CODEPINK, Jun 18, 2025

As the world witnesses Israel’s unprovoked attacks on Iran, fueled by decades of propaganda, we must call it what it is: fascism in action. Iran has acted only in defense of its sovereignty, after enduring constant provocation at the hands of Israel and the U.S.

In launching these attacks on Iran, including operations deep inside the country, Israel and the U.S. are again showing their contempt for international law. The ongoing assault represent a serious escalation:

• Violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter:
  An Israeli strike on Iranian territory without UN Security Council authorization or clear evidence of imminent threat constitutes an illegal use of force.
• Violation of State Sovereignty (Customary International Law):
  Conducting military operations inside Iran is a breach of its sovereignty.
• Violation of UN Charter Article 51 (Right to Self-Defense):
  Israel cannot legally claim self-defense without a clear and imminent Iranian attack.
• Breach of International Humanitarian Law (IHL):
  The attack caused civilian casualties and targeted infrastructure with no demonstrated military necessity. Even when Israel says they targeted nuclear scientists, these scientists are civilians living amongst civilians!
• Breach of UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (Definition of Aggression):
  A strike on a sovereign state without legal justification fits the definition of aggression.

Let’s be clear: Iran did not provoke this. The U.S. and Iran were actually in the middle of negotiations when Israel launched its attacks. Why isn’t The New York Times calling this out? Why isn’t it citing facts, demanding accountability, and urging diplomacy? The publication’s hypocrisy and history of echoing official propaganda are not just irresponsible; they’re deadly.

We’ve seen this before. The New York Times’ role in manufacturing consent for the 2003 invasion of Iraq helped enable a war based on lies—a war that killed over one million Iraqis and displaced millions more. Now, as the U.S. uses Israel as a proxy to attack Iran, the American public once again turns to The Times, and, once again, The Times is enabling violence through omission, euphemism, and passive language.

Even as the U.S. denies direct involvement in the attacks, the facts, along with President Trump’s statements, tell a different story. This is not a defensive response. It is premeditated and offensive. U.S. officials were reportedly informed of Israel’s plans in advance. Embassies were evacuated. Air defense systems were repositioned. And, of course, Israel carried out this criminal operation using U.S.-supplied weapons and aircraft. Washington is beyond complicit; it is an active player in this escalation.

Read Medea’s article on Israel’s strikes on Iran sparking growing dissent in Congress

The New York Times has the power to shape public opinion. By refusing to report accurately and responsibly—downplaying Israeli and U.S. aggression, ignoring the civilian death toll, burying the lead—The Times is again carrying water for Zionist, imperialist violence.

We demand The New York Times:

• Report the facts, including U.S. foreknowledge and support.
• Investigate the role of U.S.-made AI weapons and technology in the assault.
• Cover the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the West Bank, including the siege and internet blackout.
• Stop parroting official narratives—and start holding power to account.

This is not objectivity. This is not journalism. This is war propaganda

We, the people, are watching and demanding the truth.

 TAKE ACTION NOW

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