theguardian.com
Australia must stand firm in its support for a rules-based order and reject any US requests for military aid | Donald Rothwell
Labor governments have a proud history of supporting the UN charter. The Albanese government must continue it
America’s bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities has no legitimacy under international law and carries significant implications for Australia. This is especially the case given how an Israeli/American/Iranian conflict could escalate, Australia’s longstanding military alliance with the United States and the delicate current state of Australian-US relations under the Trump presidency including anxiety over Aukus.
The United Nations charter recognises the right of all states to self-defence following an armed attack. However, certain conditions need to be met before a state can exercise self-defence which traditionally have been interpreted narrowly. Such an approach is essential if the UN charter prohibition on the use of force is to be maintained, and any legitimate use of military force is to be the absolute exception in the conduct of international relations. Use of force in self-defence is only permissible following an armed attack by one state against another, which has been extended to attacks from non-state actors. In this instance, there is absolutely no evidence that the United States suffered an Iranian armed attack. Continue reading...