Washington: Israel’s attack against Iran in June 2025 has been a pivotal event in Middle Eastern politics, and its implications have become even more significant following recent admissions by U.S. President Donald Trump. Initially, Israel claimed that it launched the attack unilaterally, while U.S. officials, including President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the U.S. delegation to the United Nations, maintained that the United States was neutral, emphasizing the protection of American forces in the region.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, despite these official statements, evidence suggested that the U.S. was heavily involved in the conflict. American forces were reportedly active in intercepting Iranian projectiles and, by June 22, 2025, the U.S. had directly engaged by deploying strategic aircraft to target Iran’s nuclear facilities. This involvement contradicted the public narrative of neutrality upheld by U.S. officials.
In a significant development on November 6, 2025, President Trump acknowledged in a press conference that he was “completely in charge” of the attack, fundamentally altering the perception of the U.S. role from neutral to belligerent. This admission challenges months of denials by U.S. officials and introduces serious implications under international law.
Trump’s declaration carries weight under international legal frameworks. The UN Charter’s Article 2(4) prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity of states, while Article 51 allows for self-defense only in the event of an armed attack. Furthermore, the International Law Commission’s Articles on State Responsibility and the International Court of Justice’s rulings establish that acts directed by a state are attributable to that state, potentially implicating the U.S. in unlawful actions.
Strategically, Trump’s admission has reshaped global perceptions of the conflict. It confirms the U.S. role as a participant in an aggressive war, violating several international legal principles. This revelation places the United States in a position of increased responsibility and jeopardizes its global reputation as a stabilizer and peace-builder.
In response, Iran’s delegation to the United Nations submitted a letter to the Secretary-General and the Security Council on November 7, 2025, citing Trump’s remarks as “undeniable evidence” of U.S. responsibility. The letter characterized the attack as a significant violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and called for accountability and compensation for the inflicted damages.
Iran’s pursuit of justice is challenging, given the influence of major powers within international organizations. However, Iran remains determined to use all available legal and diplomatic mechanisms to hold the United States accountable for its role in the June 2025 attack. Despite potential obstacles, Iran seeks to maintain pressure for accountability, responsibility, and reparations for the violations of international law committed during the conflict.