The Australian Government said it supports the U.S’ decision to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, while repeating calls for a “diplomatic” solution to the Middle East conflict.
The explicit support for the U.S. strikes is slightly different to its comment yesterday, where it took a more neutral tone.
Australia has sent two planes to Dubai as part of its efforts to evacuate Australians from the region.
Background
Last week, the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned Iran was not able to show evidence “its nuclear material was not being diverted for... military use”.
The following day, Israel launched strikes across Iran, including nuclear sites. Iran struck back on Israeli cities Tel Aviv and Haifa. Both sides have said they are aiming for military infrastructure; both have killed civilians.
Iranian authorities report more than 400 deaths, mainly civilians. Israeli authorities report 25 civilian deaths.
Over the weekend, the U.S. hit three nuclear facilities across Iran: Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the sites were “completely and totally obliterated”.
The White House used ‘bunker busters’, which are bombs that drop deep into the earth before detonating. It is the first time these have been used in warfare.
Iran has vowed to defend itself against what it called “the United States’ criminal aggression”.
Australia
The U.S. is one of Australia’s largest strategic allies.
Speaking to reporters this morning, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: “Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. We support action to prevent that from occurring. And this is what this is.”
Wong repeated calls for “diplomacy, de-escalation and dialogue” to end the conflict.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
Also speaking with reporters this morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Australia’s support for the U.S’ strikes.
Albanese didn’t confirm whether the U.S. briefed Australian officials before the attack. He repeatedly emphasised it was a “unilateral action by the United States”.
Albanese added: “We urge Iran not to take any further action that could destabilise the region.”
The Coalition has also voiced its support for the U.S. strikes.
The National Security Committee has met in Canberra this morning to discuss the unfolding conflict.
The Committee is made up of senior ministers, including the Home Affairs and Defence ministers, and the Prime Minister.
Committee members do not discuss the contents of these meetings publicly.
Repatriation
Wong confirmed 2,900 Australians and their families have requested help to leave Iran. In Israel, 1,300 Australians have applied to leave.
Evacuating civilians from the region has become increasingly dangerous due to growing instability.
Iran’s airspace is closed, and many commercial airlines have either halted or rerouted flights in the region.
Israel has also closed its airspace, although it has temporarily re-opened to allow for some repatriation flights.
Australia has sent two defence force flights to Dubai to help Australians get out of the Middle East.
The two planes can carry “hundreds of passengers” at a time, Defence Minister Richard Marles told Sky News on Sunday.
Marles also said groups of Australians have been leaving Israel by crossing the eastern border to Jordan.
