Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed Donald Trump's latest criticism of Australia's involvement in the US-Israel military strikes on Iran, stating that no direct request for help has been made. The US president took aim at Australia, the UK, and NATO allies for not providing more support in the conflict.
Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump described Australia as 'not great' and expressed surprise at the lack of assistance. He also criticised the UK, calling Prime Minister Keir Starmer a 'lovely man' but saying his refusal to help was 'shocking'. Trump claimed that only five Middle Eastern countries had been supportive.
Australia has deployed an E7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and 85 defence personnel to the UAE in a defensive capacity, assisting Australians in the region. Defence Minister Richard Marles has not ruled out extending the deployment beyond its initial four-week period.
Albanese emphasised that Australia was not consulted before the strikes and reiterated that all US requests have been met. 'There is no request being made to Australia that has not been agreed to,' he said, adding that he wants de-escalation but respects Trump's decisions.
Trump also criticised NATO allies, saying they offered to send ships only after the conflict was effectively over. He warned that if a major conflict arises, these countries may not provide support, despite the US spending trillions on European defence.
