Penny Wong accuses Iran of interference in Australia as Donald Trump pushes Middle East peace deal
Australia has joined more than 20 nations condemning Iran, with Penny Wong vowing to ‘stand up’ to the regime’s interference.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has accused Iran of projecting a “malign influence” into Australia, joining more than 20 countries in a coordinated condemnation of the regime as a fragile Middle East ceasefire faces growing pressure.
Speaking from London, where she is travelling alongside Defence Minister Richard Marles for a series of high-level security and defence talks across Europe, Senator Wong said Australia had signed a joint international statement expressing concern over Iran’s activities both abroad and within democratic nations.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following a series of strikes between Iran and the United States, despite efforts to preserve a ceasefire and growing international calls for a diplomatic solution.
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“Australia, which, as you know, experienced Iranian interference on foreign soil, and Australian soil, and saw Iranian involvement in anti-Semitic attacks on Jewish institutions,” she said.
“We’ve drawn this statement to reflect our concern about the way in which the Iranian regime has projected a malign influence into many democracies, including Australia, and we’re determined to stand up to it.”
The comments come as US President Donald Trump continues to publicly express confidence that a broader peace agreement between Iran and the United States is within reach, despite recent military exchanges threatening to derail negotiations.
Asked whether she believed Mr Trump’s repeated claims that a deal was close, Senator Wong declined to directly assess the president’s comments, instead reiterating Australia’s position that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.
“We don’t want to see escalation. We don’t want to see a return to open warfare,” she said.
“We don’t want to see civilian assets targeted. We want to see a negotiated settlement and an end to the conflict.”
The Foreign Minister said Australia’s primary concern was the impact ongoing instability could have on Australians and the global economy, particularly as uncertainty continues around energy markets and critical shipping routes.
“Our position is, as the Prime Minister has articulated, we want to see a negotiated end to this conflict,” she said.
“Foremost for us, is the effect that it’s having on Australians, and on the global economy, which we are all feeling.”
Senator Wong and Mr Marles are currently undertaking a series of meetings in Germany, France and the United Kingdom as Australia seeks to strengthen defence and diplomatic ties with key allies amid growing instability in both the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
The pair have participated in joint foreign and defence minister consultations focused on security cooperation, the war in Ukraine, Middle East tensions and regional stability.
Senator Wong also used the interview to reaffirm the government’s commitment to AUKUS, describing the multi-decade submarine partnership with the United States and United Kingdom as critical to Australia’s future security.
“This submarine capability is critical to assuring Australia’s interest in a world and a region that is much more contested,” she said.
“It is critical to assuring our sovereignty. It’s critical to deterrence.”
The comments come as Australia works to deepen its international partnerships while navigating growing geopolitical tensions across multiple regions.
