Iran
Teachers strike wave spreads across five continents
By Eric London, 7 March 2019
From Bamako to Buenos Aires and Sacramento to São Paulo, the teachers’ strike movement shows the international character of the class struggle.
War summit in Warsaw
By Bill Van Auken, 15 February 2019
While Netanyahu’s statement that this week’s conference in Warsaw was called to discuss “war with Iran” was treated by the media as a gaffe, it was nothing of the kind.
The Iranian Revolution—Forty Years On
By Keith Jones, 13 February 2019
It is the Stalinist Tudeh Party and the politics of Stalinism that were principally responsible for the tragic derailing of the Iranian Revolution.
US-born anchor for Iranian TV jailed without charges
By Bill Van Auken, 18 January 2019
The police state style abduction and imprisonment of Marzieh Hashemi is part of Washington’s wider preparations for war against Iran.
At Washington’s behest
Canada arrests top Chinese executive for “sanctions busting”
By Keith Jones and Roger Jordan, 7 December 2018
The arrest and impending extradition to the US of Meng Wanzhou is a diplomatic and geopolitical provocation that has effectively blown up the US-China trade-war “truce” after less than a week.
US escalates illegal economic war on the people of Iran
By Keith Jones, 6 November 2018
Speaking like a mafia don, Pompeo offered Iran “a choice” between making a “180-degree turn from its outlaw course of action” and seeing “its economy crumble.”
Europe and America clash over Washington’s economic war on Iran
By Keith Jones, 5 November 2018
Washington’s imposition of sweeping new sanctions on Iran—aimed at strangling its economy and precipitating regime change—is roiling world geopolitics.
US expands illegal, unilateral sanctions against Iran
By Mike Head, 3 November 2018
The measures Washington outlined yesterday are tantamount to a declaration of war.
As sanctions tighten, Washington threatens Iran with “military might”
By Keith Jones, 2 November 2018
The US is dramatically escalating its illegal, economic war against Iran, with the aim of crashing its economy and imposing a pro-US regime in Tehran.
Australian government backs far-right “OK to be white” motion in Senate
By Mike Head, 19 October 2018
The government’s embrace of the slogan, long championed by alt-right and neo-Nazi groups, has a far-reaching significance.
International Court of Justice strikes down US sanctions against Iran
By Alex Lantier, 4 October 2018
The International Court of Justice has no power to enforce its decision, and US officials immediately made clear they will defy the ICJ ruling.
Iran fires missiles at Islamist “rebels” as US vows to remain in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 2 October 2018
Washington and Tehran, already at odds over escalating US sanctions, are coming into increasing conflict over military operations in Syria.
Washington amplifies war threats against Iran, bullies the world
By Keith Jones, 27 September 2018
In his two days at the UN, Trump threatened much of the world, giving voice to the insatiable aspirations of US imperialism and the dissatisfaction of its ruling elite at the erosion of its economic power.
Against backdrop of UN General Assembly
Trump to intensify economic war on Iran
By Keith Jones, 25 September 2018
The US sanctions are both manifestly illegal and reckless; under international law, they are tantamount to an act of war.
Twenty-nine killed in attack on military parade in southwestern Iran
By Keith Jones, 24 September 2018
Tehran has accused Washington and its Gulf client states of facilitating Saturday’s attack.
Iran responds to economic crisis and US destabilisation with repression of working class
By Jean Shaoul, 21 September 2018
This year has witnessed increasing social and economic unrest among all layers of the Iranian working class over high unemployment and soaring inflation.
As IAEA confirms Iranian compliance with nuclear deal
Washington and Tehran trade threats over the Strait of Hormuz
By Jordan Shilton, 3 September 2018
The latest IAEA findings expose the Trump administration’s provocative policy, which threatens to plunge the entire region into military conflict.
Trump menaces the world over Iran sanctions
By Peter Symonds, 8 August 2018
Under the banner of “peace,” the US is preparing for trade war and war—not only against Iran, but against all potential rivals, including its European and Asian allies.
US launches economic war on Iran, roils Mideast and world geopolitics
By Keith Jones, 7 August 2018
Trump signed an executive order Monday re-imposing sweeping US economic sanctions against Iran that were suspended in 2016 as part of the Iran nuclear deal.
US preparing for regime change and war against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 30 July 2018
Following Trump’s belligerent threats against Iran, a national security meeting was convened in Washington to thrash out the next stage in the escalating confrontation.
