The question of when the Iran war began remains unresolved, as the US State Department's legal document offers conflicting timelines. The document, released on 21 April, attempts to justify 'Operation Epic Fury' by claiming it is a continuation of an armed conflict that has been ongoing for years. This contradicts President Trump's initial justification of eliminating imminent threats.
Conflicting Justifications
On 28 February, Trump announced the bombing campaign, citing the need to defend the American people from imminent threats from the Iranian regime. However, the State Department's legal assessment explicitly states: 'The United States does not rely on a theory of imminence to justify its actions in this case.' Instead, it argues that the operation is part of a conflict that began decades ago.
Historical Claims
The document suggests the conflict started with the 1979 Iranian revolution and the hostage crisis, or alternatively in 2019 when Iran-backed militias attacked US bases in Iraq. It also points to June 2025, when the US and Israel reportedly destroyed Iran's nuclear capabilities. This backdating raises questions about the legality of earlier actions.
Critics argue that the State Department's logic undermines peace negotiations. If the conflict is considered ongoing since 1979, then any settlement would require trust that the war has truly ended, which the document's broad timeline defeats. Lawrence Douglas, author of The Criminal State, notes that the administration's arguments for domestic abuses of the rule of law are similarly specious.
The standoff continues, with Trump warning that bombing could resume if Iran does not accept the US peace plan. No bombs have fallen recently, but the war's end remains uncertain.
