Statement Regarding the US Attack on Iran
The Akron chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) strongly condemns the criminal attacks by the United States on Iran.
On June 22, the United States launched “Operation Midnight Hammer,” bombing the Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, the Natanz Nuclear Facility, and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center. These attacks are an escalation by the Trump administrations continuing support of Israel’s genocide of Palestine and an extension of Israel’s criminal attacks on Iran.
Israel, sustained by the American empire, has repeatedly escalated against indigenous populations in the region, from the genocide in Gaza to the occupation of south Lebanon to regime change in Syria to the failed war on Yemen.
By escalating against Iran, Israel is set to further plunge the entire region into a war that would have catastrophic consequences for millions of people. We must also be prepared for the eventuality of direct American involvement in this war, through sustained strikes or other means of escalation against Iran and its allies, given Israel’s role as an essential arm of American hegemony in the region. Also, given the diplomatic situation in the region and various nation-state alliances, direct US involvement could trigger the existential threat of world war and a nuclear exchange.
Akron DSA affirms Iran’s right to self-defense, guaranteed by Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, in addition to affirming its right to development including nuclear development, particularly so long as Israel is not a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We believe that the political, economic, and technological sovereignty of Iran, or any country, is not up for negotiation.
Moreover, we demand
- An end to American sanctions on Iran, that is, economic warfare on the Iranian people
- An end to all American military and diplomatic aid to Israel, which fuels Israeli settler colonialism
- An end to American imperialism in West Asia, which begins with the closure of all American military bases in the region
DSA stands in solidarity with the Iranian people, anti-imperialist forces in the region, and anti-war organizers here in the United States fighting against our government’s criminal policy toward Iran. Only by dismantling the structures of American imperialism and Israeli settler colonialism can lasting peace and dignity be achieved.
Akron DSA is building a movement of Anti-Imperialism, Anti-War, organized labor and socialists in solidarity with comrades all over the world. If you’re interested in getting involved with local activism, join Akron DSA. No War but CLASS WAR! Free Palestine!