Legal Scholars Warn US Strikes on Iran Could Breach International Law

(MENAFN) A group of more than 100 legal scholars based in the United States has raised concerns that recent American military actions against Iran could constitute war crimes, pointing to possible violations of international law, including the United Nations Charter, as well as attacks impacting civilian sites and controversial statements by senior officials.

In a public letter released Thursday through a policy platform, academics affiliated with institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, and Stanford University argued that the joint US-Israeli military campaign launched in late February lacks legal justification under international frameworks. They described it as “a clear violation of the United Nations Charter.”

The signatories further warned that both operational conduct and official rhetoric surrounding the campaign “raise serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes.”

Particular attention was drawn to remarks made by Donald Trump, who previously suggested that strikes on Iran could occur “just for fun.” They also referenced comments from Pete Hegseth, who stated that US forces do not adhere to what he described as “stupid rules of engagement,” and declared “no quarter, no mercy for our enemies.” According to the experts, such language may carry legal implications under international law.

The letter also highlighted a specific incident on February 28 involving a strike on a girls’ school in the city of Minab, identified as Shajareh Tayyebeh, where at least 175 individuals—mostly children—were reportedly killed. As stated by reports, the Pentagon later concluded that the attack was carried out based on outdated intelligence, though no formal apology has been issued.

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