Over 100 legal experts and practitioners in the United States have announced that the war initiated by President Donald Trump, in collaboration with Israel, against Iran constitutes a blatant violation of international law, with the strikes potentially qualifying as war crimes. The message signed by these experts asserts that the war has been illegal since its onset on February 28, 2026.
The letter pointed out that "the commencement of the campaign was a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, and the actions of U.S. forces since then, along with statements made by senior government officials, raise serious concerns about human rights violations and international humanitarian law, including the possibility of war crimes."
Details of the Event
The letter focused on the behavior of the U.S. government but also condemned the Iranian government's repression of dissent and its ongoing illegal strikes on civilian infrastructure using explosive weapons in densely populated areas. The signatories emphasized the importance of the principle of "equal application of international law to all," including powerful nations.
They also rejected the rhetoric used by U.S. officials to downplay the significance of the laws of war, deeming it "extremely troubling and dangerously shortsighted." They noted that "these claims, especially when coupled with the observed behavior of U.S. forces, undermine the international legal system and the international legal order that we have dedicated our lives to promoting."
Background & Context
Historically, U.S.-Iranian relations have witnessed escalating tensions since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, with military and political conflicts between the two nations intensifying. In recent years, the United States has taken military actions against Iran, leading to heightened tensions in the region. The recent strikes have been viewed as part of a broader strategy aimed at undermining Iranian influence in the Middle East.
In this atmosphere, experts indicated that the war costs American taxpayers between $1-2 billion per day and has also caused significant harm to civilians in Iran and the region, with thousands killed and the environment and economies in the Middle East devastated.
Impact & Consequences
This letter serves as a call for adherence to international laws, as experts criticized the decision to go to war, considering it unjustified under the laws governing the right to self-defense. They affirmed that "the use of force against another state is only permissible in self-defense against an actual or imminent armed attack or when authorized by the United Nations Security Council," pointing out that the Security Council did not approve the attack and that Iran did not attack Israel or the United States.
Experts also noted indications of violations of the laws of armed conflict, including U.S. strikes on civilians and civilian targets, including non-military politicians, and attacks on energy infrastructure and water desalination plants. Figures released by the Iranian Red Crescent documented attacks on 67,414 civilian sites, including 498 schools and 236 health facilities.
Regional Significance
Arab countries are directly affected by military conflicts in the region, as these wars exacerbate humanitarian crises and destroy infrastructure. The escalating tensions between the United States and Iran may negatively impact the stability of neighboring countries, increasing the likelihood of regional conflicts.
In conclusion, this letter reflects the growing concern over the escalation of military conflicts in the Middle East and emphasizes the importance of adhering to international laws to protect civilians and ensure stability in the region.