Iran-US-Israel military and diplomatic conflict

In late August 2026, tensions escalated between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Gholamhossein Darzi, Iran’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, accused the U.S. and Israel of launching an “illegal aggressive war” against Iran on February 28, 2026. Darzi claimed these military actions resulted in the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, several senior officials, and over 3,400 civilians.

Darzi further linked regional instability and maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz to these military actions. He also condemned a recent “economic exclusion” operation announced by the U.S. Treasury Secretary as an attempt to impose an economic blockade on the Iranian people.

Following these accusations, legal scholars and experts began scrutinizing the conflict's adherence to international law. Critics argue that the military actions taken by the U.S. and Israel may violate Article 2 of the UN Charter regarding the use of force. The situation has prompted broader debates concerning the protection of civilian infrastructure and the ability of international institutions, such as the International Criminal Court, to maintain legitimacy and authority during conflicts involving major powers.