UN experts slam US, Israeli strikes on Iran, Lebanon as illegal

Independent United Nations (UN) human rights experts have sharply condemned the ongoing military assaults on Iran and Lebanon by the United States and Israel, calling them “flagrant violations of international law.”

“The conflict risks engulfing the wider region in catastrophic armed violence and threatens to set yet another precedent of total impunity for some of the world’s strongest military powers,” the experts said.

Independent human rights experts condemn the ongoing military assaults on Iran & Lebanon as "flagrant violations of international law."

“The conflict risks engulfing the wider region in catastrophic armed violence, threatens to set yet another precedent of total impunity." 1/3 pic.twitter.com/tWZchA0qZw

— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) March 13, 2026

They criticized the US attack on Iran, carried out while negotiations were ongoing and reportedly endorsed by multiple states, as “entirely illegal under international law and constituting an act of aggression.”

“U.S. and Israel should stop waging and expanding wars, and considering themselves as above international legality,” the experts stated. 

They expressed alarm over U.S. demands for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and regime change, including declarations by the U.S. President that “he will choose the future leadership of Iran,” warning that such moves could prolong the war and cause massive human suffering.

The experts emphasized that “no violations of human rights in Iran or elsewhere provide any legal or moral justification for an unwarranted interference with the sovereignty of a UN Member State and an illegal attack.” They urged all nations to respect the Iranian people’s right to self-determination and to freely define their own political system.

Highlighting the humanitarian impact, the experts called for independent investigations into attacks that could constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law, citing the bombing of a girls’ school in Iran that killed at least 180 girls, strikes on oil refineries causing acid rain, and attacks on a desalination plant.

While acknowledging Iran’s right to self-defense, they warned that retaliatory strikes against civilian targets, including desalination infrastructure and residential areas in Gulf countries, also violate international law and must cease immediately.

“The prospect that the large-scale destruction seen in Gaza could extend to Iran, Lebanon and other countries in the region is deeply alarming,” the experts said, warning of devastating consequences for civilians in heavily urbanized areas.

They also condemned Israel’s escalation in Lebanon, including orders for civilians to evacuate homes, which they said have led to the forced displacement of at least 700,000 people and “would constitute yet another war crime.”

The experts criticized the UN Security Council for failing to uphold its responsibilities, stating that “this dereliction is irreversibly pushing the world towards a precipice.” They called for an immediate ceasefire and an international peace conference to address the region’s future.

By Vafa Guliyeva