Introduction
In the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, the Israeli army launched a large-scale military operation, carrying out a series of coordinated and unprecedented airstrikes against multiple military, civilian, and critical infrastructure targets across Iranian territory, including nuclear facilities. In addition to military casualties, a number of civilians were also killed in these attacks. Among the victims were prominent scientists, senior researchers, and university professors who were deliberately and systematically targeted and assassinated.
The scale and nature of this targeted operation hold particular significance from political, legal, humanitarian, and international perspectives. Accordingly, this report focuses on various dimensions of the incident. First, it presents a documented account of the attacks and provides detailed information on the scientific victims. It then examines both domestic and international responses to the operation, and finally, offers a legal analysis of the nature of these attacks within the framework of binding rules of international law, human rights, international humanitarian law, and the United Nations Charter.

Incidents
In the early hours of June 13, 2025, the Israeli army launched a military offensive under the codename “Operation Rising Lion” against Iran. In the first phase of this operation, Israeli fighter jets and drones targeted over 100 locations across the country. In addition to sensitive uranium enrichment facilities such as Natanz, the strikes also hit military bases and residential buildings associated with elite scientists and leading researchers in the field of strategic technologies. In an official statement, the Israeli military acknowledged that these individuals—according to its claim—played a central role in advancing Iran’s nuclear program, and thus were subjected to “physical elimination” in the early hours of the attack[1].
This act is part of a long-standing pattern of targeted assassinations aimed at undermining Iran’s scientific and technological capacity. Previously, five of Iran’s most prominent nuclear and physics scientists—Dr. Massoud Ali-Mohammadi (2009), Dr. Majid Shahriari (2010), Dr. Dariush Rezaeinejad (2011), Dr. Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan (2011), and Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh (2020)—were assassinated in operations largely attributed to Israeli intelligence agencies. These assassinations, carried out using magnetic bombs, motorcycle-riding gunmen, or advanced remote-control systems, have been recognized by international observers as clear examples of state terrorism. The assassination of multiple scientists in June 2025 represents the peak of this approach—one that not only continues the targeted killing of scientific elites but also, in terms of scale, coordination, and destructive impact, constitutes an unprecedented stage in the physical elimination of Iran’s human capital.
It is worth noting that this wave of targeted killings was codenamed “Operation Narnia” by the Israeli military.

Assassination of Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani

Dr. Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani, a prominent nuclear physicist and former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, was among the most renowned figures in Iran’s scientific community. His name appeared in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1747 (2007) due to his significant role in Iran’s nuclear program. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Dr. Abbasi taught at several Iranian universities for many years. In November 2010, during the assassination of Dr. Majid Shahriari, he was also targeted in an attempted assassination by Mossad agents but survived the attack. Ultimately, on June 13, 2025, he was targeted and assassinated during an Israeli missile strike on the “Asatid-e-Sarv complex” in Tehran[2].

Assassination of Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi

Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, a professor of condensed matter physics, was one of Iran’s most distinguished academic and scientific figures. He formerly served as the president of Shahid Beheshti University and later as the president of the Islamic Azad University. Throughout his academic career, he authored over 150 scientific papers, published 12 specialized books, and registered 8 patents, making significant contributions to the advancement of science and education in Iran. In 2018, he was officially appointed as the president of Islamic Azad University and launched several strategic initiatives such as the “Payesh” Program, which aimed to align academic research with the country’s national priorities and strategic needs. In 2019, the U.S. Department of the Treasury placed Dr. Tehranchi on its sanctions list, citing his alleged involvement in a clandestine nuclear program referred to as Project Amad. On June 13, 2025, Dr. Tehranchi was targeted and assassinated during an Israeli missile strike on the Asatid-e-Sarv complex in Tehran. The strike also killed his wife and bodyguards[3].

Assassination of Mansour Askari

Dr. Mansour Askari, a retired professor at Sharif University of Technology and holder of a Ph.D. in Materials Science, was one of the senior officials within Iran’s Organization for New Defense Research (SPND), affiliated with the Ministry of Defense. For many years, he led the Materials Science Research Team at Sharif University and played a crucial role in the development of scientific infrastructure in this field. Following his retirement from academia, Dr. Askari was appointed as the head of the Research and Technology Department at SPND. According to documents from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, his name was added to the sanctions list in 2019 due to his alleged involvement in Project Amad and related nuclear weapons research activities. Dr. Askari was assassinated in his home in Tehran on June 13, 2025 during an Israeli missile strike[4].

Assassination of Saeed Borji

Dr. Saeed Borji, a Ph.D. holder in Materials Engineering, was one of Iran’s prominent researchers in the field of military technologies. He completed his academic studies at Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, an institution closely linked to Iran’s defense research apparatus. According to publicly available documents from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Dr. Borji served as an explosives materials expert in the “Shahid Karimi Group”, a specialized unit operating under the SPND. Due to his affiliation with this group and his expertise in sensitive defense technologies, he was placed on the U.S. sanctions list in 2019. On the evening of June 13, 2025, Dr. Borji was assassinated in his private residence in Tehran during Israeli airstrikes[5].

Assassination of Dr. Seyed Amirhossein Faghihi

Seyed Amirhossein Faghihi, a leading researcher in the field of nuclear physics, was among the pioneers of radiopharmaceuticals and medical radioisotope development in Iran. He completed his academic studies at Urmia University and Amirkabir University of Technology, and later conducted postdoctoral research at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland. Upon returning to Iran, Dr. Faghihi joined the faculty at Shahid Beheshti University and went on to serve as the Director of the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology. He played a pivotal role in the advancement of indigenous nuclear medicine technologies, particularly in the development and application of radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment. His work was frequently featured in national media and regarded as a major achievement in Iran’s peaceful nuclear capabilities. On June 13, 2025, Dr. Faghihi was assassinated in his residence in Tehran during the Israeli airstrikes[6].

Assassination of Abdolhamid Minouchehr

Abdolhamid Minouchehr, a Ph.D. holder in Nuclear Engineering and the Dean of the Faculty of Nuclear Engineering at Shahid Beheshti University, was one of Iran’s foremost experts in the design of advanced nuclear reactor fuels. After obtaining his doctoral degree from Moscow, he returned to Iran and joined the academic staff at Shahid Beheshti University. In 2022, he was appointed as the dean of the faculty. Dr. Minouchehr’s specialization in the design and development of new-generation nuclear fuels solidified his position as a key figure in Iran’s nuclear program. According to international media reports, it was precisely this technical role in reactor fuel design that made him a primary target for assassination. On June 13, 2025, he was assassinated during a airstrike on his residence in Tehran, conducted by the Israeli military as part of its coordinated campaign to eliminate Iran’s scientific and technical elite[7].

