The American attack on Iranian nuclear facilities is in violation of international law, states Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

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– We must be able to establish that. It is not in line with international law to carry out such an attack, says Støre to NTB.

The United States carried out attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities overnight Sunday. According to the Pentagon, 14 so-called bunker-busting bombs were dropped on three Iranian nuclear facilities.

When Israel bombed Iran a couple of weeks ago, Støre and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide were quick to point out that it was a violation of international law. Now Støre is drawing the same conclusion about the American attack.

Right to self-defense

When Eide was asked by NTB on Sunday whether Norway condemned the American attack, he did not answer. This is the first time the government has publicly stated in clear terms that the attack on Sunday night was in violation of international law.

However, the Prime Minister calls it a complicated situation and points out, among other things, that the UN Security Council is practically paralyzed and unable to agree on a resolution. There is also an ongoing discussion about whether the attack is within the right of self-defense, he points out.

– International law provides the right to self-defense, but it is debatable whether this falls into the category of self-defense for the United States, says Støre.

Must prevent escalation

– At the same time, Iran's nuclear program is not according to the book either. It violates the expectations of the International Atomic Energy Agency, says Støre.

There is now tension surrounding Iran's reaction – whether it will come, how it will come, and whether it will lead to a further escalation of hostilities or signal that Iran wants the opposite.

– The important thing now is to prevent the escalation from getting out of control, says Støre.