International law

Introduction

On June 17, 2026, representatives of the United States and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) intended to halt escalating hostilities and establish a framework for broader negotiations. The agreement attracted immediate international attention because it touches upon several of the most consequential issues in Middle Eastern and global politics: military conflict, nuclear proliferation, economic sanctions, energy security, and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Although some commentators have described the document as a “peace agreement,” it is more accurately characterized as an interim political understanding. It does not fully resolve the longstanding disputes between the two countries. Instead, it creates a temporary framework within which negotiators hope to reach a more comprehensive settlement.

A webinar presented by the International Human Rights Committee of the International Law Section of the American Bar Association on December 10, 2024 at 12:–pm ET. This presentation is in observance of the 76th anniversary of Human Rights Day.

“ABA International Law Section leaders will discuss urgent human rights issues around the world, including the plight of Rohingya refugees, crimes against humanity in Sudan, abuses against women in different parts of the world, the situation of human rights defenders, and work to advance the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the United States. Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on the tenth day December. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The formal inception of Human Rights Day dates from 1950, after the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V) inviting all States and interested organizations to adopt December tenth of each year as Human Rights Day. Moderator: Kerry McLean, Director, Human Rights and Public International Law, Columbia Law School; Committee Co-Chair, International Human Rights Committee, International Law Section. Speakers:”
Daniel L. Appelman, Senior Advisor, International Human Rights Committee, International Law Section.
Elizabeth Barad, International Human Rights Lawyer; Committee Co-Chair, Africa Committee, International Law Section.
Regina Paulose, International Criminal Law Lawyer; Committee Co-Chair, International Criminal Law Committee, International Law Section.
The Honorable Delissa Ridgway, US Court of International Trade; Senior Advisor, Women’s Interest Network and Middle East Committee, International Law Section.
Sara Sandford, Mediator/Attorney, Benchmark International ADR, LLC; Senior Advisor, International Human Rights Committee, International Law Section.
Elizabeth M. Zechenter, International Law Attorney, Social Scientist; Committee Co-Chair, International Human Rights Committee.This webinar observance is free and open to all.

Articles Tagged with International law

The 2026 U.S. Iran Memorandum of Understanding: Ceasefire, Diplomacy, and Unfinished Business

Introduction

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