University of Tehran Public Law Studies Quarterly 2423-8120 55 3 2025 09 23 Legal Accountability of the United States Regarding Targeted Killings Legal Accountability of the United States Regarding Targeted Killings 1839 1864 103710 10.22059/jplsq.2023.352911.3241 FA Mahvash Monfared Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies and Law, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali Asr University, Rafsanjan, Iran Journal Article 2022 12 25 For years, the United States has been engaged in the most extensive programs for implementing a policy of targeted killings outside active combat zones. These operations have generated extensive legal debates. This research focuses on a relatively specific aspect, namely ensuring how a government can be held accountable for conducting such operations. So far, no country has disclosed a mechanism of accountability that guarantees that unlawful killings are investigated, prosecuted, and punished. The refusal of countries to provide accountability regarding these types of policies violates the international legal framework that restricts the unlawful use of lethal force against individuals. The following article discusses legal accountability concerning the United States' targeted killing program and potential mechanisms to enhance this accountability. Thus, accountability is examined first in relation to the decision to designate an individual as a target and then in the execution of the operation. The focus of the research is on the United States program, but the aim is to clarify the complex considerations related to efforts to strengthen legal accountability for any government conducting such operations. However, the findings of this research indicate a lack of any legal mechanism provided by countries employing this program. For years, the United States has been engaged in the most extensive programs for implementing a policy of targeted killings outside active combat zones. These operations have generated extensive legal debates. This research focuses on a relatively specific aspect, namely ensuring how a government can be held accountable for conducting such operations. So far, no country has disclosed a mechanism of accountability that guarantees that unlawful killings are investigated, prosecuted, and punished. The refusal of countries to provide accountability regarding these types of policies violates the international legal framework that restricts the unlawful use of lethal force against individuals. The following article discusses legal accountability concerning the United States' targeted killing program and potential mechanisms to enhance this accountability. Thus, accountability is examined first in relation to the decision to designate an individual as a target and then in the execution of the operation. The focus of the research is on the United States program, but the aim is to clarify the complex considerations related to efforts to strengthen legal accountability for any government conducting such operations. However, the findings of this research indicate a lack of any legal mechanism provided by countries employing this program. https://jplsq.ut.ac.ir/article_103710_881f5c962746e210e58bac6a5653af39.pdf