Legal Responsibility of Iran for Compensating Victims of the Syrian War

Background: Since the outbreak of the armed conflict in 2011, Syria has suffered widespread destruction, resulting in the collapse of its infrastructure and substantial human and material losses, which continue to affect millions of civilians today. Iran has played a major role in supporting the Syrian regime politically, financially, and logistically throughout the conflict, thereby potentially prolonging hostilities and exacerbating the humanitarian situation. This paper examines the extent of Iran's responsibility toward Syrian victims under international humanitarian law and public international law and explores potential legal mechanisms to hold Iran accountable while safeguarding the rights of affected individuals. Methods: The study employs a descriptive-analytical method to document violations and examine relevant international legal texts. The study also employs a comparative method to analyse similar international experiences, such as the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, to develop tangible legal solutions applicable to the Syrian context. Results and conclusions: The results demonstrate that Iran and its affiliated militias bear clear legal responsibility for violations of international humanitarian law. The findings underscore the necessity of establishing a competent international criminal court to address the crimes committed during the Syrian conflict, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and facilitate the redress of victims and the restoration of their rights.