CPI(M) calls for statewide rallies in Kerala against Israeli strikes on Iran

Thiruvananthapuram: The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala has called for state-wide anti-war rallies and anti-imperialist programmes on June 17 and 18, condemning what it described as US-backed Israeli aggression against Iran. In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, the CPI(M) accused Israel of turning West Asia into a battlefield and stoking global fears of war through its continued strikes.

The party claimed that Israel was attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities, despite Iran’s repeated assertions that its nuclear programme was intended solely for peaceful purposes. These claims, the CPI(M) pointed out, had also been supported by international inspections. According to the statement, Israel’s actions were part of a larger US imperialist agenda aimed at destroying Iran and silencing all forms of opposition in the region.

Highlighting what it called parallels with the Iraq invasion, the CPI(M) said the United States had previously justified its 2003 military intervention by alleging the presence of chemical weapons in Iraq—claims that were later proven false. The party warned that similar narratives are now being used to target Iran under the pretext of security concerns.

The CPI(M) also condemned India’s silence on Israel’s actions, particularly the ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israel continues to violate United Nations resolutions calling for an independent Palestinian state. “India, which once firmly stood by the Palestinian cause, is now tacitly approving such aggression by aligning with the United States,” the party alleged.

The CPI(M) called on the people of Kerala to remain vigilant against efforts to portray these geopolitical aggressions as religious conflicts. It urged the public to mobilise against policies that, according to the party, prioritise the interests of global arms dealers over human lives.

The recent Israeli strikes have reportedly killed at least 224 people in Iran since Friday. In retaliation, Iran has launched more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones towards Israel, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people and over 500 injuries. On Tuesday, the Israeli military reported a fresh barrage of missile attacks, with explosions heard across northern Israel.

With PTI inputs