Australia recently reaffirmed its support for U.S. military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. This development comes amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. Foreign Minister Penny Wong affirmed that the Australian government backs any necessary measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Officials underscored the need for de-escalation to prevent a deeper and broader conflict in the region from engulfing U.S. forces and interests.
Wong saw that there was a more nuanced reality at play. She said there were about 2900 Australians in Iran and 1300 in Israel registered with DFAT looking to get out. She advised Australians who remain in Iran to leave the country if they can, as dangerous as this may be right now. Australia is similarly ready to support its citizens leaving Israel after airspace reopened.
Australian Government’s Response
Andrew Hastie, an influential minister in the Australian federal government’s cabinet, condemned initial responses to the crisis as “flat-footed.” He said that he was encouraged by the unanimous passage of a resolution condemning Iran’s actions. Hastie’s comments highlighted the urgency of countering this very real threat from Iran’s nuclear program.
“We want to see Iran come to the negotiating table to verify where that 400 kilos of enriched uranium is,” – Andrew Hastie
Wong reiterated Australia’s stance, stating, “The world has agreed Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon, so yes, we support action to prevent that, and that is what this is.” This appointment demonstrates the shared views of both the state and federal governments on the importance of keeping nuclear proliferation at bay.
Former Australian ambassador to Iran Paul Foley called Australia’s response “adequate”. He emphasized the importance of finding the right balance between military action and aggressive diplomacy. Foley urged for a return to negotiations “as rapidly as possible,” emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Opposition Voices
We are pleased that our sister party, the Australian Greens, have come out strongly against military strikes against Iran. Defence spokesperson David Shoebridge called former U.S. President Donald Trump a “warmonger,” condemning the possible consequences of military intervention. Shoebridge called on the government to be clear about Australia’s role, and that “you cannot bomb your way to peace.”
“The people who are always going to pay the price are the ordinary people on the street,” – David Shoebridge
This outlook underscores the deepening bipartisan fissures in Australian political life when it comes to foreign policy and waging war. We want U.S. action, but the Coalition doesn’t want any more conflict. They are demanding that Iran be held accountable to negotiate a true peace.
Calls for De-escalation
International leaders have joined in voicing alarm about climbing tensions across the region. UK, French, German and Italian officials issued a joint response. They cautioned that any steps jeopardizing stability would be intolerable. Back in New Zealand, the leader of the government coalition partner Winston Peters expressed his dismay at what was happening. He condemned the current military operations in the Middle East as “very alarming.”
“Now is the time for diplomacy. Now is the time for de-escalation and that call is to all parties,” – Winston Peters
As the stakes get higher, there are doubts on what’s in store, not just for Australia, but for its allies as well. The vulnerable state of affairs further illustrates the importance of careful and strategic diplomacy, as world leaders continue to discuss how best to respond to Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
