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 U.S. war against Iran, countering Pope Leo's opposition to the conflict.
• Experts in theology and military ethics argue that the Iran war fails to meet the just war criteria, particularly lacking a clear just cause, authorization by competent authority, and adherence to the last resort principle.
• Critics highlight violations in wartime conduct, such as disproportionate civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure, with reports indicating thousands of deaths, including many civilians, since the war began.
• The U.S. government defends its actions as necessary for national security, citing successful strikes against Iranian military capabilities and efforts to protect American lives, while peace talks and a ceasefire are currently underway.
• Scholars note that few modern conflicts fully satisfy just war principles, with historical wars like World War II and the Gulf War presenting mixed cases, underscoring the complexity and rarity of truly just wars.