Australia has firmly stated that it will not engage in any military actions against Iran, regardless of the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, following new Israeli strikes on Tehran and renewed Iranian missile attacks that have further destabilized the area.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on Monday that Australia would refrain from sending troops or participating in any combat related to the escalating situation.
"Australia is not central to the Middle Eastern issues. We did not take part in these attacks and do not expect to be involved in the future," Wong mentioned during an interview with Channel Nine.
Her remarks followed reports indicating that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in a recent assault, as the United States confirmed its initial casualties in the developing conflict. US President Donald Trump has indicated the possibility of enduring hostilities spanning another four weeks.
Wong added that the government is collaborating with airlines to help Australians who are stranded in the Middle East, acknowledging that ongoing airspace restrictions complicate evacuation efforts.
"We recognize how distressing and difficult this period is, and we will do our utmost to provide information and assistance. The situation is indeed challenging," she stated to reporters in Canberra.
Approximately 115,000 Australians are believed to be in the region, Wong noted, adding that the best approach for returning home would likely hinge on the resumption of commercial airline operations. She did not specify whether dedicated repatriation flights were being planned by the government.
"There is conflict in the area, we have witnessed loss of life throughout the region, and airspace remains closed. Therefore, whether it is an Australian or commercial flight, flights cannot take off," Wong explained.
Air travel to and from the Middle East, which serves as a significant transit point for Australians heading to Europe and Asia, faced significant disruptions on Monday, with major airlines like Emirates and Etihad cancelling various flights from Australia.
Defence Minister Richard Marles reported that the government has taken precautionary measures to protect about 100 Australian defence personnel stationed at Al Minhad Air Base near Dubai, a location supporting United Nations missions and regional operations.
As violence in the region escalates, the primary focus for Canberra remains on ensuring the safety of its citizens and personnel while maintaining a position of non-involvement in the widening conflict.
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