Civilian Protection and the Illegality of U.S. Military Strikes in Iran

Issue Overview
Recent U.S. military strikes in Iran have resulted in reported civilian casualties, including the targeting of a girls’ school. These incidents raise serious concerns regarding compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian populations in conflict zones.

Relevance to MIPs
MIPs takes a position on this issue based on the following:

• Impact on Muslim communities: The consequences of military escalation in Iran disproportionately affect civilian populations in the region, including women and children. These harms are directly relevant to MIPs’ commitment to Muslim communities globally.

• Alignment with organizational expertise: As an organization focused on public policy, governance, and advocacy, MIPs engages with issues related to international law, state accountability, and the ethical use of force.
• Organizational capacity to respond: MIPs is positioned to contribute to public discourse through policy analysis, written statements, and community education on the legal and ethical implications of modern warfare.

MIPs Position
MIPs condemns attacks that result in civilian harm, including those involving protected sites such as schools.
MIPs affirms that:

• Civilian protection is a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law
• Military actions must adhere to the principles of distinction and proportionality
• Civilian casualties cannot be normalized as an acceptable outcome of modern warfare

MIPs further maintains that strikes lacking sufficient precaution or resulting in excessive civilian harm raise serious concerns regarding legality and accountability.

Recommended Actions
In alignment with this position, MIPs calls for:

• Independent and transparent investigations into reported civilian casualties, including the school strike
• Increased congressional oversight of U.S. military operations abroad
• Stronger enforcement of international humanitarian law, particularly in targeting and proportionality assessments
• Public accountability measures to ensure that violations are addressed and prevented in future operations

Implementation and Communication
MIPs will communicate this position through:

• Publication on the MIPs website
• Adaptation into public-facing materials, including social media and policy summaries
• Engagement with partner organizations and networks to elevate awareness

MIPs will assess opportunities to contribute to broader advocacy efforts in alignment with organizational capacity.

Review and Duration
This policy position will remain active for up to one year from adoption. MIPs will reassess its stance based on developments in the conflict, emerging evidence, and changes in the policy landscape.