Assassination of Akbar Motalebi Zadeh

Akbar Motalebi Zadeh, a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry and a senior researcher in advanced weapons technologies, was considered one of the influential figures in Iran’s scientific-defense establishment. Born in Yazd, he began his academic career as a faculty member at the Islamic Azad University of Yazd, where he taught and conducted research in chemistry and related applied sciences. Later, Dr. Motalebi Zadeh joined the SPND, where he served for years as the head of the “Shahid Karimi Group”, a specialized division focused on the development of advanced weapon systems. He also worked closely with Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, serving as his scientific advisor and assistant. He was deeply involved in the design and deployment of strategic defense technologies, particularly within programs linked to Iran’s deterrence capabilities. In 2019, the U.S. Department of the Treasury placed Dr. Motalebi Zadeh on its sanctions list, citing his role in advancing Iran’s military technologies. On June 13, 2025, he was assassinated during an Israeli airstrike that targeted his private residence in Tehran[8].

Assassination of Ahmadreza Zolfaghari Daryani

Dr. Ahmadreza Zolfaghari Daryani, an associate professor at Shahid Beheshti University and holder of a Ph.D. in Nuclear Energy Engineering, was among the leading experts in Iran’s nuclear technology sector. He completed all his academic degrees, including his doctorate, at Shahid Beheshti University, where he also taught for many years and contributed significantly to academic and national nuclear research programs. Dr. Zolfaghari Daryani was a close scientific collaborator of Dr. Abdolhamid Minouchehr, and together, they co-authored three peer-reviewed papers in the fields of heavy concrete materials and gamma radiation shielding. Beyond his academic contributions, he was actively involved in national technical committees related to nuclear energy and played an influential role in shaping research and safety standards in the field. On June 13, 2025, during the Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, Dr. Zolfaghari Daryani was assassinated in his home[9].

Assassination of Ali Bakhouei Katirimi

Dr. Ali Bakhouei Katirimi, a researcher in the field of mechanical engineering, was regarded as one of the elite scientific minds affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University. He began his academic journey studying Applied Physics with a specialization in nuclear science, completing his undergraduate degree at Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic) under a full scholarship from the Ministry of Defense. He then earned his Master’s degree in Nuclear Physics from the University of Tehran, and later obtained his Ph.D. in Nuclear and Particle Physics from a university in Moscow in 2004. Following the completion of his studies, he joined the faculty at Tarbiat Modares University, where he became a professor and eventually led the Department of Atomic and Molecular Physics. Dr. Bakhouei Katirimi played a vital role as a senior researcher in several classified defense and nuclear programs of Iran, contributing directly to the country’s technological advancement. Due to his affiliations and research activities, he was placed under sanctions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2019. On June 13, 2025, Dr. Bakhouei Katirimi, along with his wife and two young children, was assassinated in his residential home in Tehran during the Israeli airstrikes[10].

Assassination of Seyed Isar Tabatabaei Ghomsheh

Dr. Seyed Isar Tabatabaei Ghomsheh, a researcher in the field of nuclear engineering and a Ph.D. graduate from Sharif University of Technology, was considered one of Iran’s lesser-known but highly capable scientific figures who played an important role in the country’s specialized nuclear projects. He earned both his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering from Sharif University. In the years leading up to his death, Dr. Tabatabaei Ghomsheh was actively involved in national research initiatives aimed at advancing Iran’s indigenous nuclear energy technologies. He collaborated on several classified engineering programs and was regarded as a skilled technical mind within sensitive sectors of the Iranian scientific establishment. On June 13, 2025, he and his wife were assassinated during an Israeli airstrike that targeted their residence in Tehran[11].

Assassination of Soleiman Soleimani

Dr. Soleiman Soleimani, a nuclear scientist and a chemical engineering graduate from Iran University of Science and Technology, was recognized as one of the country’s leading experts in nuclear technology. In the years leading up to his assassination, Soleimani’s name had not appeared on any official sanctions lists or international warnings. However, the highly securitized atmosphere surrounding Iran’s nuclear program had placed many of its scientists under the scrutiny of foreign intelligence services. Ultimately, Dr. Soleimani was killed on June 20, 2025, during a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory[12].

Assassination of Seyed Asghar Hashemitabar

Dr. Seyed Asghar Hashemitabar was a senior researcher within Iran’s defense program, known for his involvement in sensitive R&D projects related to missile technology. He held a PhD in Strategic Defense Studies from Iran’s Supreme National Defense University and was long regarded as one of the country’s strategic technological elites. In 2019, Hashemitabar’s name appeared on the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions list alongside several other scientists, on the grounds of alleged involvement in Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. On June 19, 2025, his residence in Tehran was bombed by the Israeli military. He and his wife were both killed in the attack, while their only child sustained injuries from the explosion[13].

Assassination of Mohammad Reza Zakerian

Dr. Mohammad Reza Zakerian, a prominent artificial intelligence specialist and researcher in emerging technologies, was a graduate of mechanical engineering from Isfahan University of Technology and later from Malek-Ashtar University of Technology. At just 34 years old, he was considered one of Iran’s most promising young minds in the field of machine learning and intelligent systems. Over several years, Dr. Zakerian had actively contributed to both industrial and academic AI projects, leaving a considerable mark on the field. Amid the intensifying Israeli military offensive against Iran, he was killed at dawn on June 13, 2025, when an Israeli missile struck his residential building in Tehran. His wife and two young daughters were also killed in the attack[14].

Assassination of Majid Tejenjari

Dr. Majid Tejenjari was a leading AI researcher in Iran who gained national prominence at the age of 35 as a specialist in intelligent systems. He chaired the Artificial Intelligence Committee at the Youth Chamber of Industry, Mine and Trade and played a significant role in training a new generation of Iranian programmers and researchers. He had registered several patents and earned international recognition, including gold and silver medals at global innovation competitions between 2009 and 2015. While his area of expertise was not directly related to military or nuclear technologies, his outstanding contributions to advanced technologies had made him one of Iran’s key scientific assets. On the evening of June 13, 2025, he was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting residential neighborhoods in Tehran. His wife was also injured in the attack[15].

Assassination of Seyed Mostafa Sadati Armaki

Dr. Seyed Mostafa Sadati Armaki, a professor of nuclear physics and a distinguished researcher, was considered one of the brightest figures among Iran’s new generation of fundamental scientists. He held a PhD in nuclear physics from Shahid Beheshti University and was a faculty member at the same institution. His area of specialization included the design and development of radiation detectors and nuclear safety systems, and he had collaborated extensively with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran in building indigenous safety infrastructure. On the evening of June 13, 2025, his home in Tehran was struck by an Israeli air raid. Dr. Sadati, along with his wife, three young children, and his wife’s parents, were all killed in the attack[16].

