Israel's War of Aggression Against Iran- A War Crime Deserving The Hague

After the cowardly sneak attack Israel undertook against Iran, Jeremy Corbyn warned the US not to escalate.

The recent escalation in the Middle East/West Asia, marked by Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran, has reignited fierce debate over the legality of such actions, the ethics of self-defence claims, and the role of Western powers in perpetuating regional conflict. While British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders have reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself—citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program—former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has condemned the attacks as illegal under international law and called for urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent further bloodshed.  

Recently, the former Labour leader Corbyn sat down with DeclassifiedUK to talk about the looming threat of nuclear war thanks to Israeli and American belligerence. In the interview, Corbyn examines the legal and geopolitical dimensions of Israel’s actions, critiques the Western media’s pro-Israel bias, and explores the UK’s complicity in the conflict through arms sales and military cooperation.  

The Illegality of Preemptive Strikes Under International Law  

Corbyn has strongly contested Israel’s justification for its strikes on Iranian targets, arguing that preemptive military action constitutes an act of aggression and a war crime under international law. The logic that a nation may attack another based on the possibility of future hostilities sets a dangerous precedent, effectively allowing any state to justify invasions under speculative threats.  

Despite this, Israel’s narrative—that it was acting in self-defence against a potential Iranian nuclear threat—has found support among Western leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who framed Israel’s actions as a victimized response during G7 discussions. Corbyn describes this as a “brutal yet clever” political manoeuvre, enabling Israel to escalate hostilities while maintaining international backing.  

Iran’s Military Capabilities and the Risk of Escalation  

While Israel possesses advanced American and British weaponry, Iran has developed formidable military capabilities, including hypersonic missiles capable of bypassing Israel’s Iron Dome defence system. Corbyn warns that an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could provoke a catastrophic retaliation, potentially targeting Israel’s Dimona reactor—a scenario that risks regional nuclear escalation.  

Yet, Western media coverage has largely ignored Israel’s own nuclear arsenal, despite its refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. In contrast, CIA assessments confirm that Iran has no active nuclear weapons program, with uranium enrichment efforts remaining under monitoring.  

The Right to Self-Defence: A Double Standard?  

International law grants all nations the right to self-defence under the UN Charter, yet Corbyn argues that this principle is selectively applied. While Israel’s actions are framed as defensive, Palestinian and Iranian claims to the same right are often dismissed. The ongoing occupation of Gaza and the West Bank—with a death toll exceeding 200,000—has been met with muted criticism, reinforcing perceptions of Western hypocrisy.  

Corbyn asserts that a just resolution requires Israel’s withdrawal to pre-1967 borders, followed by negotiations centred on Palestinian sovereignty. Without this foundation, he warns, the cycle of violence will persist.  

The UK’s Role: Arms, Intelligence, and Complicity  

Britain’s involvement in the conflict extends beyond political support. The UK supplies Israel with F-35 jet components, shares intelligence via RAF bases, and trains Israeli military personnel, raising serious legal and moral questions given allegations of Israeli war crimes. Corbyn has called for an independent inquiry, modelled after the Iraq War investigation, to scrutinise UK arms exports and military collaboration.  

Despite providing aid to Gaza, British efforts are rendered ineffective by Israel’s blockade, which restricts food and medical supplies. Corbyn condemns the UK’s “privileged relationship” with Israel, arguing that transparency and parliamentary oversight are essential to ending complicity in potential genocide.  

A Path to Peace: Justice, Disarmament, and Regional Security  

Corbyn outlines three pillars for lasting peace:  

1. Justice for Palestinians – Ending the genocide, the occupation and recognising Palestinian statehood.  

2. Halting the Arms Trade – Ceasing all Western weapon shipments that fuel Israel’s expansionist wars and genocide in Gaza.  

3. A Regional Security Agreement – Establishing a Middle East/West Asia free of weapons of mass destruction, involving Iran and neighbouring states. This has been in discussion amongst the Arab countries and Iran for decades.

Historical efforts to create a WMD-free zone, backed by UN resolutions, offer a potential framework—yet geopolitical rivalries have stalled progress.  

 

Conclusion: Accountability and Independent Media  

As governments and mainstream narratives often align with Israeli interests, independent journalism remains vital in exposing military-industrial entanglements and advocating for accountability. Corbyn endorses outlets like Declassified UK, urging public support for investigative reporting that challenges power.  

The stakes could not be higher: without urgent diplomatic intervention, the region risks spiralling into a wider war. The question remains—will international leaders prioritise peace, or will complicity and silence prevail?