Article 2(4): The UN Charter's prohibition on using force

"Article 2(4) of the UN Charter has been described as a "cornerstone of modern international law" and its bright red line. It prohibits countries from threatening or using force against another state's territory or political independence. Drafted in the aftermath of World War II, its objective was to maintain peace and make negotiation not armed conflict the default mode to settle disputes."

"Among the grounds cited by the United States and Israel for their recent "pre-emptive" strikes against Iran on February 28 were the need "to restrict its ballistic missile programme" and "end its support of terrorist groups." Critics counter that these grounds did not fall within the UN Charter's exceptions, noting that only specific UN organs above all the Security Council can authoritively determine when force is lawful."

"In January 2026, UN Special Rapporteurs condemned the US intervention in Venezuela, in which they captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, as a "grave" and "deliberate" breach of Article 2(4). It also prompted United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, to warn that around the world "the rule of law is being replaced by the law of the jungle.""

Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, drafted after World War II, represents a fundamental prohibition against states threatening or using force against another nation's territory or political independence. This provision aims to establish negotiation as the primary mechanism for resolving international disputes rather than armed conflict. The article has become central to international law and is frequently invoked during major geopolitical crises, including situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. Recent controversies highlight interpretive disputes, such as US and Israeli pre-emptive strikes against Iran justified on grounds of restricting ballistic missiles and countering terrorism, which critics argue fall outside the UN Charter's recognized exceptions. The UN has condemned violations, including the 2026 US intervention in Venezuela capturing President Maduro, with UN leadership warning that the rule of law is being replaced by force.

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