Assassination of Seyed Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber

Dr. Seyed Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber was one of Iran’s prominent nuclear scientists and a key figure within the SPND. In May 2025, he was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on allegations of involvement in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. On June 24, 2025, he was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting his family residence in Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh, Gilan Province. The attack involved the impact of three projectiles on the building, resulting in the deaths of several members of neighboring families, including his 17-year-old son, who had himself been killed just days earlier in a similar airstrike in Tehran. This incident marked the latest in a series of Israeli aerial attacks over a two-week period that have led to the assassination of dozens of Iranian nuclear scientists[17].
Through this coordinated assassination campaign, the Israeli regime aimed to deliver an irreparable blow to Iran’s scientific and nuclear infrastructure. According to statements by the spokesperson of the Israeli military, all of the targeted individuals were described as “valuable knowledge assets” within Iran’s nuclear program. The stated rationale for their “physical elimination” was to dismantle decades of accumulated scientific and technical expertise that underpin Iran’s continued progress in peaceful nuclear and strategic capabilities.

Challenges and Responses

Domestic Reactions

The assassinations drew mixed responses in Israeli media. Some mainstream outlets portrayed the operation as a significant tactical success. For example, Ynet (affiliated with Yedioth Ahronoth) published detailed accounts of the identification and elimination of Iranian nuclear scientists, citing the Israeli military’s official statement which described the victims as “long-time core minds of Iran’s nuclear program,” and claimed that their removal dealt “a substantial blow to Iran’s ability to acquire weapons of mass destruction[18].”
In contrast, the newspaper Haaretz adopted a more cautious and critical tone. It warned that Iran’s nuclear program has developed over decades and is not dependent on a limited elite group of scientists—just as its military command is not reliant on a few top generals whose removal would cause collapse[19].
On the political front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as “an urgent necessity to neutralize the existential threat posed by Iran[20].” Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition and a longtime critic of Netanyahu, broke with his usual stance and offered full support for the assassinations. Other centrist and coalition-aligned politicians similarly backed the attack, framing it as a defensive measure to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
However, beyond this official consensus, notable fractures emerged. Arab and left-wing members of the Knesset openly condemned the operation, labeling it a reckless act of aggression. The prominent Israeli human rights NGO B’Tselem issued a sharply worded statement criticizing the government for “choosing war over diplomacy” and endangering regional stability[21].
Meanwhile, progressive intellectuals and civil society activists went further in their condemnation. Orly Noy, a well-known Israeli journalist and political commentator, wrote in a scathing op-ed that “the greatest threat facing Israel is not Iran or Hamas, but Israel’s own hubris and militarized mindset.” She concluded, “a people whose survival depends solely on military power is doomed to find itself in the darkest corners of destruction and ultimately, defeat[22].”
Some Israeli analysts also raised concerns that the true aim of the operation might be regime change in Iran rather than disruption of its nuclear capabilities. They argue that since the complete dismantling of Iran’s program is unlikely, hardliners in Tel Aviv are seeking a broader political collapse. Even within the Israeli leadership, more pragmatic voices acknowledged these limitations. Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel’s National Security Adviser, stated that military action alone cannot fully eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities and emphasized that the ultimate objective must be to force Tehran into nuclear surrender through comprehensive pressure[23].

International Reactions

The Israeli regime’s aggressive operation—which involved the targeted assassination of Iranian scientists and the killing of civilians—prompted widespread international condemnation. Many countries, including some of Israel’s traditional allies, deemed the attacks unacceptable and in violation of international norms.
The People’s Republic of China expressed “deep concern” over the Israeli military operation and warned of its dangerous implications for regional stability[24]. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) also issued an official statement strongly condemning the strikes. The SCO Secretariat emphasized that “aggressive actions targeting civilian objectives, including Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure, which resulted in the killing of civilians, constitute a blatant violation of the principles and norms of international law, the UN Charter, and a direct assault on Iran’s sovereignty[25].”
The Russian Federation immediately condemned the attack. In a formal statement, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the action as a violation of the UN Charter and the basic tenets of international law, stating: “Unprovoked military strikes against a UN member state and its citizens while they sleep are wholly unacceptable[26].” Additionally, Konstantin Kosachev, a senior Russian senator, called for a unified global condemnation of the operation, asserting that Israel’s actions “cannot be justified legally, politically, militarily, or morally[27].”
In the Arab world, nearly all countries—including those that had signed peace agreements or normalization deals with Israel—condemned the aggression. Saudi Arabia harshly criticized the attack, describing it as a “violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security” and a “clear breach of international law and norms.” The United Arab Emirates also condemned the strikes and voiced deep concern over the escalation and its consequences for regional peace and security. Jordan denounced the assault as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a UN member state. Kuwait and Iraq issued similar statements, categorizing the attacks as acts of aggression incompatible with international law. Qatar and Oman described the airstrikes as “criminal” and contrary to the principles of international legality. Egypt, too, condemned the Israeli actions and warned of their grave consequences for regional peace. The Arab League, in a collective statement, demanded an immediate halt to Israeli aggression against Iran[28].
In Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned what he called a “terrorist Israeli assault” and urged the international community to take immediate action to stop Israel’s aggression and hold it accountable. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also declared: “We condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s unlawful attack on Iran,” warning that it would only exacerbate regional instability. The National Assembly of Pakistan, in a unanimous resolution, condemned the attack and called for emergency meetings of the UN Security Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)[29].
In Turkey, the response was equally strong. Cevdet Yılmaz, the Turkish Vice President, described the Israeli assault as “provocative, legally baseless, and a new threat to regional peace and stability.” He emphasized that Ankara “strongly condemns the aggressive stance of Netanyahu’s government[30].”
In contrast, European reactions were more cautious and largely refrained from directly condemning Israel. The European Union, while expressing concern over the escalation, avoided direct blame and reiterated its support for “all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.” The German government urged both Iran and Israel to refrain from further destabilizing actions, emphasizing the risk of a wider regional conflict.
However, some political figures within Europe took a clearer stance. Yolanda Díaz, Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister, declared that “Netanyahu, through this attack, is dragging the world toward all-out war.” Japan, one of the few major industrialized nations to directly criticize Israel, condemned the attack, calling it “deeply concerning and provocative.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a carefully worded statement urging all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” and to return to diplomatic solutions. At the level of international organizations, the Secretary General of NATO described de-escalation as “vital,” while the OIC Secretary General condemned the Israeli strikes and called for global action to prevent the recurrence of such aggression[31].

Violation of the UN Charter and Principles of International Law

Israel’s targeted assassination of Iranian scientists constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international law. According to Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations, all member states are obligated to refrain from “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.” A deliberate military strike on the territory of a sovereign state—absent authorization from the UN Security Council or a demonstrable case of legitimate self-defense—amounts to a breach of sovereignty and lacks legal justification.
Israel has claimed that the operation was carried out under the doctrine of “preemptive self-defense”. However, this doctrine—particularly due to its repeated misuse by some states—is rejected by the majority of international legal scholars and cannot legally justify unilateral military aggression. In fact, the Israeli attack on Iran and the extrajudicial killing of Iranian scientists must be categorized as an act of aggression and a breach of the prohibition on the use of force, a principle enshrined not only in the UN Charter but also in customary international law.
As noted by Dr. Mehdi Zakerian, professor of international relations, the Israeli strikes on Iran’s civilian and scientific targets—under the pretext of self-defense—are not legally admissible under any internationally recognized framework[32]. As such, these assassinations and attacks place Israel in clear violation of the norms governing peace and security among nations.
This conduct, in addition to drawing widespread diplomatic condemnation, creates legal exposure for the Israeli government under international law. Numerous legal experts have publicly described the Israeli military operation as an act of aggression devoid of any lawful basis under existing international legal standards. Therefore, one of the foremost legal challenges facing Israel is accountability for its blatant violation of the UN Charter and the foundational rules of international law.

