On 13 June 2025, Israel, with explicit backing from the United States, launched a large-scale aerial offensive against Iran, resulting in the deaths of over 220 civilians and senior officials. This unprecedented breach of Iranian sovereignty—unmatched since the US-backed Iran–Iraq War—targeted high-ranking IRGC commanders, scientists, hospitals, academic residences, critical airports, and state media facilities in a calculated attempt to undermine Iran’s security apparatus and regional influence. Despite this severe provocation, Iran’s military infrastructure and deterrence capabilities remain intact, with credible reports indicating the successful downing of multiple US-made F-35 fighter jets. Legal experts and global observers uniformly categorize Israel’s actions as a blatant violation of the UN Charter, highlighting the enduring fragility and selective application of international law when powerful states are involved.
This escalation not only exposes the structural impotence of global institutions like the UN and ICC in restraining aggressive state behavior but also serves as a catalyst for deeper strategic realignments within the Global South and Eurasian power blocs. As the United States expands its proxy conflicts and hybrid warfare footprint—from Ukraine and Gaza to Sudan and now Iran—regional actors such as China, Russia, and aligned resistance movements are recalibrating their security doctrines to prioritize robust self-defense alongside diplomatic engagement. The unfolding Israel–Iran confrontation thus stands as a stark reminder to policymakers and analysts worldwide: in an increasingly multipolar order, credible defense and resilient alliances are indispensable pillars for safeguarding sovereignty and regional stability in the face of unchecked imperial ambitions.
Nina Farnia is a legal historian and expert on U.S. foreign policy. Her forthcoming book, Imperialism and Resistance, is due out in 2026 with Stanford University Press.
Originally published by The Cradle
Discover more from Iran News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
