South Korean Lawmaker Criticizes U.S. Attack on Iran's Nuclear Facilities

On June 21, South Korean lawmaker Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party expressed her disapproval of the United States' direct military action against Iran's nuclear facilities, stating that attacking Iran, which had not attacked the U.S., is an unjustified act. In a Facebook post, Choo remarked, 'The U.S. has just crossed the Rubicon. Trump announced on social media that he bombed three Iranian nuclear sites,' adding that Trump is promoting a message seeking global approval. She also highlighted that the U.S. attack violates international law, asserting that 'the legality of preemptive self-defense under international law requires a clear and present danger before military force is used.' Choo pointed out that both the Israeli attack on June 13 and the U.S. bombing on June 21 breached international law.

Choo emphasized that Iran does not possess completed nuclear weapons, referencing a statement from U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, who indicated that it would take Iran three years to develop nuclear weapons. She also cited Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who testified that there is no evidence of Iran enriching uranium for weapons. Furthermore, despite the strong pro-Israel sentiment in U.S. political and economic circles, Choo noted that Haines reiterated that 'Iran's nuclear capabilities do not pose an imminent threat.' She praised Haines for her courage and integrity in standing by her statements, especially after Trump publicly criticized her, claiming she was wrong.

In March, Haines had informed the U.S. Congress that intelligence agencies assessed Iran was not developing nuclear weapons. However, Trump has recently criticized her in the context of the Israel-Iran conflict, stating, 'She is wrong.'