UN Charter
Prohibition on the Use of Force
Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. This is one of the most fundamental norms of contemporary international law — often called the jus cogens (peremptory norm) against aggression. The only recognized exceptions are: (1) self-defense under Article 51, and (2) collective action authorized by the Security Council under Chapter VII.
- Article 2(4): "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state."
- Article 51: Preserves "the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations."
- Chapter VII (Articles 39-51): Authorizes the Security Council to determine threats to peace and authorize collective military force.
- The US justified its Iran strikes as a form of preemptive self-defense — a more expansive and contested interpretation not universally recognized under international law.
● Tracked since March 01, 2026 · last seen May 04, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
See it in today’s brief.
Daily current affairs with every static concept explained in place.
Read the daily brief