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Legal scholars raise alarm over conduct in Middle East war
More than 100 international law experts have signed an open letter expressing grave concerns about what they describe as serious violations of international law by the United States, Israel, and Iran in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
UN Charter breach alleged
The experts argue that the US-Israeli decision to launch strikes against Iran constitutes a clear violation of the United Nations Charter. The Charter prohibits the use of force except in cases of self-defence or when authorized by the UN Security Council. The letter highlights what the signatories view as an unlawful escalation in hostilities.
Rhetoric and legal concerns
The scholars point to what they call "alarming rhetoric" from high-ranking officials, including US President Donald Trump's threat to "obliterate" Iran's power plants. The White House responded by stating that Trump's actions are making the region "safer and more stable" and dismissed the experts as "so-called."
The letter also condemns comments made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who suggested that "no quarter" should be given to enemies. In international law, the denial of quarter-refusing to spare the lives of those who surrender or are wounded-is explicitly prohibited. The experts note that this prohibition is even outlined in the US Department of Defense's own law of war manual.
Civilian harm and erosion of norms
The signatories warn that the conduct and threats detailed in their letter are causing severe harm to civilians and risk undermining the rule of law and fundamental protections for non-combatants. They state that public statements by senior officials reflect a troubling disregard for international humanitarian law, which safeguards both civilians and armed forces personnel.
"We are gravely concerned that the conduct and threats outlined here are causing serious harm to civilians... and that they risk degrading the rule of law and fundamental norms that protect every nation's civilians."
Open letter from international law experts
White House and Iranian actions
The White House accused Iran of "maiming and killing Americans, acting as the primary state sponsor of terror, and brutally murdering its own people for merely speaking out against its oppressive rule" over the past 47 years. It defended Trump's actions, asserting that he is "eliminating Iran's short- and long-term threats to the United States and our allies," thereby enhancing regional security.
Humanitarian toll and enforcement gaps
The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, according to reports. Tom Fletcher, the UN's humanitarian chief, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that international law had been "thrown aside" during the war. While he acknowledged that the rules are "very clear and very strong," he emphasized that the issue lies in enforcement, describing the conflict as "reckless."
School strike under scrutiny
The experts' letter also highlights an attack on a primary school in the Iranian town of Mina on the first day of the war, which reportedly killed at least 168 people, including 110 children. The US Department of Defense has stated that it is investigating the incident, which growing evidence suggests may have been the result of a US strike.
One theory under investigation is that the school, located near an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps base, may have been hit due to outdated intelligence. The experts argue that the strike "likely violates international humanitarian law," and if evidence emerges that those responsible acted recklessly, it could constitute a war crime.
Publication and response
The open letter was published in Just Security, an online journal based at New York University School of Law. The signatories include prominent legal scholars and practitioners from around the world, underscoring the global concern over the conduct of the war and its implications for international law.
