create a virtual machine from the CLI? (KVM)

Just use:

virt-install \
--name vm_name \
--ram=2048 \
--vcpus=2 \
--disk pool=guest_images,size=30,bus=virtio,format=qcow2 \
--cdrom /var/iso/debian.iso \
--network bridge=kvmbr0,model=virtio \
--graphics vnc,listen=0.0.0.0,password=Qwerty1234 \
--boot cdrom,hd,menu=on

Where /var/iso/debian.iso - path to iso image

guest_images - disk pool, you need to create it before vm