Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that the federal government supports the United States in acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, following coordinated daytime strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian targets.
In a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Mr Albanese said the international community had long agreed that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
“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 read.
The Prime Minister also expressed solidarity with “the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression” and confirmed he would convene a meeting of the National Security Committee of Cabinet at 8:30am.
Travel warning for Australians
The Australian government has urged citizens not to travel to Iran and advised those currently in the country to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The warning comes amid widespread reports of strikes across Iran and retaliatory missile attacks affecting several countries in the Gulf region.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor described Iran’s regime as “authoritarian, antisemitic and abhorrent,” accusing it of seeking Israel’s destruction, supporting militant proxies including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, and supplying weapons to Russia.