Washington (CNN) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the US will deny or revoke visas for International Criminal Court staff.

The move is meant to deter a potential investigation by the judicial body into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by US troops in Afghanistan.

Pompeo, speaking from the State Department Friday, said the restrictions include "persons who take or have taken action to request or further such an investigation." He said the policy had already taken effect, but declined to say who had been restricted or would face future restrictions.

Pompeo also warned about potential economic sanctions "if the ICC does not change its course."

ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah told CNN that the court was aware of Pompeo's speech. In a statement he said that the court is "non-political and "an independent and impartial judicial institution crucial for ensuring accountability for the gravest crimes under international law."

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