WASHINGTON: Two US-based advocacy groups sued the Trump administration on Wednesday, arguing that sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court (ICC) violate constitutional free speech protections after US officials launched a diplomatic campaign this week aimed at dismantling the court. President Donald Trump and other US politicians have long said that the ICC should not have the authority to investigate or prosecute Americans, particularly members of the military.

Trump declared that the Hague-based tribunal poses an "intolerable threat" to American sovereignty and warning that no diplomatic option is off the table.

Nations that refuse to reject ICC while relying on US assistance are likely to come under increased scrutiny, State Department official says.

Two US groups sued the Trump administration over sanctions against the International Criminal Court. These sanctions reportedly halted advocacy and ICC submissions by affected…