Trump threatens Iran with a catastrophic war
By Keith Jones, 24 July 2018
Trump’s tweet was no idle bluster. His administration is pursuing a provocative and reckless drive for regime change in Iran that threatens to ignite a catastrophic war that would set the entire Middle East ablaze.
Pentagon and Iran trade threats over renewed oil sanctions
By Bill Van Auken, 6 July 2018
US imperialism is preparing for a military confrontation with Iran that could quickly eclipse the bloodbaths in those countries and precipitate a regional and even world war.
Trump pressed aides, Latin American leaders on US invasion of Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 5 July 2018
The report from a senior US official on Trump’s statements points to the threat of Washington unleashing a new war in Latin America.
Bazaar merchants protest against government in Iran
By Jean Shaoul, 3 July 2018
Recent protests reflect sharp tensions and divisions within the regime due to the developing economic crisis inside Iran.
US sanctions against Iran aimed at regime change
By Peter Symonds, 30 June 2018
Companies that fail to stop buying Iranian oil by November 4 face being excluded from the US financial system.
Israel’s Netanyahu tours Europe to advocate action against Iran
By Jean Shaoul, 7 June 2018
For all their differences with Trump, and evident distaste for Netanyahu, the European leaders did not seek to distance themselves from his demands because they know he speaks for Washington.
US Secretary of State Pompeo presents war ultimatum to Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 22 May 2018
Washington’s “Plan B” after scrapping the nuclear deal is to escalate economic sanctions and military pressure aimed at toppling the Iranian government.
Bernie Sanders defends American imperialism at town hall on Iran
By Tom Hall, 22 May 2018
Sanders, along with his guests, presented a thoroughly conventional, pro-imperialist critique of the Trump administration’s decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear accord.
German Chancellor Merkel announces major rearmament program
By Christoph Vandreier, 17 May 2018
Facing a deepening conflict with the United States, Berlin is seeking to use its armed forces to pursue its geo-strategic interests around the world.
European Union tries to salvage Iran nuclear accord from US unilateralism
By Jean Shaoul, 17 May 2018
The European powers are furious because Trump’s threats cut across their attempts to exploit Iran economically and fear sanctions presage a war that will destabilise the Middle East
German militarization and Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal
By Johannes Stern, 15 May 2018
Following US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear accord, the German bourgeoisie is intensifying its campaign for militarism, rearmament, and war.
Israel marks 70th anniversary amid war crimes and deepening social crisis
By Bill Van Auken, 14 May 2018
Washington’s ripping up of the Iran nuclear treaty and moving of its embassy to Jerusalem have given the Israeli state a green light for war with Iran and violent suppression of the Palestinians.
US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal drives Ankara into a corner
By Halil Celik, 14 May 2018
Washington’s reimposition of punishing economic sanctions on Iran, and its plans to force other countries to follow suit, threatens to roil the already crisis-ridden Turkish economy.
US steps up pressure on Iran with new round of sanctions
By Jordan Shilton, 12 May 2018
Announced the same day as Israel launched its largest-ever direct assault on Iranian infrastructure in Syria, the sanctions mark a further step by US imperialism in the direction of an all-out military confrontation with Iran.
For a working-class strategy against the imperialist repartition of the Middle East!
By Keith Jones, 11 May 2018
In Iran, as around the world, the struggle against imperialist aggression and war must be founded on the independent political mobilization of the working class and the perspective of Permanent Revolution.
European powers condemn Trump’s cancellation of Iran nuclear treaty
By Alex Lantier and Johannes Stern, 10 May 2018
Trump’s scrapping of the 2015 treaty has revealed deep and explosive divisions between Washington and its imperialist allies in Europe.
Middle East teeters on brink of region-wide war after US withdrawal from Iran deal
By Jordan Shilton, 10 May 2018
After Israeli war planes targeted Iranian personnel in Syria for the third time in less than a month, Iranian Quds forces reportedly launched rockets into northern Israel.
Trump torpedoes Iran nuclear accord
By Keith Jones, 9 May 2018
In its reckless and ruinous drive for global hegemony, US imperialism, like the Nazi regime, makes diplomatic agreements only to break them when expedient.
Tensions rise with Trump set to announce decision on Iran nuclear deal
By Bill Van Auken, 8 May 2018
With Trump’s allies signaling that he will rip up the agreement, Israel has issued increasingly bellicose threats against Iran.
Washington and Tel Aviv lurching toward a war with Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 2 May 2018
The aggression that is being prepared by the US and Israel threatens to drag all of the major powers into what could prove a catastrophic world war.
