Diplomatic Protection for the National against another State of Nationality in International Law in the light of the Announcement of UK for Diplomatic Protection for Ms. Nazanin Zaghari

The State's diplomatic protection for its national against another State of nationality is the most challenging issue in international law which most recently highlighted by the announcement of the UK for diplomatic protection for Ms. Nazanin Zaghari who is an Iranian-British dual national. Although the non-responsibility of the State of nationality has been frequently taken into account in such situations in traditional international law, it is now possible to have diplomatic protection against another State of nationality by a State that a multiple nationality has its dominant and effective nationality. Regardless of Ms. Zaghari's dominant nationality, UK's practice in its national and international activities shows that it does not believe to do diplomatic protection against another State of nationality, except in cases where the latter consider him British. Therefore, the UK may be affected by its practice. The UK may resort to the International Court of Justice by reference to the optional protocol attached to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963) and alleging the violation of Article 36(1) of the Convention by Iran. However, Ms. Zaghari's release, which the UK is seeking, will not be a direct result of this resort.