The US and Israel have launched joint attacks on military and nuclear facilities in Iran. Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), said in a March 3 video update on X that the U.S. military has deployed over 50,000 troops, 200 fighter jets, two aircraft carriers, and bombers as part of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, with more capabilities \u201con the way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The war in Iran is a direct violation of Trump\u2019s campaign promises not to get involved in wars, but to end them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Historically it is also a violation of international law, which is based on the 400-year-old Treaty (or Peace) of Westphalia. International law is based on the concepts outlined in this treaty, signed on October 24, 1648. The key elements of the treaty are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 It recognized the principle of cuius regio, eius religio<\/em> (\u201cwhose realm, his religion\u201d). Rulers could determine the official religion of their territories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 It guaranteed private religious freedom and the right of emigration for religious minorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 And most importantly, it established the principle of territorial integrity \u2013 that a country has exclusive authority over its territory and domestic affairs, with non-interference from external powers (a foundational idea in modern international relations).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caveat: The principle of inviolable territorial borders has been debated by scholars. A nation that murders its own citizens is liable to attack on humanitarian grounds. The principle of inviolable borders also breaks down when one nation attacks another nation. One can argue that Iran was attacked unilaterally by the US, but Iran has also acted to destabilize other Arab nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is most surprising to me is the Arab response. In the past, if Israel or the US attacked another Arab nation, the Arab street would erupt with anger and protests, and Arab nations would undertake hostilities against the offenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This time, however, the Arab responses have been against Iran! (At least so far. If the war expands that will probably change.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n How can this be when the purpose of Israel\u2019s attack is supposedly the creation of Greater Israel, an aggressive expansion of Israel into Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Egyptian territory?<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, there is something else going on here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arab leaders have largely condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf states following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, expressing solidarity with affected countries and calling for de-escalation while reserving the right to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 The French newspaper Le Monde<\/em> reports that Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that Saudi Arabia stands ready \u201cto place all its capabilities at their disposal\u201d in support of Gulf states targeted by Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 The New Arab outlet wrote that the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the \u201cblatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, affirming full solidarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates: coordinated with Saudi Arabia to form a united front against Iran, marking their first conversation since December 2025 amid strained relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar spoke with President Trump, calling for containing the “dangerous escalation” in the Middle East. Considering that many of the Hamas leaders live in Qatar, supported by the Sheik, this is a very calm and measured response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Joint Arab Response: Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar issued unified statements condemning Iran’s attacks as a \u201cflagrant violation of sovereignty\u201d and reserving the right to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Grok, multiple Arab nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, were reported as furious and condemning Iran’s actions in a joint statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And in Los Angeles, thousands of people filled the streets, spontaneously celebrating the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. Watch here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n