Editorial: Warring parties must return to dialogue rather than resort to force of arms

March 2 , 2026

Article Two, Section Four of the United Nations Charter reads as follows…

All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.

…To which Operation Epic Fury, initiated on February 28, is in manifest contravention. University of Sydney Professor Ben Saul, who served as the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, denounces the latest US-Israeli attack as a grave violation of international law.

The campaign apparently aims not only to neutralize the threat of potential Iranian nuclear weapons and missiles, but by assassinating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, wholesale regime change as well.

Iran is not the innocent victim in this unfolding tragedy. The international community has repeatedly expressed deep concern over Tehran’s nuclear program, as well as its backing of proxy terrorism.

The strikes and counterstrikes have claimed the lives of innocents, including more than 100 students at an Iranian girls’ school in violation of international humanitarian law. The violence has reached out to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, threatening to expand the war even further. Its economic repercussions are already being felt globally.

Komeito urges all warring parties to immediately desist from further hostilities and negotiate their way to a peaceful resolution. Dialogue, no matter how difficult or circuitous, is the only answer.