, March 14 -- Analysts and rights groups have criticized US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for saying there would be "no quarter, no mercy" for Iran, warning that such rhetoric could violate international law.

Hegseth made the remarks on Friday as the United States and Israel continue military strikes against Iran, reports Al Jazeera.

Experts say threatening to give "no quarter"-meaning no mercy or acceptance of surrender-is prohibited under the Hague Conventions and other international agreements governing armed conflict. The policy is also banned under US domestic law, including the War Crimes Act of 1996.

Brian Finucane of the International Crisis Group said the comments raise concerns about whether such rhetoric could influence bat...