International Law on Use of Force
UN Charter Framework
The UN Charter (1945) establishes the primary international legal framework governing the use of force between states. Article 2(4) prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Exceptions are limited to: Article 51 (inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs) and Chapter VII actions authorised by the UN Security Council.
- Article 51 (Self-Defence): A state may use force in self-defence only if an armed attack has already occurred — anticipatory or pre-emptive self-defence has contested legitimacy under international law; preventive war (against future threats) has no recognised legal basis under the Charter
- The US and Israel are likely to invoke Article 51, claiming Iran's nuclear programme and proxy attacks constitute ongoing aggression
- UN Security Council: The P5 veto structure means Russia and China can block any UNSC resolution authorising or condemning the strikes
- Jus ad bellum vs. jus in bello: The lawfulness of initiating force vs. the laws governing conduct during warfare (Geneva Conventions)
- Targeted killing of Khamenei as head of state raises questions under Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions regarding protected persons
● Tracked since February 28, 2026 · last seen April 29, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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