Canberra has voiced staunch support for United States military action against Iran following a series of strikes on Saturday, as Australian officials warn of a heightened risk of regional escalation and potential reprisal attacks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, affirmed Australia’s backing of the US effort to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The Australian government’s response comes as the US and Israel launched what the Pentagon has termed “OPERATION EPIC FURY,” reportedly targeting Iranian officials and infrastructure. Whereas details remain fluid, initial reports suggest Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were among the targets, though the extent of any impact remains unconfirmed according to Fox News and Reuters.
Albanese characterized the Iranian regime as a “destabilising force” for decades, citing its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies and “brutal acts of violence and intimidation.” He specifically referenced two prior incidents in 2024 where the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was accused of directing attacks against Australia’s Jewish community, describing them as attempts to “create fear” and “divide our society.”
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has upgraded its travel advice, warning Australians of the “risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation across the region.” DFAT had already begun evacuating families of Australian diplomats from the Middle East earlier in the week, citing a “deteriorating security situation.” The agency advises those remaining in Iran to “be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period” and ensure adequate supplies of water, food, and medication.
While Australia has publicly supported the US action, Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that Australia did not participate directly in “OPERATION EPIC FURY” and was not given advance notice of the strikes as reported by the ABC. However, she declined to comment on whether Australian intelligence contributed to the operation.
The strikes have already prompted a retaliatory response from Iran. The IRGC announced the launch of missile and drone attacks against Israel, claiming all US bases and interests in the region are now within its reach. Several Gulf Arab states have also reported being targeted by Iranian missiles according to Reuters. The IRGC has vowed continued retaliation until “the enemy is decisively defeated.”
The current escalation follows a 12-day air war between Israel and Iran in June of last year, and repeated warnings from both the US and Israel regarding potential further strikes should Iran continue its nuclear and ballistic missile development. Prime Minister Albanese is scheduled to convene a meeting of the National Security Committee on Sunday to assess the evolving situation.
Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating he did not seek further escalation but welcomed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, should reports of his targeting prove accurate. Senator Wong, however, indicated that no one would mourn Khamenei’s death.
As of Saturday evening, the full extent of the damage and casualties resulting from the strikes remains unclear, and the region braces for a potentially protracted period of heightened tension and uncertainty.
