IASWI Statement Against War
The International Alliance in Support of Workers in Iran (IASWI) condemns in the strongest terms the war launched on February 28, 2026 by the governments of the United States and Israel against the territory of Iran. Framed, among other lies, as a “preemptive strike” and “support for the Iranian people,” this aggression makes clear that civilian lives, safety, and democratic aspirations are not even the least concern of the Trump and Netanyahu regimes. Within the first hours of bombing, more than 150 elementary school girls in Minab, along with education workers, were killed, many more were injured, and hospitals and civilian neighborhoods were targeted in Tehran and other cities across the country.
This war is part of a broader regime-change agenda of the United States and Israel, carried out solely for their own strategic purposes and entirely disconnected from the aspirations of people in Iran for a better future. While claiming to support freedom in Iran, the Trump and Netanyahu governments have consistently sabotaged and endangered grassroots protests and independent social movements, imposed devastating economic sanctions, and promoted figures such as Reza Pahlavi, who has openly endorsed this war.
Back to the Shah?
Reza Pahlavi, the son of the deposed Shah of Iran, has issued statements saying: “My heart aches for the 3 American heroes killed and the 5 wounded by the regime. The Iranian people are forever in their debt. To their grieving families: please accept our immense love, deepest condolences, and eternal gratitude.” He has also shamefully said: “Iranians are grateful to Donald Trump for targeting the oppressive regime and providing an opportunity for freedom. Now is the time for strong and steady leadership to bring this historic opportunity to fruition.” Meanwhile, he has remained silent about the massacre of schoolchildren and other civilians.
This destructive war is not about liberating the Iranian people. On the contrary, it distorts, undermines, and destroys the very struggles for freedom, equality, workers’ rights, and social and economic justice in Iran.
Workers Oppose Imperialist Wars
Independent labour and grassroots organizations inside Iran – including teachers’ associations, bus workers, oil and petrochemical workers, steel workers, sugarcane workers, pensioners, and women’s and student organizations – have consistently opposed imperialist wars, militarism, as well as repression by the Iranian regime. Rooted in workplaces, schools, and communities, they have repeatedly warned that foreign military aggression and domestic authoritarian policies alike undermine their struggles for bread, freedom, gender equality, and democratic rights.
The working class of Iran has been clear: neither bombs, nor economic sanctions, nor authoritarian rule will deliver equality and freedom. The path to liberation lies in the independent collective power of workers, women, students, and oppressed communities themselves. We urge labour and socialist movements worldwide to continue supporting the Iranian working class in their organizing efforts against the capitalist and repressive policies of the Islamic Republic, which has imprisoned labour activists, crushed independent unions, massacred protesters, executed political prisoners, and imposed neoliberal and corrupt economic policies that have devastated working people.
We call on all workers, justice-seeking, and freedom-loving organizations and individuals to urgently demand:
- Immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
- A halt to all US and Israeli bombing and military operations, as well as retaliatory responses by Iranian military forces.
- Protection of civilians and full humanitarian access, including the immediate release of political prisoners whose lives are at grave risk.
We further urge workers, trade unions, socialists and progressive anti-war organizations, and activists internationally to center the grassroots voices and demands inside Iran by:
- Strengthening international solidarity against militarism, imperialism, capitalism, authoritarianism, and repression.
- Supporting the Iranian people’s struggles for freedom, equality, and self-determination without any interference from foreign governments.
The people of Iran and the region do not need bombs or warmongers – they need solidarity from workers and people of conscience around the world.
The US and Israel must Immediately stop bombing Iran!
No to war!
Ceasefire now!
Long live international solidarity! •