Violation of International Humanitarian Law and Possibility of International Prosecution

Beyond the unlawful use of force, the targeted assassinations also constitute serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Such extraterritorial, peacetime killings clearly amount to arbitrary deprivation of life and are in breach of states’ human rights obligations.
In this regard, Agnes Callamard, former UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, has emphasized that:
“A targeted extraterritorial killing outside the context of an active armed conflict constitutes a violation of international human rights law and the UN Charter, which prohibits the extraterritorial use of force in times of peace[33].”
In other words, the assassination of scientists on foreign soil, absent a declared state of armed conflict, represents not only a breach of the right to life but also an instance of state terrorism. Even if one assumes the existence of an international armed conflict between Iran and Israel, the intentional killing of individuals who are not directly participating in hostilities—such as civilian scientists—is expressly prohibited and constitutes a war crime.
Under both customary and treaty-based international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), intentional attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are strictly forbidden. The Israeli strikes on June 13, 2025, targeted residential and academic areas, and therefore cannot be justified under international humanitarian or human rights law.
This gives rise to the possibility of international criminal liability for those responsible.
In the modern legal landscape, crimes such as targeted assassinations, the deliberate killing of civilians, and unprovoked military aggression can be prosecuted in international courts or under the domestic laws of other states. While Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, recent jurisprudence demonstrates that Israeli officials are not immune from international accountability. For example, the International Criminal Court in The Hague recently issued arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, including the current Prime Minister and former Defense Minister, for alleged war crimes.
Although enforcement of these warrants may face political resistance or non-cooperation from some states, the issuance of such warrants sends a strong message: there is no impunity for state actors accused of serious international crimes.
Moreover, under the principle of universal jurisdiction, national courts in more than 160 countries are empowered to prosecute serious international crimes—such as war crimes and state terrorism—regardless of where the crimes occurred or the nationality of the perpetrators. In recent years, several individuals have been successfully prosecuted under this principle in cases related to atrocities committed in Syria, Rwanda, and elsewhere[34].
Consequently, Israeli officials involved in the planning and execution of the assassinations and strikes against civilians face a credible risk of prosecution abroad, either through the ICC (if jurisdictional requirements are met, e.g., via UN Security Council referral) or through national courts exercising universal jurisdiction.
Taken together, these legal frameworks demonstrate that Israel’s recent actions are not only politically and ethically indefensible, but legally costly as well, potentially exposing the state and its leaders to far-reaching consequences under international law.

Conclusion
The targeted assassination of scientists and researchers belonging to a sovereign state—especially when conducted outside an active battlefield and involving individuals engaged in academic and scientific pursuits—constitutes a flagrant violation of the foundational principles of international law. Such actions are in direct conflict with the provisions of the UN Charter on the prohibition of the use of force, the core principles of international humanitarian law concerning the protection of civilians, and international human rights law, particularly the fundamental right to life.
Accordingly, the Israeli regime’s recent operation, which resulted in the assassination of 10 Iranian nuclear scientists, must legally be classified as a “wrongful act attributable to a state” and a clear instance of state terrorism. This act stands in stark opposition to the norms of the international order and undermines the principles of collective security and respect for national sovereignty.
The strong and diverse reactions from the international community—including formal condemnations by Asian and Arab nations and several regional and international organizations—reflect growing global sensitivity toward the violation of state sovereignty and the targeting of scientists as vital components of humanity’s shared intellectual capital. This convergence of critical voices signals an escalating moral and political isolation of the Israeli regime and suggests that a continuation of such aggressive conduct could lead to even graver consequences for its international legitimacy.
On the other hand, the Islamic Republic of Iran, invoking its inherent right to self-defense, has declared that it will not remain silent in the face of such attacks. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and within the framework of the principles of necessity and proportionality, Iran is entitled to defend itself against clear acts of aggression.
At the international level, it is expected that key institutions—such as the UN Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council, and the International Criminal Court—will not remain passive in the face of such blatant violations of international law. Within the scope of their respective mandates, they are called upon to design and implement effective mechanisms for deterrence, investigation, and accountability regarding such actions.
Failure to respond to these crimes will only increase the risk of their recurrence globally and will pose a serious threat to the safety of scientists, civil society actors, and critical national infrastructure around the world.

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[16] Khabar Online. (2025, June 27). This nuclear scientist, along with his wife, three children, and his in-laws, was martyred in an Israeli airstrike. +Details. Khabar Online. From: https://www.khabaronline.ir/news/2081433
[17] Namnak. (2025, June 24). Terror attack on Dr. Sedighi Saber in Gilan: Why was this nuclear scientist important?. Namnak. From: https://namnak.com/dr-sedighi-saber-terror.p107606
[18] Itamar, E & Ben Ari, L & Ben Kimon, E. (2025, June 20). Inside a safehouse: IDF eliminates nuclear scientist in Iran. Ynetnews. From: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1pmnrznxx
[19] Bar’el, Z. (2025, June 13). How Israel’s attack on Iran could ultimately backfire on Netanyahu – and hand Trump a win. Haaretz. From: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-13/ty-article/.premium/how-israels-attack-on-iran-could-ultimately-backfire-on-netanyahu-and-hand-trump-a-win/00000197-6a32-df0f-add7-febac34d0000
[20] France 24. (2025, June 17). What Israel really wants in Iran. France 24. From: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20250617-what-israel-really-wants-in-iran
[21] [21] B’Tselem. (2025, June 14). Israel’s extremist and unchecked government has opened a new front with Iran as its crimes in Gaza and the West Bank continue. B’Tselem. From: https://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20250615_israels_extremist_and__unchecked_government_has_opened_a_new_front_its_crimes_in_gaza_and_the_wb_
[22] Noy, O. (2025). Israel’s greatest threat isn’t Iran or Hamas — but its own hubris. +972 Magazine. From: https://www.972mag.com/israels-greatest-threat-isnt-iran-or-hamas-but-its-own-hubris/
[23] Aydintasbas, A Et al. (2025, June 16). Israel strikes Iran: What happens next? Brookings Institution. From:  https://www.brookings.edu/articles/israel-strikes-iran-what-happens-next/
[24] Reuters. (2025, June 13). China expresses deep concern about Israel’s attacks on Iran, urges de-escalation. Reuters. From: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-expresses-deep-concern-about-israels-attacks-iran-urges-de-escalation-2025-06-13/
[25] Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. (2025, June 14). Statement of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regarding Military Strikes on the Territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. From: https://eng.sectsco.org/20250614/1861649.html
[26] TASS. (2025, June 13). Russia strongly condemns Israel’s attack against Iran — Foreign Ministry. TASS. From: https://tass.com/politics/1972589
[27] RIA Novosti. (2025, June 13). Косачев прокомментировал обострение конфликта Израиля и Ирана. RIA Novosti. From: https://ria.ru/20250613/kosachev-2022586412.html
[28] Tehran Times. (2025, June 21). Arab foreign ministers condemn Israeli strikes on Iran, call for de-escalation, diplomatic solutions. Tehran Times. From:  https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/514720/Arab-foreign-ministers-condemn-Israeli-strikes-on-Iran-call
[29] The News International. (2025, June 14). Pakistan condemns ‘illegitimate’ Israeli aggression against Iran. The News International. From: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1321116-pakistan-condemns-illegitimate-israeli-aggression-against-iran
[30] Dincel, S. (2025, June 13). Turkish officials condemn Israel’s strikes on Iran. Anadolu Agency. From: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkish-officials-condemn-israels-strikes-on-iran/3596343
[31] Reuters. (2025, June 13). World reacts to Israeli strike on Iran over nuclear programme. Reuters. From: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/world-reacts-israeli-strike-iran-over-nuclear-programme-2025-06-13/
[32] Shahsavari, Sh. (2025, June 16). A Legal Analysis of the Israeli Regime’s Military Aggression Against Iran in Conversation with Mehdi Zakerian: The UN Security Council Gave Israel a Green Light. Hamshahri Online. From: https://hammihanonline.ir/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%AF%DB%8C%D9%BE%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C-6/40734-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%B1%D8%B3%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%AD%D9%82%D9%88%D9%82%DB%8C-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B2-%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%B1%DA%98%DB%8C%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%DB%8C%D9%84-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D9%81%D8%AA-%D9%88%DA%AF%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%87%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%B0%D8%A7%DA%A9%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%DB%8C%D9%84-%DA%86%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%BA-%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%B2-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF
[33] Statewatch. (2020, June 29). UN Special Rapporteur report on extrajudicial killings & drones. Statewatch. From: https://www.statewatch.org/media/1216/un-sr-extrajudicial-killings-drones-report-29-6-20.pdf
[34] Quell, M. (2025, February 11). Gaza war, Israel-Palestinians, universal jurisdiction. AP News. From: https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-israel-palestinians-universal-jurisdiction-f1309c6b407fe157edd6cbd2bad3a8ca

