Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed Donald Trump's criticism that Australia is not doing enough in the US-Israel conflict with Iran, stating that no direct request for assistance has been made. Speaking after Trump's remarks at a White House press conference, Albanese emphasised that Australia was not consulted before the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Trump singled out Australia alongside the UK and NATO allies, saying that Australia was "not great" for not providing more support. He claimed that only five Middle Eastern countries had been helpful in the conflict. The US president also criticised the UK for offering to send an aircraft carrier only after the war ends, describing such vessels as "toys" compared to American ones.
Albanese noted that Australia has already deployed an E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and around 85 defence personnel to the UAE as part of a defensive effort to assist Australians in the region. The aircraft is feeding information into the Combined Air Operations Centre in Qatar, which helps coordinate US operations in the Middle East. Defence Minister Richard Marles has not ruled out extending the deployment beyond its initial four weeks.
When asked if Australia still supports the US assault on Iran, Albanese reiterated his desire for de-escalation but said it was "up to President Trump". He added that Australia has an "abhorrence of the Iranian regime". Marles confirmed that Australian assets were deployed after US requests but declined to comment on whether more assets could be sent to the Middle East or the Strait of Hormuz.
