Australian news and politics live: Penny Wong says Australia alarmed by Israel-Iran escalation

Michaelia Cash says the Coalition is calling on the Albanese Government to support and protect any Australians in the region after Israel attacked Iran.

“We also urge all Australians in the region to heed the official advice during this uncertain time,” Ms Cash said.

“We expect the Government to prioritise the safety of Australian personnel and their families.”

Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash has described the escalating conflict in the Middle East between Iran and Israel as “concerning” and called for “caution and dialogue”.

Israel has claimed it launched a “pre-emptive strike” on Iran amid concerns over Tehran’s nuclear program and warned the military operation could continue for days.

“The Coalition is concerned about the escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict and encourages caution and dialogue between both countries,” she said in a statement on Friday.

Senator Cash said Iran must also guarantee that it will not pursue or acquire nuclear weapons.

“We also call on Iran to stop its sponsorship of terrorism, including backing Hamas and Hezbollah,” she said.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reportedly alive after Israel’s strike on Tehran.

It is understood that his senior advisor, Ali Shamkhani, has been left in a “critical” condition.

The Supreme Leader has reportedly been briefed on the attacks while Iran prepares to strike Israel.

Iranian State television says IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Ali Tehranchi, and Fereydoon Abbasi—a top nuclear scientist have been killed by the Israeli strikes on targets in Iran.

Israel, which is currently bracing for possible retaliatory strikes, launched a pre-emptive military operation on Iran on Friday morning.

A state of emergency has been declared in Israel.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has described the Indian plane crash as “devastating and distressing” for India and the United Kingdom.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London crashed shortly after take-off yesterday in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad with 242 people on board.

“This is heartbreaking, and I speak for all of Australia when I say, this is heartbreaking,” she said.

“(It’s a) devastating and distressing day for these two countries, and many others.

“At this stage, we have not been advised that any Australians were on board, but we remain closely engaged with authorities.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran.

Speaking in Adelaide on Friday, she said Australia was monitoring the situation and urged all parties to “prioritise diplomacy”.

“I did speak to the Israeli Ambassador yesterday, and I would again say… I think the international community understands the risk to peace and security from Iran’s nuclear program, and we urge the parties to prioritise diplomacy and to prioritise dialogue” she said.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has remained tight-lipped when asked if Australia was open to any changes in the AUKUS agreement if sought by the US after the Pentagon launched a review into the pact.

She reiterated that it was a long-standing agreement that had been held firm through various Governments, PMs and Defence Ministers and was a “benefit to all three countries”.

“We will continue to emphasise it to all other partner governments, but also to the community, this is a benefit - this has a benefit to all three countries,” she said.

We recognise the enterprise that AUKUS is. It’s a multi-decade, multi-government project, partnership, to the benefit of all our countries.

“In particular, there are many near-term benefits to the United States from AUKUS, including additional maintenance days, additional submarine days in the water as a consequence of Australian involvement.

“In particular… the ability for (Submarine Rotational Force West) in Western Australia.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has labelled Anthony Albanese a “very experienced international negotiator” ahead of his G7 appearance, where he hopes to secure a sideline meeting with Donald Trump.

The Prime Minister is under mounting pressure to hold talks with the US president after the Pentagon launched a review on Thursday into the AUKUS pact.

Ms Wong asked about the meeting, which is yet to be formally confirmed.

“The Prime Minister is a very experienced international negotiator and I certainly won’t pre-empt what he might want or have to say,” she said.

“But obviously these are... this is an important meeting.

“It’s a privilege for Australia to be invited and I know the Prime Minister is looking forward to the opportunity to engage with all of the G7 nations.”

International Development Minister Anne Aly has reiterated calls for “unimpeded access” for aid into Gaza.

“We continue to use our voice along with others to call on Israel for the unimpeded access and distribution of aid within Gaza in line with international humanitarian law,” she said.

It comes as she announced Australia would partner with a Jordanian organisation to assist with medical aid for vulnerable people in the region.

“This medical - this aid to them… will enable them to continue to provide that aid within Gaza, that urgent medical aid,” she said while speaking in Adelaide alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Friday.

“As well as the food aid that we are providing to UNICEF through that $5 million.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has defended the decision to sanction two Israeli Government ministers and maintained Australia had a “longstanding friendship” with Israel.

The sanctions imposed this week target National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, claiming they engaged in extremist settler policies in the occupied West Bank.

“We have a longstanding friendship with the people of Israel. We want that to continue,” Ms Wong said when asked about them on Friday.

“We disagreed with the actions of these ministers in relation to the West Bank, and we disagree with the actions of the Netanyahu Government in the blockade of aid into Gaza.

“That is a principled position to take. I am not engaging in the domestic politics of Israel. I don’t think it is good for international relations to engage in the domestic politics of other countries. So we don’t.”

The sanctions were imposed alongside allies including the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway.