The Iran War and the Limits of International Law

The direct military confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has placed the foundations of the post-World War II international order under unprecedented strain. At the heart of this crisis lies international law, particularly the rules governing the use of force, the right to self-defense, the protection of civilians, and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. As the war deepens and its regional repercussions intensify, legal scholars and policy experts are increasingly grappling with what this moment reveals about the fragility of the rules-based order and the long-term implications for the future of international law.

Against this backdrop, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs is hosting a panel of experts to examine the legal and international dimensions of the war. The panelists will explore key questions, including: How should Israeli, American, and Iranian strikes be assessed under Article 51 of the UN Charter? To what extent are the parties complying with the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under international humanitarian law? What legal mechanisms exist to ensure accountability for potential war crimes, and what roles can institutions such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice play? Finally, does the current war risk setting a dangerous precedents that further erode the international legal order and normalize the use of force over the rule of law?