Home » Allegations of War Crimes Mount as Both Parties Engage in Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure

Allegations of War Crimes Mount as Both Parties Engage in Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure

Former US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues Stephen Rapp has warned that both sides in the conflict involving Iran could be held accountable for violating international law. According to Rapp, the principles of international law apply equally to all parties involved, regardless of who initiated the conflict. He emphasized that the legitimacy of military targets is a crucial factor in determining whether a war crime has been committed. Rapp cited examples of universities and oil facilities in the Gulf being targeted, arguing that these are illegitimate targets in the context of the war.

Rapp contended that the US and Israel lacked a valid legal justification for launching the conflict against Iran, drawing parallels with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He noted that an international court is being established in Europe to prosecute Russian leaders for their actions, and suggested that a similar outcome could occur in the case of Iran. Rapp stressed that the only legitimate justification for war is self-defence, which requires a genuine and imminent threat of attack. He cautioned that the prospect of Iran acquiring nuclear capabilities does not provide a valid reason for an attack without UN Security Council approval.

Rapp acknowledged that countries in the Gulf may have a legitimate self-defence argument in relation to the Strait of Hormuz, particularly if their economic livelihood is under threat. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of seeking UN Security Council approval before taking military action.

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