ON 28 February 2026, sections of the US media outlined four principal objectives behind Washington’s and Tel Aviv’s military strikes against Iran: (a) destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, (b) neutralizing Iran’s naval power, (c) preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and (d) stopping Tehran from arming and supporting non-state actors beyond its borders.

Framed as pre-emptive security measures, these objectives were presented as necessary steps to contain Iran’s regional influence. However, the legality and legitimacy of these actions remain deeply contested. Under the United Nations Charter, the use of force against a sovereign state is prohibited except in cases of self-defense or with explicit authorization from the UN Security Council. Iran has neither threatened the security of US nor Israel. Rather Israel has been threatening Iran and all regional states of Middle East. Iran, as a sovereign state, retains the right to maintain defensive capabilities, including missile systems, for its national security.

No international body authorized the United States or Israel to carry out military aggression against Iranian military or civilian facilities. This all goes against the international norms and good practices and US and Israel deserve international condemnation and UN sanctions. Washington has justified its actions by citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Yet Iran is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT) and debates over its compliance have long been the........

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