Pakistan, July 16 -- On 13 June, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched 'Operation Rising Lion' against the Islamic Republic of Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, missile sites, military leadership, and nuclear scientists. In the first wave, missile strikes were conducted with 200 aircraft and several Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to engage over 100 targets. On the first day alone, IDF's strikes reportedly killed 78 individuals and injured 329 civilians.

Was this attack lawful under the doctrine of anticipatory self-defence, and did it comply with the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC)?

The legal framework governing a state's use of force includes jus ad bellum and jus ad bellum. Jus ad bellum, derived from Article 2 (4) and 51 of the Ch...