Several Labor MPs have expressed private concerns about the Albanese government’s swift and unreserved support for US and Israeli missile strikes on Iran, which some believe may have breached international law. The unease was aired during a meeting of Labor’s left faction shortly after the strikes began in late February, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The government issued a joint statement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Defence Minister Richard Marles within hours of the attack, stating: “We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security.” The statement omitted any reference to international law or the rules-based order, prompting questions from MPs who raised concerns with senior ministers.
Guardian Australia has learned that the endorsement caused angst among several Labor MPs, who privately questioned why the government rushed to back strikes that legal experts, including UN special rapporteur Ben Saul, have argued violate the UN Charter. The government’s response contrasted with its more cautious approach to US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June last year, when it waited almost 24 hours before issuing support.
During a meeting of Labor’s left faction on 2 March, members held a “robust” debate about the government’s position. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy answered questions on behalf of Wong, who was not present. Sources confirmed that unease is not limited to the left faction, with some right-faction members also concerned about the speed of Labor’s alignment with the US administration.
Meanwhile, the grassroots anti-war group Labor Against War plans to circulate a motion condemning the strikes as an “illegal act of aggression”. The motion argues that the government’s support for the war breaches ALP principles and contrasts with the party’s opposition to the 2003 Iraq war. The group also claims the conflict shows that Aukus locks Australia into US military adventurism.
