The Hague, Oct. 9 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday strongly rejected the United States' decision to impose sanctions against the institution, stating that the move was aimed at disrupting its operations and intimidating those who work for or cooperate with the court, while asserting that it would continue to discharge its mandate independently and impartially.

The ICC's reaction came moments after the US administration announced sanctions against the court under an executive order, titled "Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court", citing concerns over American sovereignty and what Washington described as a threat posed by the judicial institution.

In a statement, the ICC described the US action as an un...