Neutrality in the International Law of Armed Conflict and Iran’s Right of Self-Defense Against Belligerent Military Bases in the Territory of Persian Gulf Littoral States During the Forty-Day War

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Ahmadreza Azarpendar
international law department,, law faculty, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran. Iran
10.48315/qgl.2026.579982.1363
Abstract
Following the onset of armed attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026 (Esfand 9, 1404), the Persian Gulf states issued declarations of neutrality. The principle of neutrality in international law obliges neutral states to refrain from assisting belligerent parties and to prevent the military use of their territory. However, these states have been hosting United States military bases in the region, which gives rise to numerous legal challenges during armed conflicts. The question that arises here is whether the existence of these bases, as well as the execution of military operations from them, undermines the neutrality status of these states, and whether Iran has the right to self-defense against these operations within the territory where the military bases are located. This study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, utilizing library-based and documentary research methods to collect and analyze data through the rigorous examination of international treaties and the sources of international law.By invoking the Hague Conventions of 1907 and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, this article argues that in the event of the host states' inability or unwillingness to control the belligerent bases, these bases turn into military objectives. Consequently, in order to decisively repel the threats, the Iranian government has the right to target belligerent facilities on the soil of Persian Gulf countries within the framework of the inherent right to self-defense and in observance of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
Keywords
Principle of Neutrality
Military Bases
Law of Armed Conflict
Right to Self-Defense
Hague Conventions