Introduction
In the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, the Israeli army launched a large-scale military operation, carrying out a series of coordinated and unprecedented airstrikes against multiple military, civilian, and critical infrastructure targets across Iranian territory, including nuclear facilities. In addition to military casualties, a number of civilians were also killed in these attacks. Among the victims were prominent scientists, senior researchers, and university professors who were deliberately and systematically targeted and assassinated.
The scale and nature of this targeted operation hold particular significance from political, legal, humanitarian, and international perspectives. Accordingly, this report focuses on various dimensions of the incident. First, it presents a documented account of the attacks and provides detailed information on the scientific victims. It then examines both domestic and international responses to the operation, and finally, offers a legal analysis of the nature of these attacks within the framework of binding rules of international law, human rights, international humanitarian law, and the United Nations Charter.

Incidents
In the early hours of June 13, 2025, the Israeli army launched a military offensive under the codename “Operation Rising Lion” against Iran. In the first phase of this operation, Israeli fighter jets and drones targeted over 100 locations across the country. In addition to sensitive uranium enrichment facilities such as Natanz, the strikes also hit military bases and residential buildings associated with elite scientists and leading researchers in the field of strategic technologies. In an official statement, the Israeli military acknowledged that these individuals—according to its claim—played a central role in advancing Iran’s nuclear program, and thus were subjected to “physical elimination” in the early hours of the attack[1].
This act is part of a long-standing pattern of targeted assassinations aimed at undermining Iran’s scientific and technological capacity. Previously, five of Iran’s most prominent nuclear and physics scientists—Dr. Massoud Ali-Mohammadi (2009), Dr. Majid Shahriari (2010), Dr. Dariush Rezaeinejad (2011), Dr. Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan (2011), and Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh (2020)—were assassinated in operations largely attributed to Israeli intelligence agencies. These assassinations, carried out using magnetic bombs, motorcycle-riding gunmen, or advanced remote-control systems, have been recognized by international observers as clear examples of state terrorism. The assassination of multiple scientists in June 2025 represents the peak of this approach—one that not only continues the targeted killing of scientific elites but also, in terms of scale, coordination, and destructive impact, constitutes an unprecedented stage in the physical elimination of Iran’s human capital.
It is worth noting that this wave of targeted killings was codenamed “Operation Narnia” by the Israeli military.

Assassination of Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani

Dr. Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani, a prominent nuclear physicist and former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, was among the most renowned figures in Iran’s scientific community. His name appeared in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1747 (2007) due to his significant role in Iran’s nuclear program. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Dr. Abbasi taught at several Iranian universities for many years. In November 2010, during the assassination of Dr. Majid Shahriari, he was also targeted in an attempted assassination by Mossad agents but survived the attack. Ultimately, on June 13, 2025, he was targeted and assassinated during an Israeli missile strike on the “Asatid-e-Sarv complex” in Tehran[2].

Assassination of Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi

Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, a professor of condensed matter physics, was one of Iran’s most distinguished academic and scientific figures. He formerly served as the president of Shahid Beheshti University and later as the president of the Islamic Azad University. Throughout his academic career, he authored over 150 scientific papers, published 12 specialized books, and registered 8 patents, making significant contributions to the advancement of science and education in Iran. In 2018, he was officially appointed as the president of Islamic Azad University and launched several strategic initiatives such as the “Payesh” Program, which aimed to align academic research with the country’s national priorities and strategic needs. In 2019, the U.S. Department of the Treasury placed Dr. Tehranchi on its sanctions list, citing his alleged involvement in a clandestine nuclear program referred to as Project Amad. On June 13, 2025, Dr. Tehranchi was targeted and assassinated during an Israeli missile strike on the Asatid-e-Sarv complex in Tehran. The strike also killed his wife and bodyguards[3].

Assassination of Mansour Askari

Dr. Mansour Askari, a retired professor at Sharif University of Technology and holder of a Ph.D. in Materials Science, was one of the senior officials within Iran’s Organization for New Defense Research (SPND), affiliated with the Ministry of Defense. For many years, he led the Materials Science Research Team at Sharif University and played a crucial role in the development of scientific infrastructure in this field. Following his retirement from academia, Dr. Askari was appointed as the head of the Research and Technology Department at SPND. According to documents from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, his name was added to the sanctions list in 2019 due to his alleged involvement in Project Amad and related nuclear weapons research activities. Dr. Askari was assassinated in his home in Tehran on June 13, 2025 during an Israeli missile strike[4].

