Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed that the Albanese government supports the United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a significant shift in tone just hours after Canberra initially stopped short of endorsing the action.
‘The world has agreed Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon. So yes, we support action to prevent that. And that is what this is,’ she said on ABC’s AM show.
‘The big question is now what? And Australia says, like so many other countries, we do not want escalation and a full scale war and we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy.’
When asked about the legality of the strikes, she said: ‘I think we are all clear that Iran … cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon. So yes, the government does support action to prevent that.”
Her comments came just hours after the Albanese government issued a statement that stopped short of supporting the strikes, instead calling for diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions.
‘We note the US president’s statement that now is the time for peace,’ he said.
‘The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.
‘Australians in Israel and Iran and the region should continue to monitor public safety information provided by local authorities, including to shelter in place when required.
‘The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will be communicating directly with registered Australians about preparations for assisted departures.’