Israel-Iran war: Anthony Albanese, Sussan Ley welcome Donald Trump’s ‘complete and total’ ceasefire

Anthony Albanese has welcomed Donald Trump’s announcement of a “complete and total” ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which came hours after Tehran hit a United States military base in Qatar.

The total ceasefire is expected to begin around 8pm AEST, after both countries to complete their final missions. If that holds, then by 8am tomorrow, AEST, “the War will be considered, ENDED”, the US President said on Truth Social.

“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, ‘THE 12 DAY WAR’,” he said.

“This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”

Reuters has reported that Qatar secured Tehran’s agreement to the proposed ceasefire, however, neither Iran nor Israel has yet to confirm their agreement to the ceasefire officially. Iranian media have since called the announcement a “false and delusional plan”.

Nevertheless, the Australian Prime Minister was quick to welcome Mr Trump’s announcement.

“We have consistently called for dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation,” he said.

He said the safety of Australians in the region was the priority, with work ongoing to try and assist the 4200 Australians in Iran and Israel wanting to leave.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East and are deeply concerned about keeping Australians safe.”

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and soon followed in heralding the US’ announcement.

“Any step that deescalates tensions, and prevents a wider regional conflict is a moment to be recognised,” the Opposition Leader and acting foreign affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie said.

“A ceasefire is a vital step to prevent further suffering and to give space for diplomacy and stability to return.”

Mr Trump told NBC News he expects the ceasefire to last “forever”.

“I think the ceasefire is unlimited. It’s going to go forever,” he told the network.

The announcement of a ceasefire came just hours after Iran retaliated to the US’ weekend strikes on its three nuclear sites by hitting the Al Udeid Air base in Qatar - America’s largest presence in the Middle East.

Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty, even though Tehran gave both Doha and Washington early warning to minimise the casualties.

Mr Trump described Iran’s attack as “a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered”.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong had earlier condemned the attack, calling for de-escalation.

“A full-scale war in the Middle East would be devastating for the people of the regional and the world,” she said.

Ms Ley and Mr Hastie also condemned the attack

“This provocative act was a violation of Qatari sovereignty,” they said.

“Australia must always stand firmly with our allies and partners, including the United States, in the face of such aggression. We also reaffirm our support for the actions taken by the United States to prevent the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.”