Early February 28, US and Israeli military forces struck Iranian cities and military installations with the goal of regime change in Iran. This harkens back to US and British imperialism from 1953. The US overthrew the democratically elected prime minister and socialist Mohammed Mossadeq, and installed the oppressive Shah of Iran. Today, the Shah’s son, backed by the US, waits for regime change once again.
The Peace & Justice Party condemns these offensive actions. They are not aimed at making anyone safer, either here or abroad. And they do not protect the people of Iran – who will only be collateral damage from these strikes.
This attack serves only elite interests. The maintenance of standing armies, war preparation, and military adventurism enriches war profiteers, but steals resources from society. American workers and the poor do not benefit. Instead, workers and the poor suffer from increased taxes, higher prices from supply chain disruptions, and being cannon fodder in a war they never wanted.
The Peace & Justice Party is anti-military, anti-war, and unequivocally for peace. As a socialist party, we oppose military intervention by capitalist forces.
We call for the prompt and orderly demilitarization of these forces, leading to their abolition. We must bear witness against capitalist war. We call on Vermonters and all peoples to organize against war, and speak in solidarity with the working class in Iran.