The U.S. government announced on the 9th that it would list the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a target of sanctions and set a 180-day grace period for comprehensive sanctions. The U.S. move triggered a backlash from many countries. The foreign ministers of eight countries including Japan, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany issued a joint statement this morning to strongly oppose it.
The Trump administration stepped up its countermeasures against the International Criminal Court earlier this year, and in August announced sanctions against Tomoko Akane, the Japanese president of the International Criminal Court. The sanctions are largely in response to an International Criminal Court investigation into U.S. ally Israel. In 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to Israel's war actions in Gaza.
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Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) reported that on the same day that the Nobel Peace Prize winner was announced, the Trump administration announced that it had listed the International Criminal Court as a target of sanctions on the grounds that American politicians and soldiers might be prosecuted, and in principle prohibited the International Criminal Court from conducting financial transactions and other activities in the United States or through the United States.
However, the Trump administration also stated that in order to ensure that the International Criminal Court can continue to operate, there is a 180-day grace period for member states to pay membership fees and pay staff salaries and other related transactions, suggesting that there is still room for maneuver in diplomacy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted this on social media, saying, "I commend President Trump and Secretary Rubio for making this crucial decision. The ICC is not a court, but a political organization that seriously threatens the concept of global democracy and national sovereignty." He once again criticized the International Criminal Court.
However, the foreign ministers of eight countries, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands and Denmark, issued a joint statement saying: "We deeply regret and strongly oppose the United States' announcement of sanctions on the ICC." A spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the United States' decision and called on all countries to support the International Criminal Court.
In response to the new actions of the United States, Tomoko Akagen released a video statement criticizing, "This is an unprecedented measure. We resolutely reject U.S. sanctions. It is unacceptable to try to hinder our performance of judicial duties. This is an attack on the international legal order." She also called on the participating countries to continue to take specific actions to enable the International Criminal Court to continue its activities.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae posted on social media
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also issued a statement last night, saying, "We will exchange views and continue communication with Secretary of State Rubio of the United States."
