The chief legal advisor of the US Department of State argued that President Donald Trump’s war against Iran is a matter of legitimate defense and the protection of Israel, a US ally. He claims that the bombing campaign is not the start of a new war, but a continuation of an ongoing conflict.
Reed Rubinstein, legal advisor at the State Department, presented these arguments in a statement released a few days before the May 1 deadline. Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the Trump administration must seek approval from Congress to continue or end the conflict.
The US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many country leaders in the first attacks. Trump stated that these strikes, following unsuccessful negotiations, aimed to destroy Iranian missiles, weaken their navy, and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The President also urged Iranians to overthrow their government.
Many legal experts believe these attacks were not justified under the UN Charter, which states that member states should refrain from using force against other states unless authorized by the UN Security Council or in self-defense.
The US is involved in the conflict to protect its Israeli ally and exercise its right to self-defense, according to Rubinstein. He cited Iran’s alleged hostile actions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, including attacks on US and Israeli forces, missile strikes on Israel in 2024, and Tehran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Rubinstein added that the US is acting in compliance with international law regarding the use of force and self-defense. Tehran denies allegations of seeking nuclear weapons.
The document, titled ‘Operation Epic Fury and International Law,’ was posted on the State Department’s website on Tuesday but was not shared with the media or official social networks.
Iran responded to American-Israeli attacks by launching missiles and drones at US targets, Middle Eastern neighbors, and shipping lanes, disrupting the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The conflict, causing an energy shock and economic concerns, has been on hold since a ceasefire on April 8.
Public opinion polls show the conflict is unpopular among Americans due to rising fuel and food prices. A Reuters/Ipsos survey revealed that a majority blame Trump for the gas price hike, impacting the Republican Party ahead of the mid-term elections in November.
LEGAL CONTROVERSIES
Over a hundred international law experts signed a letter this month stating the conflict’s initiation was a clear violation of the UN Charter. They questioned the administration’s claims about an imminent threat from Iran and pointed to incidents like the bombing of a girls’ school and political assassinations as evidence.
Rubinstein concluded that the campaign started in late February as part of a long-standing conflict with Iran, disregarding the need to assess the immediacy of an Iranian attack.
Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks criticized the legal justification as late and weak, urging Trump to comply with national and international law to end the war.
Legal advisors suggest Rubinstein’s statement was likely released by the Trump administration to address the May 1 deadline. According to the War Powers Act, the President must end any ongoing conflict after 60 days unless granted an extension by Congress. Democrats have attempted to pass resolutions to end the conflict, but most Republicans have blocked them.
