Iran's legal battle at the UN: Can justice prevail?
The United Nations Charter is unambiguous. Article 2(4) prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
The General Assembly's Definition of Aggression (1974) further declares that any unprovoked armed attack by one state against another constitutes aggression — a grave breach of international peace.
Aggression is also recognised as a crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which empowers the ICC to try individuals, including political leaders, who plan or carry out aggressive wars.
Still, can the United Nations take action? The Security Council holds primary responsibility for addressing aggression under the UN Charter.
The United States—being both a party to the conflict and a veto-holding power — can block any effort to formally assign blame to itself or its allies.
This deadlock is nothing new. The Council has been paralysed in past conflicts where permanent members were involved.
Yet, Iran has other avenues. The General Assembly may step in under the 'Uniting for Peace' resolution, allowing it to make recommendations when the Council fails to act.
Alternatively, Iran could bring a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has in previous rulings — such as Nicaragua v United States and DRC v Uganda — found states responsible for unlawful uses of force and awarded reparations.
The office of the UN Secretary-General also holds quiet power. While lacking enforcement authority, the Secretary-General can appoint independent inquiries, raise the issue in the Council, or facilitate mediation.
Though limited, these tools can bring international attention and pressure to bear.
In the end, Iran's legal case is sound, but enforcement remains at the mercy of political realities. The tension between international law and the power dynamics of the Security Council remains one of the great challenges of our time.
Yet, history shows that legal persistence — paired with diplomatic and public advocacy — can gradually tilt the balance toward justice.
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