War crimes are no longer shameful. That should terrify you

Over 100 international law experts have signed an open letter expressing concern over potential violations of international law by the US, Israel, and Iran during the recent conflict. The experts allege that the US-Israeli military action against Iran breaches the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force outside of self-defense or UN authorization. They also cite alarming rhetoric from US officials, including threats to attack Iranian power plants and statements suggesting a disregard for the rules of international humanitarian law. The White House dismissed these concerns, asserting that the US President is working to make the region safer and accusing Iran of supporting terrorism and oppressing its own people. The experts warn that these actions and statements risk harming civilians and undermining fundamental legal norms.

Over 100 US-based international law experts have signed an open letter condemning recent US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, initiated on February 28th, as potential war crimes and violations of the UN Charter. The letter, released on Thursday, cites the lack of UN Security Council authorization and absence of an imminent Iranian threat as key concerns regarding the legality of the military action. The experts also highlight the conduct of hostilities, including attacks on civilian infrastructure like schools and hospitals, and express alarm over threatening rhetoric from senior US officials. They further criticize the dismantling of civilian protection structures within the US government. The scholars believe these actions and statements raise serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

In a Human Rights Watch report from April 3, 2026, the article highlights a concerning trend in the Middle East, specifically during the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. The report states that the US, Israel, and Iran are increasingly dismissing international laws protecting civilians, displaying a "swaggering contempt" previously unseen. Examples include US officials openly disregarding civilian safety and threatening further attacks, Israeli threats to demolish homes in Lebanon, and Iran declaring civilian entities as valid targets. The article emphasizes that this open disregard for civilian life and international norms is a dangerous escalation, potentially leading to the destruction of established protections in warfare. The report cites specific statements from leaders in each country as evidence of this shift.