Workers' Group Reaction to the Special Military Operation in Iran

Barely 2 months ago, we saw the quick unfolding of the special military operation in Venezuela, in open disregard of international order. We have spent the best part of January and February on the edge of a possible US seizure (and even military intervention) against a European NATO ally in Greenland. Now, half a year after the bombings of what was allegedly Iran's nuclear programme, Trump has started another special military operation in Iran. 

Firstly, the operation has no sanction of the United Nations. This is hardly surprising, as Trump has created his own version of it (the famed 'Board of Peace'). Secondly, and probably most worrying, is that no one knows what are the exact goals of this war. Are Israel and the US looking for a regime change? Do they want access to the oil? Is the plan to reshape the region and create a Greater Israel? Do they want to eliminate their nuclear programme once and for all? And what if there is no regime collapse? Will the US put boots on the ground? 

Even if the regime were to collapse, it is uncertain what would come after, and if it would not be tainted by the American intervention. It is worth remembering that Iran's current criminal and repressive regime is a byproduct of foreign and mainly western intervention that led to the Islamic revolution in 1979, and that constant intervention by both the United States and the Soviet Union in the area has only fuelled extremism and misery over the decades. The current outlook of Afghanistan ruled again by the Taliban (and now at war with Pakistan), Iraq in a constant state of internal turmoil, and Libya stuck in civil war should offer a warning sign. This operation might bring regional war and chaos, misery and death to thousands or even millions, and it will surely bring forth yet another economic crisis. 

While EU leaders can do little to stop the US from its renewed ambition of open and unhinged imperialism, they have a duty to show that an alternative to the rule of the mightier is possible. It is worrying to see the European Commission president support openly such a military regime change within an illegal military operation without clear goals or limits. It is also even more worrying thatwhen member states exercise their sovereignty to distance themselves from such an operation, they are being bullied and targeted individually by the US. Despite trading with the EU as a block, and highlighting the importance of staying united against threats, plenty of damage can still be done. The EU must stand firm and send a clear message that individual member states will not be picked on individually. This does not mean that the EU should not be ready to defend itself should it be attacked, and we strongly condemn the attacks on Cypriot territory. However, this highlights the realities of actively supporting military attacks and becoming part of the war.

From the workers' group, we call for the respect of international law and for the EU to work on its enforcement, having peace and human rights as clear goals, as well as not being dragged into unilateral military actions. These attacks legitimise others to do the same (such as Russia) and make the world less secure and stable. The actions of Iran against its own people are heinous, and their leaders should be brought to justice using any diplomatic means available. However, history teaches us that military interventions rarely produce what is intended. Which is even worse when we do not have a clear goal in mind.