International law experts have criticised Australia for backing what they describe as an illegal attack by Israel and the US on Iran. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong endorsed the strikes, stating that Australia supports action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent it from threatening international peace and security.
University of Sydney professor and UN special rapporteur Ben Saul said the attack was a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law. He argued that domestic criminal acts by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) do not justify military self-defence against Iran. Saul added that middle powers like Australia should raise the political price on the US when it breaks international law, rather than 'rolling over' and supporting illegal aggression.
Australian National University professor Donald Rothwell said the attack was not justified based on publicly available information, as there was no UN Security Council resolution authorising force. He called for a clearer statement from the Australian government in due course.
The Greens' foreign affairs spokesperson, David Shoebridge, accused the government of outsourcing foreign policy to Washington and making Australia a party to the war by allowing US bases like Pine Gap to be used for intelligence and targeting. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment on Pine Gap's involvement, stating that questions on the legality of the attack are for the US and Israel.
