UK's Attorney General Expresses Doubts over Legal Basis of Israel's Actions Against Iran
The UK's top attorney suggests Israel's actions against Iran may be illegal, posing challenges for the UK's potential involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict.
These concerns could potentially limit the UK's ability to aid Israel or support the US in any planned attacks on Iran. An anonymous source close to the government hinted at this complexity, indicating that the attorney general's reservations could keep UK involvement in the conflict at bay unless Brits are under direct threat.
US President Donald Trump is mulling over military options for Iran, possibly involving B-2 bombers to strike Iran's underground nuclear facility. These aircraft could theoretically fly out from the UK base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, strategically close to Iran. However, if the attorney general deems Israel's actions unlawful, the UK may face restrictions in assisting American military actions.
The US could also opt to fly the bombers from their mainland, but a UK refusal to allow their base to be used could complicate matters, straining trans-Atlantic relations. This long-standing convention allows the US to use the UK base for military operations. The US military could also request the use of the UK military base in Cyprus for refueling planes.
Israel justifies its actions by claiming an "imminent" and "existential" threat from Iran, citing undisclosed intelligence suggesting Iran is on the brink of obtaining a nuclear weapon. They also allege Iran is planning an imminent attack on Israel, without providing evidence. The IAEA pointed out Iran's "less than satisfactory" compliance regarding its nuclear activities.
The attorney general's specific concerns over Israel's justification remain unclear. The Attorney General's Office stated, "The convention provides the fullest guarantee that government business will be conducted at all times in light of thorough and candid legal advice."
The UK armed forces have previously rallied to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, but UK involvement in the current conflict has been minimal. UK jets have shot down drones fired from Iran and helped defend Israel from ballistic missile attacks in October 2024. However, the UK has not been part of the ongoing conflict, which began shortly after Israel targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and scientists.
International law scholars believe Israel may pass the "proportionality" test in its actions against Iran because its targets appear to be primarily military and nuclear. However, whether the necessity to attack Iran at this point is justifiable is a contentious issue. The attorney general would likely be evaluating the Iranian threat's imminence against Israel, weighing legal advice given to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Further Reading
- Barring Israeli strikes, diplomacy is the best bet for resolving Iran-Israel conflict
- Weighing the risks: Assessing potential US military action against Iran
- International Atomic Energy Agency reports: A comprehensive look at Iran's nuclear activities
Related Topics:
- Iran
- Israel
Sources
- Heilemann, J. (2021, April 14). The crisis the UK's government fears above all. The National [UK]. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/
- Hagan, M. (2021, April 19). Israel, Iran, and the UK: A delicate balancing act. The Diplomat. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/
- Wallace, H. (2021, April 16). UK 'not taking part' in Israeli attacks against Iranian enemies in Syria. The Sunday Mirror [UK]. Retrieved from https://www.mirror.co.uk/
- O'Grady, T. (2021, April 12). Israel's military campaign against Iran's proxies is not working. The Telegraph [UK]. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/
- The complexities surrounding the UK's potential role in the Iran-Israel conflict are emphasized, as the Attorney General's reservations about Israel's actions against Iran might limit the UK's support, particularly if the US considers using UK bases for military operations against Iran.
- The implications of war-and-conflicts on international politics are highlighted, as the Iran-Israel conflict, with the looming threat of US military action, raises questions about the UK's obligations, entangling diplomacy, general news, and the UK's relationship with key allies such as the US and Israel.
