Vance and Trump allies invoke ‘just war theory’ to legitimize Iran action. Experts say it ‘fails every single criteria’

Key Points:

• Top Republican leaders, including Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have invoked the centuries-old just war theory to defend the ongoing U.S. war against Iran, countering Pope Leo's opposition to the conflict.
• Experts in theology, philosophy, and military strategy argue that the U.S. war against Iran fails to meet just war criteria, particularly lacking a clear just cause, proper authorization, and adherence to principles like last resort and proportionality.
• Critics highlight that the war's justification, such as preventing Iran's nuclear weapons development, lacks credible evidence, with intelligence and international agencies disputing imminent threats from Iran.
• The conduct of U.S. military operations in Iran is also criticized for violating just war principles, notably causing disproportionate civilian casualties and destroying civilian infrastructure, raising ethical concerns.
• Experts note that many modern conflicts struggle to fully satisfy just war theory, underscoring the doctrine’s high ethical standards and the complexity of applying them in contemporary warfare.