Australia has recently aligned itself with military action against Iran.
This development comes amid growing tensions in the Middle East, where concerns over nuclear ambitions have escalated.
Many are watching closely as the situation unfolds, with opinions divided both locally and internationally.
Backing the US but urging caution
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed that Australia supports efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
‘We support action to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon, and that is what this is,’ she said.
However, she also emphasised the importance of diplomacy and dialogue, warning that the world must do everything possible to avoid a ‘full-scale war’ in the region.
‘It’s what happens next is what the world is focused on,’ Senator Wong said, highlighting the uncertainty and potential for further escalation.
Australia’s role: Support, not combat
While Australia stands with its long-time ally, the US, it is not rushing into military involvement.
Senator Wong confirmed Washington has not made any requests for direct Australian support in the strikes.
She declined to comment on whether Pine Gap, the joint US-Australian intelligence base in the Northern Territory, played a role in the operation—a detail that remains confidential.
Australia’s current involvement has centred on the safety of its citizens. Approximately 2,900 Australians are registered in Iran and 1,300 in Israel.
Last week, Department of Foreign Affairs staff were evacuated from the embassy in Tehran. Efforts are also underway to assist Australians crossing into Azerbaijan.
Senator Wong stressed that Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to aid evacuations are not involved in combat.
Diverse political reactions at home
The strikes have sparked varied responses across the Australian political landscape.
Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce said, ‘It goes without saying that Iran was up to no good.’
However, he warned the situation could deteriorate quickly, potentially drawing Australia deeper into conflict.
Former ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos was firm that deploying Australian troops is not being considered.
‘There’s no way we would put troops on the ground,’ he said, adding that support for the US does not mean following every move unquestioningly.
Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie backed the US bombings as a ‘necessary action to take’.
Nevertheless, the government has so far ruled out direct military involvement, focusing instead on diplomatic and humanitarian responses.
A defining moment for Australia’s foreign policy
Former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer described Australia’s response as ‘defining’.
He argued Australia should welcome the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear program, citing the nation’s longstanding alliance with the US and commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.
But not all agree. The Greens condemned the strikes as a ‘terrifying and catastrophic escalation’, warning that further violence could have devastating effects on ordinary Iranian civilians.
The bigger picture: What’s at stake?
Australia’s support for the US is rooted in decades of alliance and a shared commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation.
Since 1951, Australia has stood alongside the US on the world stage, viewing the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran as a direct challenge to global security.
However, military action in the Middle East carries risks. Unintended consequences have historically followed such operations, and the potential for a wider conflict remains significant.
The government’s cautious approach—supporting diplomacy while preparing for humanitarian contingencies—reflects the delicate balance Australia must maintain.
What does this mean for Australians?
For Australians with family or interests in the region, the situation is deeply concerning.
Australia’s response to the US action in Iran will be defining.
— Alexander Downer (@AlexanderDowner) June 22, 2025
The government’s swift action to evacuate embassy staff and assist citizens highlights the seriousness of the threat.
For the broader public, unfolding events are a reminder of Australia’s role in a complex and often volatile world.
What do you think about Australia’s support for the US strikes on Iran? Should Australia take a more active role, or maintain a cautious approach?
We invite you to share your views in the comments below and join the conversation with your fellow readers.
Also read: Israel’s attacks on Iran are already hurting global oil prices, and the impact is set to worsen
My feelings are that Australia should distance itself from the whole American alliance until Trump is removed from the Whitehouse.
Trump ignored the Agencies that stated that Iran was NOT Developing Nuclear Weapons, and carried out his long time aim to Attack and try to engineer a Regime Change.
He started the preliminary work during his first term, when he withdrew the US from the Iranian Nuclear Deal (the JCPOA), thereby turning the Iranians back towards developing a Nuclear Capability. They started to increase the the enrichment process for their uranium, but they still have not achieved a level even close to weapons grade, and would place them at least a couple of years away from being able to do that on significant level !