Iran Strikes: The Legal Case Against U.S. Military Action

February 24, 2026

Visiting Professor of Law Michael Schmitt recently co-authored a piece in Just Security titled “Expert Q&A: Are U.S. Threats or Use of Force Against Iran Lawful?” Schmitt argues that any U.S. military strike against Iran under current circumstances would violate international law’s foundational prohibition on the use of force.

“Any U.S. military strike on Iran under the current circumstances — either in relation to the dire human rights situation within Iran or its damaged nuclear program — would (once again) violate international law’s bedrock prohibition on the use of force,” write Schmitt.

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