Australia has formally backed the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirming the strikes were aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring atomic weapons.
Wong described the operation as a “unilateral strike” by the Trump administration and emphasised that the US has not requested Australian involvement in future military action.
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“The world has long understood we cannot allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Wong said.
Wong, speaking to Channel Nine and ABC’s AM, said that while Australia supports action to prevent nuclear proliferation, the government’s priority now is “dialogue and diplomacy” to de‑escalate tensions.
She said the US had not asked for Australia’s assistance in any future military operations.
“I again would say we are concerned, as are so many people around the world about continued escalation. No one wants to see full-scale war in the Middle East.”
Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek also backed the strikes.
“We certainly don’t want to see full-scale war in the Middle East. It is a very delicate and difficult time, and we would encourage Iran to come back to the negotiating table,” she said during an interview with Channel Seven.
The federal Coalition criticised Labor’s measured tone as “ambiguous”, while lawyers warned the strikes could breach international law.
Defence Minister Richard Marles disclosed nearly 4,000 Australians are seeking assistance to leave Iran and Israel, though no troops will be deployed.
Marles said the evacuation plan from Israel via Jordan is underway, with consular officials deployed to Azerbaijan to support citizens crossing from Iran.
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