Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister has accused the United States and Israel of violating international law with their attacks on Iran, marking the latest European voice to express legal concerns over the ongoing conflict. Pfister made the remarks in an interview with the Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung, aligning with broader European sentiment that the situation has crossed into unlawful territory.

International Law and the Prohibition of Violence

Pfister emphasized that the Swiss Federal Council views the attacks on Iran as a clear violation of the prohibition on violence, as outlined in the United Nations Charter. According to the charter, member states must not use force or the threat of force without U.N. authorization or in self-defense. Pfister stated that both the United States and Israel, by launching air strikes against Iran, have violated this principle.

“In our view, it constitutes a violation of the prohibition of violence,” Pfister said. He called on all parties involved to stop the fighting to protect civilian populations, a sentiment that has gained traction among European leaders.

Legal experts have echoed these concerns, noting that many countries may view the attacks as unjustified under international law. The U.N. Charter has been a central point of discussion as the conflict intensifies, with several nations questioning the legality of the ongoing strikes.

European Voices Against the Conflict

Pfister’s comments align with those of German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, who told the RND newspaper network that he has “serious doubts that this war is legitimate under international law.” Klingbeil also firmly opposed any potential German involvement in the conflict.

“I say clearly: this is not our war. We will not participate in this war,” Klingbeil stated. He warned of the “great danger that we are sliding ever deeper into a world where there are no longer any rules.”

Spain has also condemned the U.S. and Israeli bombings of Iran as reckless and illegal, further demonstrating a growing European consensus against the conflict. These statements reflect a broader concern that the war risks normalizing the use of force without legal justification.

“We do not want to live in a world where only the law of the strongest applies,” Klingbeil added, highlighting the moral and legal implications of the ongoing violence.

Escalating Tensions and Global Impact

The conflict has already had significant global repercussions, with Iran continuing its strikes on Arab states and the global oil supply shock deepening. Recent reports indicate that Israeli strikes have killed at least 12 people in Lebanon, while Iran has targeted a desalination plant in Bahrain, further escalating the regional crisis.

Iran’s Assembly of Experts has reached a consensus on the next supreme leader, signaling a potential shift in domestic politics as the country faces international pressure. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have discussed joint measures to counter Iranian attacks, indicating growing regional cooperation in response to the escalating tensions.

According to the Swiss Defence Minister, the attacks by all parties involved, including Iran, have contributed to the violation of international law. “The Americans and Israel have attacked Iran from the air. In doing so, they, like Iran, violated international law,” Pfister stated.

The situation has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation, with the United Arab Emirates reporting that its air defenses intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran. The Bank of England has also warned about the potential for another energy price shock, highlighting the economic risks of the ongoing conflict.

As the conflict continues, the international community faces mounting pressure to find a diplomatic resolution. The upcoming decisions by European nations on whether to provide military or economic support to the United States and Israel will be critical in shaping the future of the crisis.