Australia confirms no advance notice of US-Israeli strikes but supports prevention of Iranian nuclear build up
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed Australia had no advance notice of US-Israeli strikes on Iran but says the government supports international efforts to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed Australia had no advance notice of US-Israeli strikes on Iran but says the government supports international efforts to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
US President Donald Trump claims the strikes have killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but they have also prompted dramatically escalated tensions across the Middle East.
Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks have hit multiple countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, raising fears it could trigger a wider regional war.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Speaking after the National Security Committee on Sunday, Senator Wong didn’t explicitly say the strikes were justified but issued support for action against an Iranian nuclear build up.
“Australia supports action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. And preventing Iran from continuing to threaten international peace,” she said.
“Australia did participate in these strikes.”
She said Australia was in contact with international partners and described the situation as “volatile and risky”.
“Australia stands with the great struggle against oppression. For decades we know the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force through its ballistic nuclear programs.
“We have seen a brutal crackdown, killing thousands of its own citizens. A regime that requires the murder of its own people to maintain authority is a regime without legitimacy.”
She said the Ayatollah would not be mourned and urged Iran to “cease” its retaliatory attacks.
“Ultimately any regime change must be determined by the people of Iran,” she added.
Senator Wong couldn’t confirm how many Australians are thought to be in the region and now stranded due to the closure of flight zones and expansion of Do Not Travel alerts across several nations.
“The Department of Foreign urgently seeking to confirm whether any Australians have been affected,” she said.
Senator Wong urged Australians in Iran and Israel to access an official register portal opened on Sunday morning and a crisis communications line if they seek to leave.
She acknowledged it could be an “extremely distressing” time for Australians in the region and for their families on home soil.
