Foreign Minister Penny Wong reiterated Israel’s right to defence in the aftermath of Israeli forces’ military aggression towards Iran. She similarly called on all sides to show restraint as violence and conflict spread in the region. Israel firebombed IRGC command posts, military industrial facilities, and even assassinated Iranian nuclear scientists, while destroying Iran’s largest gas extraction facility. Yet, these actions have raised concerns of an impending full-scale conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells Iran to prepare to face even stronger action.
The conflict further intensified when Iran responded by launching missiles, killing at least three Israelis. In fact, in a dramatic escalation of violence, the United States responded to the incoming Iranian missiles by shooting them down. Wong expressed her solidarity and her thoughts with Australians and their families currently in Israel and in Iran. She further emphasized that as tenuous as things are right now.
Israel’s Military Strategy
Israel’s offensive involved a broad range of targets, including key military infrastructures critical to Iran’s capabilities. The strikes have been justified as preempting what Israeli high command has referred to as an existential threat. Their emphasis is on the risks that accelerate the advances of Iran’s nuclear program.
Penny Wong noted, “Israel has a right to self-defence. The question here is not a legal proposition, the question here is what do we do now? We know Iran is a threat. We know that its nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel.” This statement reflects the Australian government’s stance on the matter while underscoring the need for a measured approach moving forward.
Israel’s operations have already resulted in incredibly high civilian casualties. True to Iranian government sources, 78 people have been killed in these airstrikes. So perhaps as a counterbalance to the recent pedantic tone, here’s why it recently got even more complicated. Iran has subsequently withdrawn from US-Iran negotiations regarding its nuclear program.
Broader Implications for Peace
The most difficult implications of this recent escalation have extended deep beyond the immediate military concerns. As a result of the violence, Iran has pulled out of its negotiations. These conversations were to promote a peaceful two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian Territories. These discussions have shone a light on deep misgivings about the region’s long-term stability. It has already weathered innumerable wars, making that news all the more heartbreaking.
Wong stressed that “we’re so far from that right now,” describing the current downward spiral as grim and dangerous. The international community is equally concerned, with the threat of greater conflict hanging over all current diplomatic initiatives.
Emergency Measures and Global Response
In recognition of the growing conflict, Australia has established a 24-hour consular emergency service. This new initiative, housed within its Foreign Affairs Department, seeks to promote public safety and support citizens most impacted by the violence. Wong’s comments clearly reflect her priority to protect Australians overseas. She is already doing so but carefully plotting her course through the new, darker and unsettled geopolitical terrain.
The tensions between Israel and Iran have prompted serious discussions among global leaders about the ramifications of military action in the region. As countries around the world watch these events unfold with great concern, the need for restraint and diplomatic discussion is clearer than ever.
