Targeted Assassination of Nuclear Scientists in Israel's Attack on Iran: A Challenge to Humanitarian Law

Zarneshan, Shahram; Khakpoor, Mohammad Reza

doi:10.22066/cilamag.2025.2070630.2809

Targeted Assassination of Nuclear Scientists in Israel's Attack on Iran: A Challenge to Humanitarian Law

Document Type : academic

Authors

shahram zarneshan ¹

mohammad reza khakpoor ²

¹ Associate Prof., Faculty of Law and Political Science, Allameh Tabataba'I, Tehran, Iran

² Ph.D. Student in International Law, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran

10.22066/cilamag.2025.2070630.2809

Abstract

Abstract
Targeted Assassinations of Iranian Nuclear Scientists in Israeli Attacks Against Iran (June 2025) A Study within the Framework of Customary International Humanitarian Law.
The targeted assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists in Israeli attacks against Iran in June 2025, as an emerging phenomenon in international relations, have created profound legal challenges in the interpretation and application of the customary rules of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Given the gaps in international judicial practice and the destructive effects of such actions on the stability of the international legal system, this research provides a comprehensive examination of this issue.
The primary objective of this article is to conduct a holistic analysis of the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists within the framework of the customary international legal system, focusing on two fundamental pillars: the principle of distinction between military and civilian objects and the principle of separation .
Utilizing a descriptive-analytical research method and relying on authoritative legal sources—including 1) the jurisprudence of international judicial bodies (International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court , 2) authoritative legal doctrines, 3) documents from international organizations, and 4) a comparative study of similar historical cases—this study concludes the following:
Based on customary international law derived from judicial practice, nuclear scientists, in the absence of direct and active participation in military operations, enjoy full protection as civilians. Their targeted assassination, without adherence to the principles of distinction and separation, constitutes a gross violation of peremptory norms (jus cogens) of international law . International jurisprudence demonstrates that such acts entail international criminal and civil responsibility for the perpetrators and their sponsors.
Based on the findings, this article concludes that the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists, as an extrajudicial act falling outside the framework of customary international law, poses a serious threat to the international legal order and collective security . Emphasizing the need to strengthen international monitoring mechanisms, this study proposes that international bodies adopt practical measures, utilizing their authority, to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

Keywords

Customary International Law

Principle of Distinction

Targeted Killing

Nuclear Scientists

Military Necessity

Proportionality

International Responsibility

Law of Armed Conflict

Jus Cogens (Peremptory Norms

Subjects