'Just war' has guided Catholic thinking on conflict for centuries - including criticism of Iran war

"Historically, the conversation about a war's justness began by asking whether a responsible sovereign had declared it. Today, some just war scholars argue only the United Nations holds this authority, since the U.N. charter forbids the use of force against another nation except for self-defense."

"The 1973 War Powers Resolution attempted to balance these principles by requiring presidents to seek congressional authorization for any use of force lasting more than 60 days."

"One of the main explanations U.S. officials have offered, for example, is self-defense. On the war's first day, Trump declared the objective was to eliminate 'imminent threats from the Iranian regime.'"

"International law prohibits preventive war. This is a gray area of international law, but providing financial and material aid alone is generally not considered justifiable."

The justness of war is evaluated through legitimate authority and just cause. Historically, a responsible sovereign's declaration was essential. Currently, some scholars argue only the United Nations holds this authority. In the U.S., the balance of war powers between Congress and the President is contested. Just causes traditionally include self-defense, but some causes, like religious differences, are deemed unjust. The U.S. has cited self-defense against Iran, despite international law prohibiting preventive war, creating a complex legal landscape.

Read at The Conversation