Australia backs Israel 'defence' amid escalation fears

Australia has backed Israel's right to self-defence after a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear operations and military leaders that have sparked fears of a major conflict in the Middle East.
Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation in the region was a "very perilous, risky" situation.
"Israel has a right to self defence," she told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.
"We know that (Iran's) nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel."
"(The question is) what do we do about it and how do we respond in a way that lessens the risk of more civilians particularly in the region being brought into this conflict?"
The UK has begun moving some of its military assets to the Middle East following threats from Tehran that nations helping to defend Israel could also be targeted.
The US has already used its systems to help Israel shoot down ballistic missiles fired by Iran.
Senator Wong confirmed she had spoken with her Iranian counterpart and urged his country to exercise restraint while returning to dialogue.
"Continuing to escalate this has consequences for all peoples of the region," she said.
"That is a position that so many countries in the world are putting to not only the Iranians but also to the Israelis."
Australian National University maritime security expert Jennifer Parker said the nation needed to pay close attention to Iran's nuclear capability and take it seriously.
"We need to be very careful that we are supporting the avoidance of nuclear breakout and new countries in the globe getting nuclear capability," she said.
"If Iran was allowed to achieve a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would be next, and if that happens, there would be concern in our region about whether the US nuclear extended deterrence still stands."
Iran is also considering closing the Strait of Hormuz - the only maritime entry point into the Persian Gulf - which would send oil prices skyrocketing.
Ms Parker said Australia would feel the economic impact if the strait was closed as the nation heavily relied on imports for its fuel consumption.
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the government's "unequivocal support" for Israel's right to self-defence and recognition of the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians in the region to leave amid the escalating conflict.
He landed in the US on Saturday, local time, on his way to the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday.
Mr Albanese is expected to meet with a range of global leaders, including US president Donald Trump, who had been working with Iran on a nuclear deal.
The US was notified about the Israeli strikes in advance but Washington officials have been quick to point out it played no part in the attacks, warning Iran not to target its personnel or interests.
Australia on Wednesday announced sanctions would be imposed on two Israeli government ministers over their stance on illegal West Bank settlements, a move done in conjunction with other nations including Canada and the UK.
But it has widened the nation's rift with the US over Israel after Washington officials condemned the measure.
Senator Wong said the decision to break away from the US and sanction the ministers wasn't taken lightly.
Asked if Australia had weakened its influence with both Israel and the US on a two-state solution as a result, the foreign minister said extremist settler violence wasn't consistent with the aspiration of Palestinian statehood.
"We're so far from that (two-state solution) right now, but that is why the international community is trying to work together to build this pathway," she said.
Australia has backed Israel's right to self-defence after a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear operations and military leaders that have sparked fears of a major conflict in the Middle East.
Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation in the region was a "very perilous, risky" situation.
"Israel has a right to self defence," she told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.
"We know that (Iran's) nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel."
"(The question is) what do we do about it and how do we respond in a way that lessens the risk of more civilians particularly in the region being brought into this conflict?"
The UK has begun moving some of its military assets to the Middle East following threats from Tehran that nations helping to defend Israel could also be targeted.
The US has already used its systems to help Israel shoot down ballistic missiles fired by Iran.
Senator Wong confirmed she had spoken with her Iranian counterpart and urged his country to exercise restraint while returning to dialogue.
"Continuing to escalate this has consequences for all peoples of the region," she said.
"That is a position that so many countries in the world are putting to not only the Iranians but also to the Israelis."
Australian National University maritime security expert Jennifer Parker said the nation needed to pay close attention to Iran's nuclear capability and take it seriously.
"We need to be very careful that we are supporting the avoidance of nuclear breakout and new countries in the globe getting nuclear capability," she said.
"If Iran was allowed to achieve a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would be next, and if that happens, there would be concern in our region about whether the US nuclear extended deterrence still stands."
Iran is also considering closing the Strait of Hormuz - the only maritime entry point into the Persian Gulf - which would send oil prices skyrocketing.
Ms Parker said Australia would feel the economic impact if the strait was closed as the nation heavily relied on imports for its fuel consumption.
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the government's "unequivocal support" for Israel's right to self-defence and recognition of the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians in the region to leave amid the escalating conflict.
He landed in the US on Saturday, local time, on his way to the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday.
Mr Albanese is expected to meet with a range of global leaders, including US president Donald Trump, who had been working with Iran on a nuclear deal.
