Legal developments

The Assassination of General Zahedi from the Perspective of International Human Rights Law

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Misagh Bagheri 1
Moahamd Setayeshpur 2

1 Master of International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

Abstract
This research aims to conduct a legal and human rights‑based analysis of the assassination of General Mohammad Reza Zahedi in the airstrike carried out by the Israeli regime against the consular section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus. It seeks to examine this incident within the framework of peremptory norms of international law (jus cogens), the prohibition of the use of force, and States’ extraterritorial obligations to protect the right to life. The necessity of this study arises from the fact that extraterritorial targeted killings have emerged in recent years as a serious challenge to the international legal order, undermining the foundations of human rights and collective security. The central research question is: from the standpoint of the international human rights law system, which fundamental obligations does the assassination of General Zahedi violate, and how can the responsibility of the acting State be established? This study adopts a descriptive‑analytical approach, relying on international instruments, judicial and arbitral jurisprudence, United Nations reports, and legal doctrine. The findings indicate that the action constitutes a clear instance of arbitrary deprivation of life, a violation of the principle of non‑intervention, a breach of the inviolability of diplomatic premises, and a violation of Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Moreover, it may be characterised as a form of State terrorism. The research concludes that the operation violated absolute and non‑derogable human rights obligations, exposes the acting State to international responsibility, and underscores the urgent need to strengthen legal accountability mechanisms at the international level.

Keywords

Human Rights
International Law
Martyr Mohammad Reza Zahedi
Assassination
International Responsibility
 
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  • Receive Date 09 September 2025
  • Revise Date 14 October 2025
  • Accept Date 12 December 2025
  • First Publish Date 22 December 2025
  • Publish Date 22 December 2025

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