Assassination of Saeed Borji

Dr. Saeed Borji, a Ph.D. holder in Materials Engineering, was one of Iran’s prominent researchers in the field of military technologies. He completed his academic studies at Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, an institution closely linked to Iran’s defense research apparatus. According to publicly available documents from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Dr. Borji served as an explosives materials expert in the “Shahid Karimi Group”, a specialized unit operating under the SPND. Due to his affiliation with this group and his expertise in sensitive defense technologies, he was placed on the U.S. sanctions list in 2019. On the evening of June 13, 2025, Dr. Borji was assassinated in his private residence in Tehran during Israeli airstrikes[5].

Assassination of Dr. Seyed Amirhossein Faghihi

Seyed Amirhossein Faghihi, a leading researcher in the field of nuclear physics, was among the pioneers of radiopharmaceuticals and medical radioisotope development in Iran. He completed his academic studies at Urmia University and Amirkabir University of Technology, and later conducted postdoctoral research at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland. Upon returning to Iran, Dr. Faghihi joined the faculty at Shahid Beheshti University and went on to serve as the Director of the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology. He played a pivotal role in the advancement of indigenous nuclear medicine technologies, particularly in the development and application of radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment. His work was frequently featured in national media and regarded as a major achievement in Iran’s peaceful nuclear capabilities. On June 13, 2025, Dr. Faghihi was assassinated in his residence in Tehran during the Israeli airstrikes[6].

Assassination of Abdolhamid Minouchehr

Abdolhamid Minouchehr, a Ph.D. holder in Nuclear Engineering and the Dean of the Faculty of Nuclear Engineering at Shahid Beheshti University, was one of Iran’s foremost experts in the design of advanced nuclear reactor fuels. After obtaining his doctoral degree from Moscow, he returned to Iran and joined the academic staff at Shahid Beheshti University. In 2022, he was appointed as the dean of the faculty. Dr. Minouchehr’s specialization in the design and development of new-generation nuclear fuels solidified his position as a key figure in Iran’s nuclear program. According to international media reports, it was precisely this technical role in reactor fuel design that made him a primary target for assassination. On June 13, 2025, he was assassinated during a airstrike on his residence in Tehran, conducted by the Israeli military as part of its coordinated campaign to eliminate Iran’s scientific and technical elite[7].

Assassination of Akbar Motalebi Zadeh

Akbar Motalebi Zadeh, a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry and a senior researcher in advanced weapons technologies, was considered one of the influential figures in Iran’s scientific-defense establishment. Born in Yazd, he began his academic career as a faculty member at the Islamic Azad University of Yazd, where he taught and conducted research in chemistry and related applied sciences. Later, Dr. Motalebi Zadeh joined the SPND, where he served for years as the head of the “Shahid Karimi Group”, a specialized division focused on the development of advanced weapon systems. He also worked closely with Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, serving as his scientific advisor and assistant. He was deeply involved in the design and deployment of strategic defense technologies, particularly within programs linked to Iran’s deterrence capabilities. In 2019, the U.S. Department of the Treasury placed Dr. Motalebi Zadeh on its sanctions list, citing his role in advancing Iran’s military technologies. On June 13, 2025, he was assassinated during an Israeli airstrike that targeted his private residence in Tehran[8].

Assassination of Ahmadreza Zolfaghari Daryani

Dr. Ahmadreza Zolfaghari Daryani, an associate professor at Shahid Beheshti University and holder of a Ph.D. in Nuclear Energy Engineering, was among the leading experts in Iran’s nuclear technology sector. He completed all his academic degrees, including his doctorate, at Shahid Beheshti University, where he also taught for many years and contributed significantly to academic and national nuclear research programs. Dr. Zolfaghari Daryani was a close scientific collaborator of Dr. Abdolhamid Minouchehr, and together, they co-authored three peer-reviewed papers in the fields of heavy concrete materials and gamma radiation shielding. Beyond his academic contributions, he was actively involved in national technical committees related to nuclear energy and played an influential role in shaping research and safety standards in the field. On June 13, 2025, during the Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, Dr. Zolfaghari Daryani was assassinated in his home[9].

Assassination of Ali Bakhouei Katirimi

Dr. Ali Bakhouei Katirimi, a researcher in the field of mechanical engineering, was regarded as one of the elite scientific minds affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University. He began his academic journey studying Applied Physics with a specialization in nuclear science, completing his undergraduate degree at Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic) under a full scholarship from the Ministry of Defense. He then earned his Master’s degree in Nuclear Physics from the University of Tehran, and later obtained his Ph.D. in Nuclear and Particle Physics from a university in Moscow in 2004. Following the completion of his studies, he joined the faculty at Tarbiat Modares University, where he became a professor and eventually led the Department of Atomic and Molecular Physics. Dr. Bakhouei Katirimi played a vital role as a senior researcher in several classified defense and nuclear programs of Iran, contributing directly to the country’s technological advancement. Due to his affiliations and research activities, he was placed under sanctions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2019. On June 13, 2025, Dr. Bakhouei Katirimi, along with his wife and two young children, was assassinated in his residential home in Tehran during the Israeli airstrikes[10].

Assassination of Seyed Isar Tabatabaei Ghomsheh

Dr. Seyed Isar Tabatabaei Ghomsheh, a researcher in the field of nuclear engineering and a Ph.D. graduate from Sharif University of Technology, was considered one of Iran’s lesser-known but highly capable scientific figures who played an important role in the country’s specialized nuclear projects. He earned both his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering from Sharif University. In the years leading up to his death, Dr. Tabatabaei Ghomsheh was actively involved in national research initiatives aimed at advancing Iran’s indigenous nuclear energy technologies. He collaborated on several classified engineering programs and was regarded as a skilled technical mind within sensitive sectors of the Iranian scientific establishment. On June 13, 2025, he and his wife were assassinated during an Israeli airstrike that targeted their residence in Tehran[11].

Assassination of Soleiman Soleimani

Dr. Soleiman Soleimani, a nuclear scientist and a chemical engineering graduate from Iran University of Science and Technology, was recognized as one of the country’s leading experts in nuclear technology. In the years leading up to his assassination, Soleimani’s name had not appeared on any official sanctions lists or international warnings. However, the highly securitized atmosphere surrounding Iran’s nuclear program had placed many of its scientists under the scrutiny of foreign intelligence services. Ultimately, Dr. Soleimani was killed on June 20, 2025, during a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory[12].

Assassination of Seyed Asghar Hashemitabar

Dr. Seyed Asghar Hashemitabar was a senior researcher within Iran’s defense program, known for his involvement in sensitive R&D projects related to missile technology. He held a PhD in Strategic Defense Studies from Iran’s Supreme National Defense University and was long regarded as one of the country’s strategic technological elites. In 2019, Hashemitabar’s name appeared on the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions list alongside several other scientists, on the grounds of alleged involvement in Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. On June 19, 2025, his residence in Tehran was bombed by the Israeli military. He and his wife were both killed in the attack, while their only child sustained injuries from the explosion[13].

