Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has voiced support for the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while facing criticism from within the Labor Party. Wong stated that it is for the United States and Israel to explain the legal basis for the attacks, but added that Iran has been a destabilising force in the region for decades and has orchestrated attacks on Australia.
The Australian government and opposition swiftly backed US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the strikes. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and US bases in the region, prompting Australia to update travel advice for several countries. Wong urged Iran to cease its indiscriminate attacks and called for de-escalation to avoid broader regional conflict.
Wong confirmed Australia was not involved in the military operations and that Australian forces were not expected to participate. She declined to say whether Australian intelligence facilities, including Pine Gap, were used. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians in affected countries to leave if safe, and the national security committee of cabinet met to discuss the situation.
Labor Against War group patron Doug Cameron criticised the government's support, calling it a 'sycophantic capitulation to militarism'. Greens leader Larissa Waters labelled the backing 'disgraceful' and warned against being dragged into another US-led war. Opposition frontbencher Andrew Hastie defended the strikes, stating Iran is an enemy of Australia and a geopolitical bad actor seeking nuclear weapons.
