The U.S. has deployed its largest naval and air force buildup in the Persian Gulf since 

the Iraq War, including two aircraft carrier strikegroups, advanced fighter jets, and missile defense systems

In most of the mainstream news media, and some on social media, there is confusion and uncertainty about the reasons for the illegal U.S./Israeli war on Iran.

Given some of the deranged bloodthirsty outbursts of Trump this is not surprising.

The Iranian theocratic regime has been in a crisis of its own making for a long time, and despite its election of a new and largely unknown “Supreme Leader”, its crisis and legitimacy is growing more acute. Furthermore, before commencing the U.S.  indiscriminate bombardment, the regime was in no position to pose an immediate threat.

Trump is not acting alone. The U.S. military/industrial complex and its political executive in the Whitehouse has embarked on a campaign to reverse the decline in U.S. global economic power. Whatever the cost!

In this, the expansionist genocidal Israeli state is its ally, and they have their eyes on once again controlling and exploiting Iran.

Daily Trump’s actions threaten Iran with the same fate and tragedy of Gaza. For the people of Iran this is a clear and present danger. However the illegal war also threatens wider economic chaos and risks global conflagration.

CODIR has campaigned for 40 years against the theocratic dictatorship in Iran and its ruthless disregard for human rights, which has included the systematic persecution and murder of the Iranian progressive opposition and working class organisations.

However, CODIR is equally and strongly against outside intervention by the U.S. , Israel or any other proxy forces acting on their behalf.

The future of Iran must be for the people of Iran to decide for themselves!

The U.S. may claim victory for its brutal bombardments, but it has done this before following its illegal invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan and destabilisation actions in Syria and and Libya, all of which included British involvement. But the consequences for the people of these countries have been catastrophic.

CODIR’s position is clear: Stop the war! Oppose external intervention! Oppose the dictatorship! Solidarity with the people of Iran!

The indiscriminate bombing of Iran has already cost thousands of lives, including schoolchildren. The use of British military assets also lacks legality, risks escalation and is not in the interests of the British people, most of whom oppose intervention.

British trade unions have declared their firm opposition to this wholly unnecessary illegal war. MP’s and peace and humanitarian organisations must join them to oppose further escalation and destabilisation of the whole Middle East.

The conflict must be stopped and an immediate return to negotiations started!

Editor:  Brian Topping, Executive member of CODIR, March 2026

This article is published in the CODIR Bulletin, Spring 2026 edition, prepared for distribution at the 2026 Annual NEU Conference, Brighton.