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Recent military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran have raised serious concerns about the erosion of established norms governing international warfare. The attacks, which resulted in the collapse of an eight-storey residential building in Tehran’s Enderzgu district, represent a significant shift in how nations engage in conflict and respond to perceived threats.
A New Era of Warfare
The United States has made headlines with its aggressive posture towards Iran, particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump. His administration has issued stark warnings, including threats to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure if the country continues its aggressive actions against Gulf neighbours. Just last week, Trump vowed to “massively blow up” Iran’s South Pars gas field and suggested that military action could target Iran’s largest power plants if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
Such rhetoric not only heightens tensions but also challenges the established framework of international law, which is meant to limit warfare to acts of self-defence or those sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council. Luis Moreno Ocampo, the founding chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has described these military actions as “crimes of aggression” under international law, drawing parallels to Russia’s military conduct in Ukraine.
The Global Rules-Based Order Under Strain
Moreno Ocampo emphasised that the principle of protecting civilians is at the core of the global rules-based order. He argued that the recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian energy targets do not constitute legitimate military objectives, thus violating international standards. This sentiment resonates with critics who argue that the West’s condemnation of Iran’s actions is undermined by its willingness to abandon these very norms when it suits its interests.
The ICC does not have jurisdiction over the U.S., Israel, or Iran, complicating any potential accountability. However, Moreno Ocampo’s assertions highlight a dangerous precedent: the notion that powerful nations can operate above the law without consequence. He remarked, “We are moving from a rules-based system to the rule of the man,” underscoring the risks of unilateral decision-making in foreign policy.
Responses and Implications
The White House has dismissed Moreno Ocampo’s characterisation as “ridiculous,” framing Trump’s actions as necessary to combat a “rogue, terrorist regime.” U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz reinforced this stance, suggesting that Iran’s control over critical infrastructure justifies targeting its energy facilities, given their role in supporting the regime’s military ambitions.
In contrast, human rights organisations warn that strikes on energy installations could devastate civilian life in Iran, particularly amid ongoing power shortages. Iranian officials have retaliated by threatening to target energy and water systems in neighbouring countries, creating a cycle of escalation that has far-reaching implications for regional stability.
The Broader Context of International Relations
The U.S. and Israeli military operations have also drawn criticism for potentially undermining trust among allies. Brian Katulis, a former national security official, noted that Trump’s aggressive stance risks creating an environment where the rules of international engagement are perceived as malleable. This shift is compounded by the lack of a cohesive coalition to address threats in the Strait of Hormuz, which has historically been a flashpoint for conflict.
The current situation is further complicated by the ongoing war, which has seen missile strikes near sensitive nuclear sites in Iran and Israel. The World Health Organisation has warned that the conflict has reached a “perilous stage,” calling for immediate restraint from all parties involved.
Why it Matters
The unfolding events in Iran are emblematic of a broader crisis within the international system, where the balance of power is increasingly dictated by the whims of powerful nations rather than adherence to established legal frameworks. As military actions redefine the contours of state sovereignty and conflict, the implications for global security are profound. The shift towards unilateral military action, justified by national security concerns, threatens to destabilise the already fragile international order, leaving smaller nations vulnerable and further complicating global diplomacy.
