Reflections on the movement to oppose the war against Iran

Written by: Louisa L, and Nick G. on 22 March 2026

 

(NSW rally against Iran war - photo supplied)

US imperialism is the greatest enemy of the world’s peoples. We hail the heroic Iranian people in their struggle to defeat it. A second enemy, acting in concert with US imperialism, is Israeli Zionism. Netanyahu and others in the Zionist leadership are openly committed to the goal of Greater Israel, which includes expansion into and occupation of parts or all of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. 

The Iranian government and military, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have inflicted huge blows on both aggressors in the face of horrific carnage. Palestinians have not been defeated. Despite the carnage, neither Hamas nor the two main Palestinian liberation fronts have been destroyed; Hezbollah still exists and is fighting back, and the Houthis remain a potentially powerful player.

On January 17, when large numbers of Iranians had taken to the streets to protest the regime, and were bloodily suppressed, we released a statement that “supports the right of the Iranian people to rebel against the country’s theocratic dictatorship”.

We said: “We support the demands of the progressive elements: 
 
• Oppose any foreign interference in Iran, especially from US and Israel  
• Oppose the Islamic Republic of Iran 
• Defend imprisoned politicians and stop the killings”

The attacks launched by the US imperialists and the Israeli Zionists on February 28 represented a qualitative change in the Iranian situation, and hence in our demands.

The second slogan, “Oppose the Islamic Republic of Iran” was no longer appropriate. Not only was there no organised force within Iran capable of defeating it following the February 28 US-Israeli aggression, but the main task now was also the defeat of that aggression. The Iranian people still have their own independent and just demands which would strengthen the masses and the united front within Iran and the diaspora. They must determine the best way forward in a complex situation.

Heal divisions within the diaspora

Several weeks ago, an Iranian anti-imperialist protest outside the US embassy in Sydney was drowned out by a counter demonstration shouting their love and thanks to Trump and the US.  Israel’s flags were carried by some.

Divisions within the diaspora grew as others also previously imprisoned and tortured in Iran have made clear the key principal contradiction is with the US imperialist regime’s attacks on Iran.  

Reality has made clear there can be no talk at this time of overthrowing the Iranian government which is standing firm against US and Zionist bombardment, as it had previously done with its support for the Palestinians and Lebanon.

On Saturday 14th March a protest organised by the Sydney Anti-AUKUS coalition, the MC demanded an Iranian flag be removed. Rightly, that demand was refused. An Iranian woman who denounced the repressive actions of the Iranian government was drowned out, the microphone removed, and a sea of Iranian flags were raised, alongside placards of Ayatollah Khamenei. Contradictory emotions and demands within the diaspora are to be expected. There must be unity around opposition to imperialism and Zionism and opposing views accommodated and respected. A thousand-strong march spontaneously took to the streets chanting an end to US imperialism, declaring support for Iran, for Palestine, for Lebanon.

In the leadup to the US/Israel attacks some communists, leftists and women activists whose family or themselves had been tortured and imprisoned in Iran, called for the overthrow of the Iranian government alongside opposition to US imperialism. In speeches and in writing, our party had shown sympathy with them.  

US imperialism motivated by rivalry with Russia and China

(NSW rally against Iran war - photo supplied)

The assassination of Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, after the US unilaterally ended peace negotiations, is yet another US war crime among millions across the world since World War Two and even earlier.

A crony capitalist US President, who enriches himself and his family directly from government decisions, escalates the US imperialist rampage around the world. 

US imperialism has its own reasons for acting in concert with the Zionist mass murderer Netanyahu. It aims to weaken the influence of rival imperialisms, Russian and Chinese, in the Middle East and specifically in Iran, a full member of BRICS. 

So arrogant are Trump’s mobsters, they made minimal attempts to prepare the ground for the attack with lies and deceit. They quickly dumped the pretence they were liberating the Iranian people. Their disgusting enjoyment of the war, their trashing of rules of war, limited though they are, and sinking of a non-combatant Iranian Navy vessel and abandonment of drowning sailors has alarmed many in the Australian military, particularly in the navy.

Then came denials, and proclaimed ignorance in the face of mass murder of school children.

The US ruling class is divided, with only the military corporations, oil industry and Trump’s CR cronies fully on side. His director of the US National Counterterrorism Centre, Joe Kent, resigned several days ago, saying that “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.” A day or so later, Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence prepared a written statement for a US Senate hearing which said Iran's nuclear enrichment program had been "obliterated" in 2025 strikes, and that the regime had not resumed enrichment activities. 

Trump’s actions have continued to undermine worldwide US alliances with Europe and NATO and much of the rest of the world. 

Iran’s justified retaliation against US military bases in neighbouring countries, has shown the danger of allowing the 750 US bases worldwide, with around 40 in Australia, to operate. We demand removal of those targets from our soil.

The US seems incapable of winning this war. Our party and its spokespeople rightly say we must fight US imperialism here. The period of despondency that followed the Zionist counter attack after the Bondi terrorist attack is being cast aside. 

More and more people understand the cost of living crisis is exacerbated by this war, that it's leading to recession and even an economic depression. Even rationing of some critical commodities seems likely. 

Most Australians can currently cope, but the scale of price rises is shocking. A significant and growing section of our peoples cannot pay the rent or mortgages, or feed and clothe their families. They cannot afford petrol to travel to and from work. Public education and health are undermined. 

We also demand an end to price gouging. We target the giant corporations that control our economy.

While the Federal Government promises to maintain military spending, which has zero to do with defending this country or its peoples, it promises cuts to spending. Where else can these cuts come from, but the basic needs of the people? 

In struggle, we must deepen people’s understanding of what US imperialism means for Australia and its peoples. It’s urgent. 

Our Party places its trust in the masses of the Australian people of all races, ages and religions. Our task is to build the struggle. Serve the People. 

Cut military spending! Remove US military bases. End US domination of Australia.

 

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