Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected suggestions that the Australian government was flat-footed in its response to US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, or that Australia has been forgotten by US President Donald Trump. Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday, Albanese said his government wants a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, announced by Trump, to be fully implemented.
“What we want to see is the ceasefire announced by President Trump implemented,” Albanese said. “We do want to see dialogue and diplomacy replace any escalation.” The comments came hours after Trump claimed a permanent ceasefire had been agreed, but Israel continued to strike Iran, putting the pause in hostilities in doubt.
Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong spoke to the media on Monday, a day after Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Labor has faced criticism for its response, and Albanese would not say whether Washington gave Canberra prior notice. Overnight, Iran launched strikes against a US base in Qatar, but US troops had withdrawn beforehand.
Asked if his government was flat-footed, Albanese said his was a “considered, orderly government”. He added: “We were very clear for some period of time that Iran could not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.” He dismissed claims that Australia was being forgotten, noting that a meeting with Trump had been agreed “at a time that is convenient for both of us”.
Defence Minister Richard Marles is likely to represent Australia at a key meeting of the IP4 group on the sidelines of the Nato summit in the Netherlands, after Albanese opted not to attend. The meeting is expected to discuss Trump's demands for increased defence spending. Opposition leader Sussan Ley and acting shadow foreign minister Andrew Hastie welcomed the potential ceasefire and urged Albanese to travel to the Nato talks.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed he would speak to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday, with the impact of the Iran-Israel war and tariffs on the agenda. A meeting between Albanese and Trump could take place in September, when Albanese is expected to travel to the US for the UN General Assembly.
