The US Attacks Iran in a War of Aggression

"This war is illegal under both US domestic law and international law. It violates the US Constitution, which gives only Congress, not the president, the power to take the nation to war. The UN Charter is clear that use of military force is legal only if authorized by the Security Council or if 'an armed attack occurs against a Member.' In this case, neither of these things happened."

"The similarities with the Iraq war have made this war more likely; the differences show why war with Iran could be even more dangerous. In 2002-03, a huge global movement-what The New York Times called 'the second super-power'-emerged to challenge the drive toward war. It brought together a majority of the UN Security Council, a number of individual governments, including important US allies, and, crucially, millions of people, who mobilized to protest around the world."

The US and Israel have launched military operations against Iran, including targeted strikes on regime leaders and military bases. Early reports indicate civilian casualties, including 51 deaths in an attack on a school. This military action violates US constitutional law, which reserves war powers for Congress, and international law under the UN Charter, which permits military force only with Security Council authorization or in response to armed attack. Neither condition applies. The conflict parallels the 2002-03 Iraq War buildup but presents potentially greater dangers. A global anti-war movement previously mobilized millions to protest, bringing together UN Security Council members and allied governments in opposition.

Read at The Nation