Israel denounces Iran nuclear deal after new missile strikes on Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 1 May 2018
Netanyahu’s bellicose speech indicting Iran, following on the heels of missile strikes on Syria, underscores the growing threat of a region-wide war.
The growing threat of an Israeli war against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 26 April 2018
In the shadow of US-French discussions on the Iranian nuclear deal, Israel is preparing for a military confrontation with Iran, threatening to ignite a regional and even global war.
Turkish, Russian and Iranian presidents meet in Ankara
By Halil Celik, 10 April 2018
The presidents of Turkey, Russia and Iran came together in Ankara April 4 to discuss developments in Syria as well as the relations between the three countries.
On the brink of war: US and NATO prepare military strike on Syria
By Keith Jones, 10 April 2018
The American and European ruling elites see in war a means not only to reverse a series of geopolitical setbacks in the Middle East, but also to crack down on domestic political opposition.
Mehring Books publishes The Struggle against Imperialism and For Workers’ Power in Iran
24 March 2018
The pamphlet addresses pivotal issues of socialist strategy in a country that for decades has been a target of US imperialist intrigue and aggression, and where the working class, as heralded by the protests that opened 2018, is now striving to find the road of independent class struggle.
Netanyahu, Trump discuss war preparations against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 7 March 2018
Netanyahu, facing criminal indictment in Israel, and Trump, his administration in deepening crisis, met to discuss plans for an escalation of military aggression against Iran.
Washington delivers new ultimatum on Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 20 February 2018
The Trump administration is threatening to abrogate the Iran nuclear agreement in order to force the European powers to adopt a hard line against Tehran.
A reply to a proponent of “Iranian Islamic socialism”
The struggle against imperialism and for workers’ power in Iran—Part 3
By Keith Jones, 16 February 2018
The only viable basis for opposing imperialism is the revolutionary mobilization of the workers and toilers of Iran and the Middle East, based on an appeal to their democratic and social strivings.
A reply to a proponent of “Iranian Islamic socialism”
The struggle against imperialism and for workers’ power in Iran—Part 2
By Keith Jones, 15 February 2018
Mazaheri equates the Islamic Republic with the “democratic popular” upsurge of 1978 and 1979. In reality, this upsurge involved antagonistic class forces with very different aims and aspirations.
A reply to a proponent of “Iranian Islamic socialism”
The struggle against imperialism and for workers’ power in Iran
By Keith Jones, 14 February 2018
The history of Iran and the global struggle against imperialism demonstrates that a viable anti-imperialist strategy can only be founded on the independent political mobilization of the working-class in opposition to all factions of the bourgeoisie.
Stricken Iranian tanker sinks, causing major oil spill in East China Sea
By Robert Campion, 17 January 2018
After the ship exploded, all its crew members were presumed dead and concerns were raised about the worst petroleum condensate discharge in history.
Trump vows to renew all-out economic war on Iran
By Keith Jones, 13 January 2018
Trump insisted he will issue no further waivers of economic sanctions unless the Iran nuclear agreement is rewritten in accordance with his demands.
10 January 2018
Iran: Anti-government protests abate in face of mass repression
By Jordan Shilton and Keith Jones, 8 January 2018
None of the grievances fueling the working class protests that swept across Iran in recent days have been addressed, let alone resolved.
Trump “defends” the right to protest in Iran, criminalizes protest in Washington
By E.P. Milligan, 8 January 2018
Even as Trump was bloviating about the right to protest in Iran, his Justice Department was carrying out a political trial against peaceful protesters in a brazen attack on the freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed by the US Constitution.
The working class unrest in Iran: The WSWS replies to an apologist of the Iranian regime
By Keith Jones, 6 January 2018
The WSWS’s attitude toward Iran is based on two fundamental factors: Iran’s character as a historically oppressed country that must be defended against imperialism and the antagonistic relationship between the Iranian bourgeoisie and working class.
Working class opposition erupts in Iran: A harbinger for the world in 2018
By Keith Jones, 4 January 2018
The working class unrest in Iran has already upset the calculations not just of the Iranian elite, but of governments around the world.
Mass protests against austerity and social inequality shake Iranian regime
By Keith Jones, 3 January 2018
The protests are fueled by deep-rooted class anger in a country where the unemployment rate for youth approaches 40 percent and half of the population lives in poverty.
