Wars do not always begin with the launch of the first missile, nor do they necessarily end with the declaration of a ceasefire. Before the blue skies above cities become theatres of attack and fall beneath the dark shadow of fear and terror, the language of threats and the logic of exclusion prepare the ground for war. Even after weapons have been laid down, the consequences of war remain visible in lives lost, bereaved families, devastated infrastructure, environmental destruction, and the collective memory of nations. War may therefore persist for many years after its formal conclusion, taking the form of suffering, displacement, illness, insecurity, and questions that have yet to receive adequate answers.
Although the Charter of the United Nations begins with the determination of the international community “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” contemporary experience has demonstrated that a profound divide continues to exist between the aspirations of international law and the realities of power relations. The war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran in 2026, was not merely a limited or temporary military confrontation. Rather, it constituted a multilayered and consequential event with far-reaching human, legal, political, social, economic, cultural, and environmental implications. It was an event that once again subjected the foundational principles of the international legal order to a difficult and decisive test.
This war has raised fundamental questions concerning the legality of the use of force, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the prohibition of aggression, the protection of civilians, and compliance with the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in military attacks. It has also brought renewed attention to responsibility arising from the destruction of critical infrastructure; the effects of warfare on public health and the environment; the protection of medical, educational, cultural, and religious sites; and the prospects for investigating violations of international law and holding those responsible to account.
Alongside these issues, the manner in which international institutions, states, media organisations, and global powers responded to the conflict has once again highlighted the influence of power relations on international accountability mechanisms. From this perspective, the academic study of the war is not merely a general examination of a particular armed conflict. It also provides an opportunity to reconsider the capacities, deficiencies, and structural limitations of the contemporary international legal order.
Against this background, the ninth issue of Datikan Analytical Quarterly, entitled “The US–Israeli War Against Iran through the Lens of International Law,” is dedicated to examining and analysing the various dimensions of the war from the perspectives of international law, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and other related fields.
Accordingly, the Human Rights Institute of the University of Isfahan, invites university professors, scholars, students, legal practitioners, experts, commentators, and professionals working in relevant fields from across the world to submit their scholarly articles, analytical commentaries, and research contributions.
All submissions must fully comply with the Quarterly’s Submission and Author Guidelines and must be received by the Editorial Secretariat no later than 11 September 2026.
Submission Methods
Telegram and Eitaa: +989203184769
Email: datikan@hriui.com
Note: All accepted articles and analytical commentaries will receive an official certificate of acceptance issued by the Human Rights Institute of the University of Isfahan. Upon request, certificates may also be issued bilingually in Persian and English.
To view the guidelines for preparing and submitting contributions, please click here.