The US was notified about the Israeli strikes in advance but Washington officials have been quick to point out it played no part in the attacks, warning Iran not to target its personnel or interests.
Australia on Wednesday announced sanctions would be imposed on two Israeli government ministers over their stance on illegal West Bank settlements, a move done in conjunction with other nations including Canada and the UK.
But it has widened the nation's rift with the US over Israel after Washington officials condemned the measure.
Senator Wong said the decision to break away from the US and sanction the ministers wasn't taken lightly.
Asked if Australia had weakened its influence with both Israel and the US on a two-state solution as a result, the foreign minister said extremist settler violence wasn't consistent with the aspiration of Palestinian statehood.
"We're so far from that (two-state solution) right now, but that is why the international community is trying to work together to build this pathway," she said.
Australia has backed Israel's right to self-defence after a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear operations and military leaders that have sparked fears of a major conflict in the Middle East.
Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation in the region was a "very perilous, risky" situation.
"Israel has a right to self defence," she told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.
"We know that (Iran's) nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel."
"(The question is) what do we do about it and how do we respond in a way that lessens the risk of more civilians particularly in the region being brought into this conflict?"
The UK has begun moving some of its military assets to the Middle East following threats from Tehran that nations helping to defend Israel could also be targeted.
The US has already used its systems to help Israel shoot down ballistic missiles fired by Iran.
Senator Wong confirmed she had spoken with her Iranian counterpart and urged his country to exercise restraint while returning to dialogue.
"Continuing to escalate this has consequences for all peoples of the region," she said.
"That is a position that so many countries in the world are putting to not only the Iranians but also to the Israelis."
Australian National University maritime security expert Jennifer Parker said the nation needed to pay close attention to Iran's nuclear capability and take it seriously.
"We need to be very careful that we are supporting the avoidance of nuclear breakout and new countries in the globe getting nuclear capability," she said.
"If Iran was allowed to achieve a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would be next, and if that happens, there would be concern in our region about whether the US nuclear extended deterrence still stands."
Iran is also considering closing the Strait of Hormuz - the only maritime entry point into the Persian Gulf - which would send oil prices skyrocketing.
Ms Parker said Australia would feel the economic impact if the strait was closed as the nation heavily relied on imports for its fuel consumption.
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the government's "unequivocal support" for Israel's right to self-defence and recognition of the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians in the region to leave amid the escalating conflict.
He landed in the US on Saturday, local time, on his way to the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday.
Mr Albanese is expected to meet with a range of global leaders, including US president Donald Trump, who had been working with Iran on a nuclear deal.
The US was notified about the Israeli strikes in advance but Washington officials have been quick to point out it played no part in the attacks, warning Iran not to target its personnel or interests.
Australia on Wednesday announced sanctions would be imposed on two Israeli government ministers over their stance on illegal West Bank settlements, a move done in conjunction with other nations including Canada and the UK.
But it has widened the nation's rift with the US over Israel after Washington officials condemned the measure.
Senator Wong said the decision to break away from the US and sanction the ministers wasn't taken lightly.
Asked if Australia had weakened its influence with both Israel and the US on a two-state solution as a result, the foreign minister said extremist settler violence wasn't consistent with the aspiration of Palestinian statehood.
"We're so far from that (two-state solution) right now, but that is why the international community is trying to work together to build this pathway," she said.
Australia has backed Israel's right to self-defence after a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear operations and military leaders that have sparked fears of a major conflict in the Middle East.
Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation in the region was a "very perilous, risky" situation.
"Israel has a right to self defence," she told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.
"We know that (Iran's) nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel."
"(The question is) what do we do about it and how do we respond in a way that lessens the risk of more civilians particularly in the region being brought into this conflict?"
The UK has begun moving some of its military assets to the Middle East following threats from Tehran that nations helping to defend Israel could also be targeted.
The US has already used its systems to help Israel shoot down ballistic missiles fired by Iran.
Senator Wong confirmed she had spoken with her Iranian counterpart and urged his country to exercise restraint while returning to dialogue.
"Continuing to escalate this has consequences for all peoples of the region," she said.
"That is a position that so many countries in the world are putting to not only the Iranians but also to the Israelis."
Australian National University maritime security expert Jennifer Parker said the nation needed to pay close attention to Iran's nuclear capability and take it seriously.
"We need to be very careful that we are supporting the avoidance of nuclear breakout and new countries in the globe getting nuclear capability," she said.
"If Iran was allowed to achieve a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would be next, and if that happens, there would be concern in our region about whether the US nuclear extended deterrence still stands."
