The US-Israeli war on Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz have created a crisis in the world economy and further exposed the fault lines between US imperialism and its Russian and Chinese competitors.
Whether through coups, supporting a US-friendly dictator, or pummeling Iran with sanctions and war, the American ruling class has continually attempted to exert its control over Iran’s people and resources.
Donald Trump appears to have torn up the rule book of world diplomacy. As for the Iranians, they suffered considerable damage, but have emerged from the war with their industries and their war machine virtually intact.
US intelligence agencies have made clear that there is no question of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons for another three years. All this is ignored as the drumbeat of war grows ever louder and more persistent.
In the early hours of Friday, June 13, Israel launched a massive attack on Iran, taking out part of its military leadership and hitting some of its nuclear facilities.
Following two weeks of heavy air strikes, the Israeli army crossed the border of Lebanon and started a land invasion of the country. This is a thoroughly reactionary war, backed and funded by American imperialism.