Dr. Bibee on Iran Crisis

Statement: The recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran—carried out over the past two weeks—are illegal and represent a deeply troubling shift toward accepting military force as a substitute for diplomatic processes. These actions are not justifiable as acts of self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, particularly given that no credible evidence has been provided to indicate that Iran was preparing an imminent attack. This use of force without substantiation undermines the very foundations of international law and sets a dangerous precedent for other global powers.

These aggressive maneuvers have dealt a significant blow to nuclear diplomacy, threatening to ignite a new surge in nuclear weapons development not only in the Middle East but potentially around the world. The fragile ceasefire recently brokered must be fully honored by all parties involved to allow for a return to diplomatic negotiations and the restoration of regional stability.

There is also deep concern about the consequences these attacks have had on the global community’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear program. Oversight of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves—a task carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—has been severely compromised. It is critical to reaffirm the IAEA’s essential role in maintaining transparency and ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear materials. Above all, nuclear infrastructure should never be targeted during conflict, regardless of the political circumstances.

Every nation involved must recommit to the ceasefire and avoid any further military escalation or acts of retaliation. The past week has raised the alarming possibility that, should Iran’s state infrastructure collapse under continued pressure, fissile material could fall into the hands of terrorist groups or non-state actors—posing a catastrophic risk to global security.

Diplomacy, not warfare, remains the most effective and responsible path to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) had been successfully curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions until the U.S. abruptly abandoned the agreement in 2018. In fact, just before Israel’s recent strike, the United States and Iran were engaged in serious discussions to reimpose limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions.

Ironically, rather than hindering Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the latest military attacks may do the opposite—pushing Tehran to pursue a nuclear arsenal it has so far refrained from seeking. There is now an urgent need to prevent Iran from withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and to ensure that international inspectors continue to have access to its nuclear sites.

This moment, marked by a fragile and temporary ceasefire, offers a narrow but vital opportunity to return to the negotiating table, guided by international legal principles. Only through renewed dialogue can a sustainable and peaceful resolution be found.

Moreover, it is essential that this escalating crisis does not distract world leaders from addressing other urgent global conflicts, such as the war in Gaza, Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and numerous humanitarian emergencies elsewhere. The international community must remain committed to resolving these interconnected crises through diplomacy and cooperation—not through force.

Dr. Justin D. Bibee is a human rights advocate and peacebuilding scholar.