An interview with Iranian filmmaker Ali Asgari, co-director of The Silence and Disappearance
“The subjects that interest us are connected with social issues and the lack of equality”
By David Walsh, 1 December 2017
Ali Asgari and Farnoosh Samadi are Iranian filmmakers working sensitively on social subjects. The Silence, a short work filmed in Italy, is their latest effort.
Earthquake near Iran-Iraq border kills hundreds and injures thousands
By Trévon Austin, 14 November 2017
The 7.3 magnitude earthquake is the deadliest in 2017.
Crown Prince extends purge of rivals in Saudi Arabia
By Jean Shaoul, 10 November 2017
The scale of the purge testifies to the mortal crisis wracking the venal ruling clique in Riyadh, which treats the country as its personal fiefdom.
Saudi crown prince charges Iran with “act of war”
By Jordan Shilton, 8 November 2017
After purging his main domestic rivals, Crown Prince Bin Salman accused Tehran of “direct military aggression” after a missile was fired into Saudi Arabia from Yemen.
Lebanese crisis bound up with war drive against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 6 November 2017
Prime Minister Hariri announced his resignation in Riyadh, echoing the virulent anti-Iranian rhetoric of the Saudi monarchy.
Trump, Iran and the US drive for world hegemony
By Keith Jones, 16 October 2017
Trump’s new “Iran strategy” has been denounced by European leaders, who accuse Washington of acting as a law unto itself, inciting a global nuclear arms race and heightening the danger of war in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula.
Transatlantic antagonisms deepen after Trump threatens withdrawal from Iran deal
By Jordan Shilton, 16 October 2017
Transatlantic relations have deteriorated throughout 2017 as Trump has resorted to “America first” nationalism and the major European powers, above all Germany, have advanced their own imperialist ambitions.
Denouncing Iran as a terrorist state, Trump refuses to recertify nuclear accord
By Keith Jones, 14 October 2017
US President Donald Trump vowed Friday that he will use his presidential powers to blow up the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran unless it is amended to Washington’s satisfaction.
Trump’s threats against Iran aggravate German-American tensions
By Johannes Stern, 14 October 2017
Trump’s aggressive course of action against Iran has provoked a strong reaction in Berlin, where German politicians and media figures are openly discussing a break with the US.
Trump to light fuse under Iran nuclear deal, as part of more aggressive anti-Iran strategy
By Jordan Shilton, 11 October 2017
In addition to certifying Iran as non-compliant with the 2015 nuclear deal, Trump is said to be preparing to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a “terrorist organization.”
US initiates plan to blow-up Iran nuclear deal
By Keith Jones, 21 September 2017
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson outlined Washington’s demands for the “renegotiation” of the Iran nuclear accord at a meeting yesterday of its signatories.
Trump administration preparing to escalate provocations against Iran
By Jordan Shilton, 15 September 2017
Washington’s ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, indicated that Trump will refuse to certify Teheran’s compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal.
France boosts trade ties with Iran despite US sanction threats
By Kumaran Ira, 12 August 2017
These deals point to very sharp objective economic conflicts between the European powers and the United States that threaten to spill over into military conflict.
New US provocation in Persian Gulf as Washington expands Iran sanctions
By Bill Van Auken, 31 July 2017
The strategy of the Trump White House and Pentagon is to provoke Iran either into abrogating the nuclear accord, or into an outright military clash with the US.
Trump threatens Iran, plots to scuttle nuclear accord
By Jordan Shilton, 24 July 2017
Trump’s bellicose remarks came just days after he reluctantly agreed to certify Iran’s compliance with the terms of the 2015 nuclear accord.
Saudi ultimatum to Qatar brings Middle East to brink of wider war
By Peter Symonds, 26 June 2017
The Saudi-led ultimatum to Qatar contains demands deliberately designed to be rejected, providing the pretext for even tougher sanctions and military action.
Marching toward a wider war in the Middle East
By Bill Van Auken, 14 June 2017
Behind the bitter political warfare in Washington and the endless claims of Russian interference in the election, very real wars in the Middle East are threatening to coalesce into a regional or even global conflagration.
Terror attack in Iran exacerbates war tensions in Gulf
By Keith Jones, 8 June 2017
Iranian authorities charged that Saudi Arabia and Washington orchestrated yesterday’s attack, for which the Islamic State claimed responsibility.
Iran’s president wins reelection
By Keith Jones, 22 May 2017
While Rouhani cast himself as the candidate of peace and moderation, he favors slashing social spending and a rapprochement with the imperialist powers.
