The National-led coalition government missed a clear opportunity to defend the international rules-based order in its response to the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

It was a glaring omission, given New Zealand and most countries rely heavily on that system to rein in the worst excesses of power.

Under article 51 of the UN Charter, states have the legal right to use force in self-defence in response to an armed attack.

But neither the US nor Israel was being attacked when they launched widespread air strikes on Iran’s missile infrastructure, military sites and senior leadership on February 28.

Indeed, just two days earlier in Geneva, the US had concluded a round of negotiations with Iran on its nuclear programme. The talks were reportedly positive, with both sides agreeing to meet again.

An exception to international restrictions on the use of force does allow a state to respond to an “imminent threat”.

However, while the Trump administration and the Israeli government have claimed their attacks were preemptive, there is little or no evidence to indicate Iran was on the verge of threatening either country.

Indeed, after a 12-day war with Iran last year, Israel claimed to have destroyed half of Iran’s missile stockpiles. The US – which........

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