Will Australia Involve Itself in the Middle East Conflict?

Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Defence Minister Richard Marles has revealed that Australia has no plans of being involved.

However, Marles noted that should the United States ask for Australia’s assistance, there is a possibility that Australia may heed the request.

Australia Does Not Want to be Involved

According to a report by Sky News, countries such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom have already declared that they are ready to protect their interests against Iran.

As for Australia, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that “In relation to Australian involvement, obviously we did not participate in the strikes, and you would not expect us to participate.”

When asked whether she could completely rule out Australia’s participation, Wong said, “You would not expect us to participate.”

The foreign minister emphasized that “Ultimately, Iran’s future must be determined by the people of Iran.”

Albanese Declares Support for US Attacks on Iran

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously voiced support for the military action the US is taking against Iran.

According to The Guardian, Albanese supports the US action against the Middle East country “to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security.”

“Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression,” he said in a statement released Saturday.

The Albanese government emphasized that it was not involved in the strikes. The government also revealed that no prior warning was given to Australia before the strikes took place.