If you're announcing that you'll kill surrendering Iranians, it seems to follow that you intend to kill lots of Iranians and are not particularly concerned with the ethical implications.
It could also be projection of the Templar's in reference to one of his tats fighting the Muslims during the Crusades. There is talk in one of their documents of preparing the world for the return of Jesus Christ. That should probably concern people a bit more, I think. It appears both sides want this to be a holy war of sorts. It is creating a bit of a stir. [1] There are no rules in a holy war beyond Victory or Death. Even if this is all truly just rhetoric it should concern people as such times can be excuses to implement very draconian laws.
[1] - https://www.military.com/daily-news/2026/03/03/military-offi...
JasonADrury•1h ago
The Hague Convention IV (which the US is a signatory to) has this to say:
>Art. 23. In addition to the prohibitions provided by special Conventions, it is especially forbidden
>(d) To declare that no quarter will be given;
This is a pretty significant statement given that Hegseth is explicitly stating that the US will summarily execute surrendering Iranian combatants.