US-Israel strikes on Iran may amount to war crimes, legal experts warn
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Washington: More than 100 United States-based international law experts have issued a joint statement expressing “profound concern” over the legality of military strikes launched by the US and Israel on Iran, warning that the attacks may amount to serious violations of international law, including potential war crimes.
In a detailed letter, the signatories, comprising senior professors, former government legal advisers, and military law experts, argued that the February 28 strikes violated the United Nations Charter’s prohibition on the use of force. They stated that neither self-defence nor authorisation from the United Nations Security Council justified the attacks and that there is no evidence that Iran posed an imminent threat.
The experts also cited criticism from António Guterres, who warned that the strikes undermine international peace and security.
The letter raised alarm over reported civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, citing attacks on schools, health facilities, homes, and energy installations. According to figures referenced by the experts, over 1,400 civilians — including more than 200 children — were killed in the first weeks of the campaign.
Particular concern was expressed over a strike on a primary school in Minab, which reportedly killed at least 175 people, many of them children. The experts noted that preliminary findings suggest the attack may have been based on outdated intelligence, raising the possibility of violations of international humanitarian law and, if recklessness is established, potential war crimes.
They also warned that attacks on essential infrastructure such as power plants, water systems, and nuclear facilities could have “disastrous” consequences for civilians and may breach the laws of armed conflict.
The signatories condemned statements by senior U.S. officials, including remarks by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declaring “no quarter, no mercy,” which they said could violate international humanitarian law. Under the laws of war, declaring that no quarter will be given is prohibited and may itself constitute a war crime.
They further criticised comments by Donald Trump dismissing international law and suggesting strikes could be carried out “just for fun,” as well as threats to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure. Such rhetoric, the experts argued, signals a disregard for legal obligations and risks encouraging unlawful conduct.
The letter also highlighted what it described as a systematic weakening of institutional safeguards within the U.S. military. Removal of senior legal advisers, dismantling of civilian harm mitigation mechanisms, and omission of civilian protection in strategic documents were cited as factors increasing the risk of further violations.
The experts urged U.S. authorities to comply with international humanitarian law and reaffirm commitments to global legal norms. They also called on other states not to assist in unlawful acts and to work toward ending serious breaches of international law.
Warning of broader consequences, the letter stated that ongoing actions risk escalating the conflict, harming civilians, and undermining the international legal order designed to protect populations during war.