Assassination of Mohammad Reza Zakerian

Dr. Mohammad Reza Zakerian, a prominent artificial intelligence specialist and researcher in emerging technologies, was a graduate of mechanical engineering from Isfahan University of Technology and later from Malek-Ashtar University of Technology. At just 34 years old, he was considered one of Iran’s most promising young minds in the field of machine learning and intelligent systems. Over several years, Dr. Zakerian had actively contributed to both industrial and academic AI projects, leaving a considerable mark on the field. Amid the intensifying Israeli military offensive against Iran, he was killed at dawn on June 13, 2025, when an Israeli missile struck his residential building in Tehran. His wife and two young daughters were also killed in the attack[14].

Assassination of Majid Tejenjari

Dr. Majid Tejenjari was a leading AI researcher in Iran who gained national prominence at the age of 35 as a specialist in intelligent systems. He chaired the Artificial Intelligence Committee at the Youth Chamber of Industry, Mine and Trade and played a significant role in training a new generation of Iranian programmers and researchers. He had registered several patents and earned international recognition, including gold and silver medals at global innovation competitions between 2009 and 2015. While his area of expertise was not directly related to military or nuclear technologies, his outstanding contributions to advanced technologies had made him one of Iran’s key scientific assets. On the evening of June 13, 2025, he was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting residential neighborhoods in Tehran. His wife was also injured in the attack[15].

Assassination of Seyed Mostafa Sadati Armaki

Dr. Seyed Mostafa Sadati Armaki, a professor of nuclear physics and a distinguished researcher, was considered one of the brightest figures among Iran’s new generation of fundamental scientists. He held a PhD in nuclear physics from Shahid Beheshti University and was a faculty member at the same institution. His area of specialization included the design and development of radiation detectors and nuclear safety systems, and he had collaborated extensively with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran in building indigenous safety infrastructure. On the evening of June 13, 2025, his home in Tehran was struck by an Israeli air raid. Dr. Sadati, along with his wife, three young children, and his wife’s parents, were all killed in the attack[16].

Assassination of Seyed Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber

Dr. Seyed Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber was one of Iran’s prominent nuclear scientists and a key figure within the SPND. In May 2025, he was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on allegations of involvement in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. On June 24, 2025, he was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting his family residence in Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh, Gilan Province. The attack involved the impact of three projectiles on the building, resulting in the deaths of several members of neighboring families, including his 17-year-old son, who had himself been killed just days earlier in a similar airstrike in Tehran. This incident marked the latest in a series of Israeli aerial attacks over a two-week period that have led to the assassination of dozens of Iranian nuclear scientists[17].
Through this coordinated assassination campaign, the Israeli regime aimed to deliver an irreparable blow to Iran’s scientific and nuclear infrastructure. According to statements by the spokesperson of the Israeli military, all of the targeted individuals were described as “valuable knowledge assets” within Iran’s nuclear program. The stated rationale for their “physical elimination” was to dismantle decades of accumulated scientific and technical expertise that underpin Iran’s continued progress in peaceful nuclear and strategic capabilities.

Challenges and Responses

Domestic Reactions

The assassinations drew mixed responses in Israeli media. Some mainstream outlets portrayed the operation as a significant tactical success. For example, Ynet (affiliated with Yedioth Ahronoth) published detailed accounts of the identification and elimination of Iranian nuclear scientists, citing the Israeli military’s official statement which described the victims as “long-time core minds of Iran’s nuclear program,” and claimed that their removal dealt “a substantial blow to Iran’s ability to acquire weapons of mass destruction[18].”
In contrast, the newspaper Haaretz adopted a more cautious and critical tone. It warned that Iran’s nuclear program has developed over decades and is not dependent on a limited elite group of scientists—just as its military command is not reliant on a few top generals whose removal would cause collapse[19].
On the political front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as “an urgent necessity to neutralize the existential threat posed by Iran[20].” Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition and a longtime critic of Netanyahu, broke with his usual stance and offered full support for the assassinations. Other centrist and coalition-aligned politicians similarly backed the attack, framing it as a defensive measure to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
However, beyond this official consensus, notable fractures emerged. Arab and left-wing members of the Knesset openly condemned the operation, labeling it a reckless act of aggression. The prominent Israeli human rights NGO B’Tselem issued a sharply worded statement criticizing the government for “choosing war over diplomacy” and endangering regional stability[21].
Meanwhile, progressive intellectuals and civil society activists went further in their condemnation. Orly Noy, a well-known Israeli journalist and political commentator, wrote in a scathing op-ed that “the greatest threat facing Israel is not Iran or Hamas, but Israel’s own hubris and militarized mindset.” She concluded, “a people whose survival depends solely on military power is doomed to find itself in the darkest corners of destruction and ultimately, defeat[22].”
Some Israeli analysts also raised concerns that the true aim of the operation might be regime change in Iran rather than disruption of its nuclear capabilities. They argue that since the complete dismantling of Iran’s program is unlikely, hardliners in Tel Aviv are seeking a broader political collapse. Even within the Israeli leadership, more pragmatic voices acknowledged these limitations. Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel’s National Security Adviser, stated that military action alone cannot fully eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities and emphasized that the ultimate objective must be to force Tehran into nuclear surrender through comprehensive pressure[23].

International Reactions

The Israeli regime’s aggressive operation—which involved the targeted assassination of Iranian scientists and the killing of civilians—prompted widespread international condemnation. Many countries, including some of Israel’s traditional allies, deemed the attacks unacceptable and in violation of international norms.
The People’s Republic of China expressed “deep concern” over the Israeli military operation and warned of its dangerous implications for regional stability[24]. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) also issued an official statement strongly condemning the strikes. The SCO Secretariat emphasized that “aggressive actions targeting civilian objectives, including Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure, which resulted in the killing of civilians, constitute a blatant violation of the principles and norms of international law, the UN Charter, and a direct assault on Iran’s sovereignty[25].”
The Russian Federation immediately condemned the attack. In a formal statement, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the action as a violation of the UN Charter and the basic tenets of international law, stating: “Unprovoked military strikes against a UN member state and its citizens while they sleep are wholly unacceptable[26].” Additionally, Konstantin Kosachev, a senior Russian senator, called for a unified global condemnation of the operation, asserting that Israel’s actions “cannot be justified legally, politically, militarily, or morally[27].”
In the Arab world, nearly all countries—including those that had signed peace agreements or normalization deals with Israel—condemned the aggression. Saudi Arabia harshly criticized the attack, describing it as a “violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security” and a “clear breach of international law and norms.” The United Arab Emirates also condemned the strikes and voiced deep concern over the escalation and its consequences for regional peace and security. Jordan denounced the assault as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a UN member state. Kuwait and Iraq issued similar statements, categorizing the attacks as acts of aggression incompatible with international law. Qatar and Oman described the airstrikes as “criminal” and contrary to the principles of international legality. Egypt, too, condemned the Israeli actions and warned of their grave consequences for regional peace. The Arab League, in a collective statement, demanded an immediate halt to Israeli aggression against Iran[28].
In Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned what he called a “terrorist Israeli assault” and urged the international community to take immediate action to stop Israel’s aggression and hold it accountable. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also declared: “We condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s unlawful attack on Iran,” warning that it would only exacerbate regional instability. The National Assembly of Pakistan, in a unanimous resolution, condemned the attack and called for emergency meetings of the UN Security Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)[29].
In Turkey, the response was equally strong. Cevdet Yılmaz, the Turkish Vice President, described the Israeli assault as “provocative, legally baseless, and a new threat to regional peace and stability.” He emphasized that Ankara “strongly condemns the aggressive stance of Netanyahu’s government[30].”
In contrast, European reactions were more cautious and largely refrained from directly condemning Israel. The European Union, while expressing concern over the escalation, avoided direct blame and reiterated its support for “all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.” The German government urged both Iran and Israel to refrain from further destabilizing actions, emphasizing the risk of a wider regional conflict.
However, some political figures within Europe took a clearer stance. Yolanda Díaz, Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister, declared that “Netanyahu, through this attack, is dragging the world toward all-out war.” Japan, one of the few major industrialized nations to directly criticize Israel, condemned the attack, calling it “deeply concerning and provocative.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a carefully worded statement urging all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” and to return to diplomatic solutions. At the level of international organizations, the Secretary General of NATO described de-escalation as “vital,” while the OIC Secretary General condemned the Israeli strikes and called for global action to prevent the recurrence of such aggression[31].

