International Law Experts Raise Alarms Over Violations in Iran Conflict

Fri Apr 03 2026 15:35:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

An open letter by over 100 legal experts expresses grave concerns about violations of international law amidst the ongoing war in Iran, specifically addressing the actions of the US, Israel, and Iran.

In a significant development, over 100 international law experts have signed an open letter highlighting serious violations of international law regarding the conflict in Iran. The letter accuses the US and Israel of breaching the UN Charter by attacking Iran, citing alarming rhetoric from officials as well. The response from the White House dismissed these concerns, emphasizing the intention to enhance regional safety. The letter specifically notes the devastating impact on civilians, particularly after a tragic attack on a school that killed numerous children, calling for accountability and adherence to humanitarian law.

International Law Experts Raise Alarms Over Violations in Iran Conflict

More than 100 experts on international law have signed an open letter expressing profound concern about serious violations of international law by the US, Israel, and Iran amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The letter states that the US-Israeli decision to attack Iran constitutes a clear breach of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force outside self-defense or without UN Security Council authorization. The experts highlight the alarming rhetoric, including US President Donald Trump's threats to obliterate Iran's power plants.

The White House rebutted these concerns, claiming that Trump's actions were aimed at making the region safer and dismissing the opinions of the signatories as so-called experts.

The letter also critiques Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's declaration of no quarter for enemies, which violates international law by refusing to spare those who surrender.

Notably, the conflict has seen a significant civilian toll, with reports from the Human Rights Activists News Agency indicating that 1,606 civilians, including at least 244 children, have died in Iran since the war began. The letter stresses that these actions are causing serious harm to civilians and may degrade fundamental norms protecting civilian lives.

Particularly concerning is a recent attack on a primary school in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed at least 168 people, including 110 children. The US Department of Defense has opened an investigation into this incident, which many believe to have been tied to a US strike.

The authors of the letter assert that such actions likely violate international humanitarian law and could be classified as war crimes if recklessness is proven. They call for adherence to the existing laws of war, highlighting the ongoing disrespect for civilian protection norms.