Jean Asselborn, former Luxembourg foreign minister, said the United States and Israel’s argument that their air strikes would prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons could not be justified. Up until 2018, the UN controlled what Iran did with their enriched uranium, until this agreement was cancelled by President Donald Trump. Prior to the latest conflict, Iran had entered negotiations to supply guarantees it would not develop nuclear weapons.
“Iran agreed to bring the enriched uranium out of the country, so there were signs of a potential accord. In my opinion it is not true, what Trump says about danger being imminent and fearing a nuclear attack”, Asselborn said.
The international community could have intervened after an estimated 50,000 peaceful protesters were murdered by the Iranian regime on 8 and 9 January, Asselborn continued. “In the United Nations charter it says one can intervene in such cases.” Provided the Security Council agrees, of course. In 2005 a second article was added to determine the “responsibility to protect.” Asselborn believes this article could have been invoked earlier this year. “I can’t imagine that the Security Council would have vetoed this if it had been invoked in January,” he said.
Asselborn added that if this had been done by the Russians or the Chinese, then there would have been attempts to stick to international law. He underlined the importance of maintaining international law and norms, without which there could be chaos.
Is a change in regime realistic?
On the one hand, a change in regime depends on Iran itself and its potential to continue the war, but also the US and Israel’s potential to defend against attacks. Another factor, according to Asselborn, is internal politics in the US. How will it continue with inflation, egg prices, gas and petrol?
For people in Iran and its neighbouring countries, Asselborn hopes they will see a war will cost too many victims, as all wars do. Particularly when it comes to changing a regime. “Look at Iraq in 2003", he said. “Two decades later and they still don’t have a solution. A million people died. Changing a regime through war has never worked, and it won’t work this time.” He wishes that the Iranians will accept a government that respects its people.
