Penny Wong backs US and Israeli strikes on Iran as critics condemn

Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong backed the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, saying Australia supports action to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon and to stop it threatening international peace and security. Asked about the legality of the attacks, she said it was for the United States and Israel to explain the legal basis.

Wong described Iran as a destabilising force that has orchestrated attacks on Australia and said the issue did not start yesterday. Australia urged Iran to cease retaliatory attacks after the bombings, which the government said killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Travel advice for the region was updated and Australians in Iran and Israel were urged to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the prime minister advised citizens to leave several regional states if it was safe to do so. Wong left open the possibility of government-sponsored repatriation flights while noting airspace closures and other aviation disruptions.

Australia

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