(June 23, 2025)
This statement can also be viewed/printed in PDF format here
The Military Law Task Force of the National Lawyers Guild unequivocally condemns the bombing of Iran by U.S. forces– a clear violation of both US and international law, executed without democratic approval or a legitimate national security justification. The attack threatens the lives of tens of millions of people — the vast majority civilians — in Iran and neighboring countries.
These bombings, carried out despite United Nations prohibitions on use of force against another nation, have already led to threats of retaliation, endangering the 40,000 U.S. servicemembers stationed in the Gulf, across bases in Qatar and Bahrain and the Naval Fifth Fleet. Military communities everywhere are wondering what they’ll be ordered to do next.
As the situation evolves, The MLTF will continue to support those within the military who oppose this misuse of U.S. military force. We encourage members of the military who are troubled by potentially unlawful illegal orders to refer to our FAQ on refusing illegal orders and to seek legal advice. We invite other lawyers and legal workers to join us in this work.
We commit ourselves to continue our work to provide relevant training materials and other support for those who will be receiving calls from service members with moral, ethical, and legal concerns about these actions, including our allies at the GI Rights Hotline, as well as other attorneys. We will also be ready to provide legal support for servicemembers engaged in free speech actions in opposition to this war.
Resources for servicemembers from the MLTF:
- FAQ on refusing illegal orders:
https://nlgmltf.org/military-law/2025/faq-on-refusing-illegal-orders/ - U.S. Military “Know Your Rights” guide:
https://nlgmltf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Military-Know-Your-Rights-Public-v1.pdf - The right of dissent and protests in the military:
https://nlgmltf.org/military-law/2023/limitations-on-military-members-right-to-dissent/ - GI Rights Hotline:
877-447-4487
https://girightshotline.org