The Federal Government has now expressed its support for the US strikes against Iran. Photo: James Coleman.
The Federal Government has declared Australia’s support for the United States’ strikes on Iran, despite earlier refusing to do so and instead calling for peace and diplomacy.
The US officially entered the hostilities between Iran and Israel after bombing Iranian nuclear sites on the weekend.
US President Donald Trump warned that future attacks would be “far greater and a lot easier” but called instead for Iran to choose peace.
“I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success,” he said during an address from the White House.
“Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated … Iran must now agree to end this war.”
The Australian government initially released a statement from an unnamed spokesperson, highlighting the danger of allowing Iran to pursue nuclear ambition. The statement also called for peace.
“We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security,” the weekend statement said.
“We note the US President’s statement that now is the time for peace.
“The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.”
But in what appears to be somewhat of a backflip, two senior government ministers said on Monday morning (23 June) the Federal Government supported the strikes.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek told Sunrise: “We do support the strikes. We certainly don’t want to see full-scale war in the Middle East. It is a very delicate and different time and we would encourage Iran to come back to the negotiating table.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong subsequently confirmed Australia’s support, while denying the government had delayed its position.
The Federal Opposition endorsed the US strikes almost immediately, calling them “proactive action”.
Shadow home affairs minister Andrew Hastie (speaking as the acting shadow foreign minister) addressed the media in Western Australia on Sunday, shortly after the government’s initial statement was released.
“The Coalition supports the military action taken by the United States to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, specifically the strikes taken today against the facilities at Isfahan, Natanz and critically, Fordow,” he said.
“We could never accept a nuclear Iran. Iran is a repressive, theocratic autocracy and it’s a sponsor of terrorism.
“The Coalition does not want war – we do not want war – but we believe this was a necessary action to take by the United States military.”
On Monday, he said the government had been caught “flat-footed” by the strikes.
The Greens called on the government to condemn the US strikes, describing them as a “fundamental threat to world peace”.
“This is a terrifying and catastrophic escalation by the USA and Australia must condemn it,” Senator Waters said.
“From Iraq to Afghanistan, we have seen Australia follow the US into devastating and brutal wars that have done untold damage to the people of the Middle East.
“We know that you cannot bomb your way to peace. Australia must always work for peace and de-escalation.
“Australia is not powerless, and we cannot be involved in another brutal war in the Middle East…
“Only when countries like Australia push back and hold to principles and international law and back them up with material actions, will there be a chance for peace.”
President Trump described the strikes on Iran as a historic moment for “the US, Israel and the world”.
Reuters, however, is reporting that commentary on Iranian state television states that all American military and citizens in the Persian Gulf are now a target.
The hostilities began on 13 June when Israel launched a surprise attack on Iranian targets, citing concerns over Iran’s escalating nuclear weapons ambitions.
The strikes targeted Iran’s military leadership, nuclear facilities and scientists and air defences. Hundreds of civilians have been killed.
Iran responded with its own military strikes against Israeli cities and military sites.
Mr Trump had suggested US involvement could take out Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if Iran did not unconditionally surrender.
Australia’s embassy in Tehran has closed its doors and suspended operations.
Diplomats and their families were rushed out of the Iranian capital last week and into bordering country Azerbaijan.
The government also urged all Australians in Iran to leave immediately if they can do so safely.
