Professor Discusses Khamenei Killing Amidst US and Israeli Actions
Luca Trenta, a professor of international relations at Swansea University in the UK, has offered insights into the recent killing of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei. This discussion comes amid reported US and Israeli actions targeting Iran.
US Policy on Assassinations Under Scrutiny
Professor Trenta highlighted the historical stance of the United States on such operations. The US formally bans assassinations.
However, he noted a shift in justification over time. Washington has used self-defense as a justification to challenge this ban since the late 1980s, referencing the strike on late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi during the Reagan administration.
Trump Administration's Approach to International Law
Trenta also pointed out the public acknowledgment of the assassination. He indicated that the US government, and former President Trump via social media, had taken credit for the assassination.
In his analysis, Trenta commented on the previous administration's conduct: "The Trump administration, in its past military operations, had not consistently shown a keen interest in justifying its conduct through international law."
CIA Warnings and Historical Precedent
The killing, according to Trenta, also contradicted internal intelligence advice. The killing went against advice from the CIA, which suggested that such assassinations could lead to the emergence of more radical Iranian leaders.
Furthermore, Trenta provided historical context, stating that past history indicates regime change has not always resulted in the outcomes desired by those implementing it.
Escalation of Assassinations and Foreign Intervention
"Trenta expressed concern about what he characterized as an escalation of assassinations in international politics and the emergence of a ruthless form of foreign intervention, reportedly without particular concern for domestic or international legal constraints."
He highlighted the emergence of a ruthless form of foreign intervention, reportedly without particular concern for domestic or international legal constraints.