International law experts have criticised Australia for supporting what they describe as an illegal attack by Israel and the US on Iran. Foreign 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.
Professor Ben Saul, a UN special rapporteur from the University of Sydney, 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 do not justify military self-defence against Iran. Saul added that middle powers like Australia should raise the political cost for the US when it breaks international law, rather than 'rolling over'.
Professor Donald Rothwell from the Australian National University said the attack had no basis under the UN Charter for self-defence or Security Council authorisation. He called for a clearer statement from Australia on its legal position. Wong declined to comment on the legal basis, deferring to the US and Israel.
Greens Senator David Shoebridge accused the government of outsourcing foreign policy to Washington and said Australia had become part of the war by allowing US bases like Pine Gap to be used for intelligence and targeting. Wong refused to comment on Pine Gap's involvement.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the support, citing Iran's threat to international peace and security and its orchestration of attacks in Australia. He said questions about the legality of the strikes were for the US and Israel.
