George Clooney slams Trump’s Iran threat as White House fires back

Actor George Clooney has criticised former US President Donald Trump over his reported warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” in relation to Iran, describing the remark as a war crime. The exchange has reignited a long-running war of words between the Hollywood star and the White House.

Clooney made the comments on Wednesday while speaking to around 3,000 high school students in Cuneo, Italy, at an event organised by the Clooney Foundation for Justice. He argued that such rhetoric crosses a line of decency, adding that while political differences are acceptable, certain statements should not be tolerated.

In response, the White House communications director, Steven Cheung, dismissed Clooney’s criticism, saying the actor was the one guilty of wrongdoing, mocking his film career in a strongly worded rebuttal.

Clooney later responded, urging more serious debate on global issues, pointing to the human cost of conflict and stressing that discussions at the highest levels should avoid personal attacks. He also cited definitions of war crimes under international conventions, asking the administration to justify its position.

The actor, a long-time Democratic supporter, has frequently spoken out on political matters and previously called on former President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 election race.

Donald Trump has also repeatedly criticised Clooney in the past, questioning his acting credentials and political views, while tensions between both sides continue to surface whenever public comments are made.