US unveils sanctions on ICC in move court condemns as 'assault on rule of law'

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. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said 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. The ICC said the measures were an assault on the rule of law and the foundations of the international legal order. 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.