India, June 25 -- President Donald Trump has claimed credit for facilitating a tentative ceasefire in West Asia. However, the US's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities earlier had exacerbated a volatile situation in West Asia, stemming from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. While the political and strategic repercussions of these strikes will be analysed, a critical question arises: Does the American attack violate international law? Let's explore this question on three levels.

First, as per Article 51 of the UN Charter, States can use force in international relations as part of their inherent right to self-defence "if an armed attack occurs". Consequently, the use of force not aimed at repelling an ongoing armed attack is ine...