Australian Students Join IYSSE Protests Against War on Iran

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) has held university speakouts across Australia opposing the escalating US-led war against Iran. Events took place at Western Sydney University (WSU) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), with a further speakout scheduled at the University of Melbourne.

Australian Government Complicity in the War against Iran

IYSSE speakers described the US-Israeli war as criminal and unprovoked. They alleged that the Australian Labor government is complicit in war crimes against Iran.

According to the group, Australian military personnel were aboard the US submarine that torpedoed and sank the unarmed IRIS Dena in international waters, resulting in the deaths of 140 sailors.

Labor has further supported the conflict by deploying missiles, a warplane, and personnel, including SAS commandos, in an effort aimed at regime-change and the annihilation of Iranian society.

Global Conflict and Class Struggle

At QUT, IYSSE member Mark Wilson stated that the war is inseparable from the genocide in Gaza, which he claimed served as a political precedent for current methods. He added that the conflict is part of a broader global war involving the US-NATO conflict against Russia in Ukraine and preparations for war against China.

WSU club president Zach Diotte urged students and young people to turn to the international working class to end the war. He argued that the true enemy is the capitalist ruling class rather than workers abroad.

Socialist Equality Party assistant national-secretary Max Boddy noted that war abroad is accompanied by a war against the social and democratic rights of the working class, providing a basis for a socialist anti-war movement.

Warnings of Regional Escalation

Ethan, an IYSSE supporter, criticized Prime Minister Albanese for aligning with the war. He warned that the imminent activation of the draft in the United States, and the possibility of an Australian draft, must be opposed.

Abigail, a student at QUT, described the conflict as “anti-humanitarian” and “insane,” stating that many Australians do not support the government’s involvement.

WSU student Yakup warned that the war could devastate the Middle East, specifically naming Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. He suggested that the U.S. has taken steps that make the conflict difficult to end.

An international IT student added that the war reflects American imperialism’s determination to dominate the Middle East. He criticized the UN as ineffective and warned that the current political backing in Washington could lead the U.S. to attempt to conquer other nations.