile, denied that negotiations had taken place, and stated that the comments were aimed at influencing global energy markets.

Highlighting the humanitarian costs of the conflict, Spoljaric said, “Attacks on critical infrastructure have punished millions of civilians both near and far from the front lines.”

He concluded with a stark warning about the broader impact of ongoing hostilities: “This pattern, combined with increasing rhetoric that ignores the limits set by international humanitarian law, is normalizing a style of warfare that strips us of our humanity.”