According to a report by Al Jazeera on Friday, March 13, 2026, Democratic Congressman Eugene Vindman, a former U.S. Army officer, has condemned the “no quarter” order reportedly issued by US forces under the leadership of Hegseth during the ongoing US-Israel military campaign in Iran, calling it illegal under international law.
A “no quarter” directive instructs troops to refuse taking prisoners, meaning all enemy combatants, even those attempting to surrender, are to be killed. Vindman highlighted that such orders violate the Geneva Conventions and established laws of armed conflict.
In a post on social media, Vindman shared a clip from Hegseth’s recent press briefing and stated, “No quarter orders are a violation of the law of war and Geneva conventions.” He added that the Pentagon chief appears to be “establishing a pattern of issuing illegal orders.” See More/Details