US Scholars Raise Alarm Over Conduct and Legality of US-Israeli Campaign on Iran

More than 100 United States-based international law experts have signed an open letter, published on Thursday, condemning US and Israeli military strikes on Iran as violations of the United Nations Charter and potentially amounting to "war crimes." The scholars also voiced serious concerns regarding the conduct of US forces and rhetoric from senior US officials, citing potential breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law.

Legality of the Campaign Questioned

The extensive letter highlights that the US-Israeli campaign, which commenced on February 28, was initiated without authorization from the UN Security Council and lacked credible evidence of an imminent threat from Iran. The experts underscored the foundational principle that force against another state is permissible only in self-defense against an actual or imminent armed attack, or with UN Security Council authorization—conditions they assert were not met.

The scholars' primary concerns are structured into four key areas: the legality surrounding the decision to engage in war, the execution of hostilities, the threatening rhetoric employed by senior officials, and what they describe as a deliberate dismantling of civilian protection protocols within the US government, particularly under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's "gloves off" approach to warfare.

Civilian Impact and "Gloves Off" Approach

Among the specific incidents cited by the experts is a strike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, on the inaugural day of the conflict, which resulted in the deaths of at least 175 people, predominantly children. The letter also draws attention to attacks on vital civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, water treatment plants, and energy facilities. "We are seriously concerned about strikes that have hit schools, health facilities, and homes," the letter states.

Olley News Insight: International humanitarian law, also known as the laws of armed conflict, aims to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons. It protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare. Violations can lead to charges of war crimes, emphasizing the critical importance of adherence by all parties in any conflict.

Official Rhetoric and Disregard for Law

The letter further condemns public statements made by senior US officials, including President Donald Trump and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. Notably, a mid-March comment from President Trump suggesting the US might conduct strikes on Iran "just for fun" and Secretary Hegseth's early March remark about not fighting with "stupid rules of engagement" were singled out. These statements, the scholars argue, indicate "an alarming disrespect for the rules of international humanitarian law accepted by states," which are designed to protect both civilians and military personnel.

The experts also noted the significant financial burden of the conflict, estimating its cost to US taxpayers at up to $2 billion per day.

Call for Upholding International Norms

Co-authored by esteemed legal scholars such as Oona Hathaway and Harold Koh from Yale Law School, Philip Alston of NYU, and former Human Rights Watch chief Kenneth Roth, the letter primarily focuses on the conduct of the US government due to their connection to the nation. However, the signatories expressed broader concerns about the risk of atrocities across the region and emphasized the necessity for the "equal application of international law to all, including countries that hold themselves out as global leaders." They also warned of the potential harm this conflict poses to the international legal order.

The signatories earnestly urge Washington to reconsider its current trajectory, stating: "We urge US government officials to uphold the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and human rights law at all times, and to publicly make clear US commitment to and respect for norms of international law."

Key Takeaways

  • Over 100 US-based international law experts signed a letter condemning US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
  • The letter argues the strikes violate the UN Charter and may constitute "war crimes."
  • Concerns include the legality of initiating war without UN Security Council authorization or credible imminent threat.
  • Scholars cite specific attacks on civilian sites, including a primary school in Minab, as well as hospitals and infrastructure.
  • Public statements by President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth are criticized for demonstrating "alarming disrespect" for international humanitarian law.
  • The experts urge the US government to uphold the UN Charter and international law, warning of damage to the global legal order.