Full Story Is the US the most pressing threat to peace?
Mar 3, 2026
Ben Saul, professor of international law and UN Special Rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, discusses the legality of recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. He explores why the attacks may amount to the crime of aggression. He examines Australia’s response, limits of self‑defence, Iran’s legal options, risks to the global rule of law, and potential paths for accountability and diplomatic pressure.
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Strikes On Iran Constitute Illegal Aggression
- The US and Israeli strikes on Iran are illegal under international law as the crime of aggression.
- Ben Saul explains aggression requires an armed attack or UN Security Council authorisation, neither of which occurred here.
Preemptive War Breeds Long Term Instability
- Preemptive attacks on speculative future threats destabilise regions and spawn insurgencies.
- Saul links prior US interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya to the creation of groups like ISIS and long-term insecurity.
Limits On Iran's Lawful Retaliation
- Iran retains a right to necessary and proportionate self-defence against US and Israeli attacks.
- Saul clarifies Iran can target US military assets but not civilians or unrelated Gulf states, whose targeting would be unlawful.