Violation of the UN Charter and Principles of International Law

Israel’s targeted assassination of Iranian scientists constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international law. According to Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations, all member states are obligated to refrain from “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.” A deliberate military strike on the territory of a sovereign state—absent authorization from the UN Security Council or a demonstrable case of legitimate self-defense—amounts to a breach of sovereignty and lacks legal justification.
Israel has claimed that the operation was carried out under the doctrine of “preemptive self-defense”. However, this doctrine—particularly due to its repeated misuse by some states—is rejected by the majority of international legal scholars and cannot legally justify unilateral military aggression. In fact, the Israeli attack on Iran and the extrajudicial killing of Iranian scientists must be categorized as an act of aggression and a breach of the prohibition on the use of force, a principle enshrined not only in the UN Charter but also in customary international law.
As noted by Dr. Mehdi Zakerian, professor of international relations, the Israeli strikes on Iran’s civilian and scientific targets—under the pretext of self-defense—are not legally admissible under any internationally recognized framework[32]. As such, these assassinations and attacks place Israel in clear violation of the norms governing peace and security among nations.
This conduct, in addition to drawing widespread diplomatic condemnation, creates legal exposure for the Israeli government under international law. Numerous legal experts have publicly described the Israeli military operation as an act of aggression devoid of any lawful basis under existing international legal standards. Therefore, one of the foremost legal challenges facing Israel is accountability for its blatant violation of the UN Charter and the foundational rules of international law.

Violation of International Humanitarian Law and Possibility of International Prosecution

Beyond the unlawful use of force, the targeted assassinations also constitute serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Such extraterritorial, peacetime killings clearly amount to arbitrary deprivation of life and are in breach of states’ human rights obligations.
In this regard, Agnes Callamard, former UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, has emphasized that:
“A targeted extraterritorial killing outside the context of an active armed conflict constitutes a violation of international human rights law and the UN Charter, which prohibits the extraterritorial use of force in times of peace[33].”
In other words, the assassination of scientists on foreign soil, absent a declared state of armed conflict, represents not only a breach of the right to life but also an instance of state terrorism. Even if one assumes the existence of an international armed conflict between Iran and Israel, the intentional killing of individuals who are not directly participating in hostilities—such as civilian scientists—is expressly prohibited and constitutes a war crime.
Under both customary and treaty-based international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), intentional attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are strictly forbidden. The Israeli strikes on June 13, 2025, targeted residential and academic areas, and therefore cannot be justified under international humanitarian or human rights law.
This gives rise to the possibility of international criminal liability for those responsible.
In the modern legal landscape, crimes such as targeted assassinations, the deliberate killing of civilians, and unprovoked military aggression can be prosecuted in international courts or under the domestic laws of other states. While Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, recent jurisprudence demonstrates that Israeli officials are not immune from international accountability. For example, the International Criminal Court in The Hague recently issued arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, including the current Prime Minister and former Defense Minister, for alleged war crimes.
Although enforcement of these warrants may face political resistance or non-cooperation from some states, the issuance of such warrants sends a strong message: there is no impunity for state actors accused of serious international crimes.
Moreover, under the principle of universal jurisdiction, national courts in more than 160 countries are empowered to prosecute serious international crimes—such as war crimes and state terrorism—regardless of where the crimes occurred or the nationality of the perpetrators. In recent years, several individuals have been successfully prosecuted under this principle in cases related to atrocities committed in Syria, Rwanda, and elsewhere[34].
Consequently, Israeli officials involved in the planning and execution of the assassinations and strikes against civilians face a credible risk of prosecution abroad, either through the ICC (if jurisdictional requirements are met, e.g., via UN Security Council referral) or through national courts exercising universal jurisdiction.
Taken together, these legal frameworks demonstrate that Israel’s recent actions are not only politically and ethically indefensible, but legally costly as well, potentially exposing the state and its leaders to far-reaching consequences under international law.

Conclusion
The targeted assassination of scientists and researchers belonging to a sovereign state—especially when conducted outside an active battlefield and involving individuals engaged in academic and scientific pursuits—constitutes a flagrant violation of the foundational principles of international law. Such actions are in direct conflict with the provisions of the UN Charter on the prohibition of the use of force, the core principles of international humanitarian law concerning the protection of civilians, and international human rights law, particularly the fundamental right to life.
Accordingly, the Israeli regime’s recent operation, which resulted in the assassination of 10 Iranian nuclear scientists, must legally be classified as a “wrongful act attributable to a state” and a clear instance of state terrorism. This act stands in stark opposition to the norms of the international order and undermines the principles of collective security and respect for national sovereignty.
The strong and diverse reactions from the international community—including formal condemnations by Asian and Arab nations and several regional and international organizations—reflect growing global sensitivity toward the violation of state sovereignty and the targeting of scientists as vital components of humanity’s shared intellectual capital. This convergence of critical voices signals an escalating moral and political isolation of the Israeli regime and suggests that a continuation of such aggressive conduct could lead to even graver consequences for its international legitimacy.
On the other hand, the Islamic Republic of Iran, invoking its inherent right to self-defense, has declared that it will not remain silent in the face of such attacks. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and within the framework of the principles of necessity and proportionality, Iran is entitled to defend itself against clear acts of aggression.
At the international level, it is expected that key institutions—such as the UN Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council, and the International Criminal Court—will not remain passive in the face of such blatant violations of international law. Within the scope of their respective mandates, they are called upon to design and implement effective mechanisms for deterrence, investigation, and accountability regarding such actions.
Failure to respond to these crimes will only increase the risk of their recurrence globally and will pose a serious threat to the safety of scientists, civil society actors, and critical national infrastructure around the world.

References 
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