WASHINGTON: The United States insists it attacked Iran to curb “direct threats” from the Islamic republic, but legal experts say the dangers cited by Washington do not justify war under international law. US and Israeli forces launched a massive air campaign against Iran on February 28, with Washington saying it aimed to curb nuclear and missile threats from Tehran. Yet the war has also decapitated the country’s government, and President Donald Trump is now demanding “unconditional surrender.” The White House laid out Washington’s justification for the war during a news conference this week.

The new line: Israeli threats to bomb Iran and trigger a response that could hit U.S. bases in the region led the administration to join the war.

Administration offers shifting explanations as it acts without congressional approval or legal premise