The Australian government has refrained from endorsing the United States’ airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, instead releasing a statement that repeated its call for de-escalation, while the opposition voiced strong support for the military action.
Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US had deployed “a full payload of bombs” on Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, along with attacks on two additional locations, claiming that Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities had been “completely and totally obliterated.”
In response, a government spokesperson stated: “We have consistently said that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs pose a threat to global peace and security. We note the US president’s statement indicating that this is now a time for peace. Given the highly volatile security situation in the region, we continue to urge de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.”
Opposition backs US military action
Shortly after the government issued its statement, the opposition declared its support for what it described as “proactive action” to target Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“The Coalition supports the military action taken by the United States to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, specifically today’s strikes on the facilities at Isfahan, Natanz, and crucially, Fordow,” Acting Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Andrew Hastie said while speaking in Western Australia.
“Iran is a repressive theocratic autocracy and a sponsor of terrorism. The Coalition does not desire war, but we believe this was a necessary step by the US military.”
Several current and former Liberal politicians quickly voiced strong backing for the strikes and urged the government to follow suit. Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison argued that President Trump had no alternative given the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while Liberal Senator Dave Sharma told Sky News it was “essential that Australia supports the United States’ actions.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to make a personal statement on the developments.
Earlier on Sunday, prior to Trump’s announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized that Australia’s position remained focused on de-escalation, though he acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense and the concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.
“We recognize these issues but remain worried about the potential for this to escalate into a broader conflict,” Marles said on Sky News. “That’s why we are using our international voice, alongside other countries, to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.”
Greens push for non-involvement
Meanwhile, Greens foreign affairs spokesperson David Shoebridge called on the government to firmly distance itself from the conflict, and to clearly state that Australia would not participate in any military action, including offering access to its bases for attacks.
“Our government should denounce Donald Trump’s warmongering and make it clear that Australia will not be involved in further escalating violence in the Middle East,” he said. “You cannot bomb your way to peace, and ultimately, it’s ordinary civilians who suffer most.”
Concerns over Australia’s military role
In a national address on Saturday night (local time), President Trump hailed the strikes as a “spectacular military success,” while Iran’s nuclear agency told state media that Fordow had only sustained limited damage. The actual extent of the damage has not yet been independently verified.
Trump later warned via Truth Social that any Iranian retaliation against the United States would be “met with a force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.”
Australian citizens have voiced confusion and concern over the country’s position.
Speaking on ABC’s Insiders just before Trump’s announcement, Andrew Hastie acknowledged the severe risks involved in escalating the conflict, warning of possible unintended consequences.
“We might see regime change, the collapse of Iran’s government, massive refugee movements, especially toward Europe. We don’t know who would take power afterward,” he said. “If there’s one lesson from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya—it’s to be cautious. Sometimes the devil you know is better, especially for regional stability.”
Hastie also called for greater transparency about how the United States might utilize Australian military bases for any operations against Iran.
Uncertainty about US access to Australian bases
When asked this week whether US forces might use Australian military facilities in the north for strikes against Iran, Deputy Prime Minister Marles stated that Australia maintains “full knowledge and concurrence” regarding any operations launched from its territory.
However, Hastie argued for clearer guidelines on how the alliance operates in practice.
“We need more transparency to operationalize the alliance, establish safeguards for military actions, and define our sovereignty,” he said. “This will help us protect Australia’s national interests more effectively.”
