Actor George Clooney calls Trump's 'a whole civilization will die tonight' threat to Iran a 'war crime'

Hollywood actor George Clooney has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump over his threat against Iran, calling it a potential "war crime" and reigniting a long-running feud between the two.

Speaking to around 3,000 high school students in Cuneo, Italy, Clooney condemned Trump's reported warning that "a whole civilization will die tonight", reports the Guardian.

"Some say Donald Trump is fine," Clooney said at an event organised by the Clooney Foundation for Justice. "But if anyone says he wants to end a civilization, that's a war crime. You can still support the conservative point of view but there must be a line of decency, and we must not cross it."

The White House responded sharply, with Communications Director Steven Cheung dismissing Clooney's remarks. "The only person committing war crimes is George Clooney for his awful movies and terrible acting ability," he told media outlets.

In a follow-up statement, Clooney defended his comments, citing international law. "A war crime is alleged 'when there is intent to physically destroy a nation,' as defined by the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute," he said, while criticising what he described as a lack of serious debate.

The exchange comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and reflects a broader pattern of public clashes between Trump and prominent figures in Hollywood. Clooney, a long-time Democratic supporter, has frequently spoken out on political and humanitarian issues.

Despite their current rivalry, Clooney has previously said he once had cordial relations with Trump before his presidency, though their relationship has since deteriorated into repeated public exchanges.