015 Iran election
20 May 2017
Iran holds presidential election amid mounting geopolitical turbulence
By Keith Jones, 18 May 2017
US “secondary sanctions” continue to squeeze Iran’s economy, contributing to mass joblessness and growing social anger.
At least 23 dead, dozens trapped in Iranian coal mine disaster
By Oscar Grenfell, 4 May 2017
The tragedy underscores the perilous conditions confronting coal miners in Iran and around the world.
Washington threatens war against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 21 April 2017
Secretary of State Tillerson made clear that Tehran’s compliance with the nuclear agreement would do nothing to prevent US military aggression.
US secretary of state issues war threat against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 20 April 2017
The administration indicated it will review all sanctions lifted as part of the agreement, with an eye toward reimposing them on the phony pretext that Tehran is a “state sponsor” of terrorism.
Top US general calls for military action against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 30 March 2017
General Joseph Votel’s provocative remarks and calls for military action feed into the growing clamour in Washington for tough measures against Iran.
China protests US sanctions on Iran
By Peter Symonds, 8 February 2017
The Trump administration blacklisted three Chinese individuals and two Chinese companies in retaliation for Iran’s missile test.
Democrats back Trump administration’s new sanctions against Iran
By Joseph Kishore, 4 February 2017
The sanctions are part of an aggressive shift of the new administration and follow the declaration of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn that Iran was being put “on notice.”
Washington’s war threat against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 3 February 2017
It would be a dangerous mistake to believe that the actions of the Trump White House are the result of mere improvisation or impulse. Rather, they are part of a definite plan.
White House issues war threat against Iran
By Peter Symonds, 2 February 2017
National Security Adviser Michael Flynn put Iran “on notice” over its ballistic missile test, accusing it of “destabilising behaviour.”
US destroyer fires warning shots at Iranian patrol boats
By Peter Symonds, 10 January 2017
The incident underscores the volatile situation in the Middle East and the potential for a rapid rise of US-Iranian tensions once Trump assumes the US presidency.
Russia, Iran and Turkey issue joint declaration on Syrian settlement
By Bill Van Auken, 22 December 2016
The joining of Turkey, a NATO ally, with Moscow and Tehran has provoked anger and recriminations from the US establishment and media.
The life and career of Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami
By David Walsh, 14 July 2016
The Iranian director will be best remembered and long honored for the series of feature films, including documentaries, that he made between 1987 and 1997.
With Washington’s blessing, Boeing signs mega-deal with Iran
By Roger Jordan, 12 July 2016
Boeing’s $20 billion deal to sell commercial aircraft to Iran Air is by far the largest US business transaction with Tehran since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
999 Modi in Iran
1 July 2016
Doha oil talks collapse
By Nick Beams, 19 April 2016
The main reason for the failure to agree on an oil production freeze appears to be tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which are on opposites sides in conflicts in the Middle East.
Washington steps up threats over Iran missile tests
By Bill Van Auken, 11 March 2016
While the tests by Iran do not violate the nuclear accord, Washington sees them as an intolerable affront to its drive for hegemony.
Iranian elections strengthen Rouhani’s hand
By Keith Jones, 1 March 2016
Last Friday’s elections have strengthened a faction of Iran’s ruling elite that favours speedy rapprochement with Washington and accelerated neo-liberal restructuring.
Iran’s President Rouhani visits Italy, France as economic rivalries deepen
By Kumaran Ira, 5 February 2016
After lifting sanctions on Iran, the imperialist powers are locked in a bitter competition over who will seize the largest share of lucrative Iranian markets.
Europe joins the economic “gold rush” to Tehran
By Peter Symonds, 30 January 2016
Iranian President Rouhani’s trip to Europe signals that Iran is wide open for foreign investors following this month’s lifting of international sanctions.
US and EU lift economic sanctions against Iran
By Keith Jones, 18 January 2016
The nuclear deal with Iran is a tactical shift by Washington, the aim of which is to strengthen US imperialism so it can better confront, including militarily, China and Russia.
Iran releases US sailors in run-up to nuclear sanction relief
By Bill Van Auken, 14 January 2016
The incident served to highlight the deep divisions within the US political establishment over the nuclear deal.
US Navy vessels impounded in Iranian waters
By Keith Jones, 13 January 2016
US Republicans seized on yesterday’s incident to repeat their charge that Obama is “appeasing” Tehran and demand a renewed campaign of economic sanctions and military threats against Iran.
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