Foreign Minister Penny Wong has affirmed the Australian government’s support for the recent United States strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, while emphasizing the importance of pursuing dialogue and diplomacy. Wong’s comments come on the heels of one of the largest US military operations in years. Unlike many recent airstrike operations, this one was focused on three principal Iranian nuclear facilities.
At a press conference, Wong stated, “The world came together to make sure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon. We very much support steps to make sure that happens and this initiative … demonstrates that.” Her statements are a clear signal of Australia’s siding with global sentiment against the nuclear threat posed by Iran. Then-President Donald Trump ordered the strikes. His argument was that the US had “dropped a full payload of bombs” that “left nothing there” and “obliterated” Iranian nuclear facilities.
Criticism of Prime Minister Albanese
Wong certainly pulled no punches in calling out Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for not speaking up on the issue before now. She observed that he still has not issued a statement on the US military action, which was a relatively new action for the US. Wong raised alarms about the lack of firm leadership to address this pivotal global concern. He emphasized, “You just saw a completely different statement coming from the federal government yesterday. So the deputy prime minister was clearly in a good mood early on Sunday… And then you have me today and I’m talking.
Her remarks are part of an emerging chorus of discontent inside the coalition government, aimed at Albanese’s inadequate reaction to unfolding global crises. Allies on the line Wong stressed the importance of forthright and plain-speaking communication from Australian leadership during such a delicate moment in history.
Calls for Dialogue and Diplomacy
Though she welcomed the recent military strikes, Wong stressed that only a diplomatic resolution can prevent conflict escalation. The million-dollar question going forward, of course, is what happens next. Australia, like most countries, does not support an escalation and a full-scale war. We’ll see you online, and in our ongoing efforts to foster dialogue and diplomacy.
The Foreign Minister’s comments resonate with words from other global leaders. Now, they are all pushing for diplomatic efforts to avert war. Wong pointed to recent pronouncements from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and leaders of France and Germany. In their own ways, they all urged us to focus on the power of diplomacy before a greater tragedy befalls the region.
“It’s obviously a very precarious, risky and dangerous moment the world faces. But that is why you’ve seen statements from world leaders who have said we need to reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.” – Penny Wong
Wong further confirmed that the US has not requested Australian troops to help support its operations. She underscored Australia’s close alignment with global partners’ efforts to ensure Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons.