Iran is also considering closing the Strait of Hormuz - the only maritime entry point into the Persian Gulf - which would send oil prices skyrocketing.
Ms Parker said Australia would feel the economic impact if the strait was closed as the nation heavily relied on imports for its fuel consumption.
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the government's "unequivocal support" for Israel's right to self-defence and recognition of the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians in the region to leave amid the escalating conflict.
He landed in the US on Saturday, local time, on his way to the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday.
Mr Albanese is expected to meet with a range of global leaders, including US president Donald Trump, who had been working with Iran on a nuclear deal.
The US was notified about the Israeli strikes in advance but Washington officials have been quick to point out it played no part in the attacks, warning Iran not to target its personnel or interests.
Australia on Wednesday announced sanctions would be imposed on two Israeli government ministers over their stance on illegal West Bank settlements, a move done in conjunction with other nations including Canada and the UK.
But it has widened the nation's rift with the US over Israel after Washington officials condemned the measure.
Senator Wong said the decision to break away from the US and sanction the ministers wasn't taken lightly.
Asked if Australia had weakened its influence with both Israel and the US on a two-state solution as a result, the foreign minister said extremist settler violence wasn't consistent with the aspiration of Palestinian statehood.
"We're so far from that (two-state solution) right now, but that is why the international community is trying to work together to build this pathway," she said.

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No diplomatic breakthrough as Israel-Iran war drags on

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European ministers and Iran's top diplomat met on Friday in Geneva, Switzerland, as President Donald Trump continued to weigh US military involvement and worries rose over potential strikes on nuclear reactors. European officials expressed hope for future negotiations, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was open to further dialogue while emphasising that Tehran had no interest in negotiating with the US while Israel continued attacking. "Iran is ready to consider diplomacy if aggression ceases and the aggressor is held accountable for its committed crimes," he told reporters. No date was set for the next round of talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's military operation in Iran would continue "for as long as it takes" to eliminate what he called the existential threat of Iran's nuclear program and arsenal of ballistic missiles. But Netanyahu's goal could be out of reach without US help. Iran's underground Fordo uranium enrichment facility is considered to be out of reach to all but America's "bunker-buster" bombs. Trump said he would put off deciding whether to join Israel's air campaign against Iran for up to two weeks. The war between Israel and Iran erupted June 13, with Israeli air strikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists. At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2000 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group. Iran has retaliated by firing 450 missiles and 1000 drones at Israel, according to Israeli army estimates. Most have been shot down by Israel's air defences, but at least 24 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds wounded. Israel's defence minister said on Saturday it killed a commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guard who financed and armed Hamas in preparation for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the 20-month long war in Gaza. Saeed Izadi, who was commander of the Palestine Corps for the elite Iranian Quds Force, was killed in an apartment in the city of Qom. Addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, warned against attacks on Iran's nuclear reactors, particularly its only commercial nuclear power plant in the southern city of Bushehr. Israel has not targeted Iran's nuclear reactors, instead focusing its strikes on the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, centrifuge workshops near Tehran, laboratories in Isfahan and the country's Arak heavy water reactor southwest of the capital. Iran previously agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors access to its nuclear sites under a 2015 deal with the US, France, China, Russia, Britain and Germany in exchange for sanctions relief. But after Trump pulled the US out of the deal during his first term, Iran began enriching uranium closer to weapons-grade levels and restricting access to its nuclear facilities. Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Israel said its warplanes hit dozens of military targets across Iran on Friday, including missile-manufacturing facilities, while an Iranian missile hit Israel's northern city of Haifa, wounding at least 31 people. Iranian state media reported explosions from Israeli strikes in an industrial area of Rasht, along the coast of the Caspian Sea. Israel's military had warned Iranians to leave the area around Rasht's Industrial City, but with Iran's internet shut off - now for more than 48 hours - it's unclear how many people could see the message. The Israeli military believes it has destroyed most of Iran's ballistic missile launchers, contributing to the steady decline in Iranian attacks. But several of the roughly three dozen missiles that Israel said Iran fired on Friday slipped through the country's aerial defences, setting off air-raid sirens across the country and sending shrapnel flying into a residential area in the southern city of Beersheba, where a hospital was hit on Thursday. Talks aimed at de-escalating fighting between Israel and Iran have failed to produce a diplomatic breakthrough as the war enters its second week with a fresh round of strikes between the two adversaries. European ministers and Iran's top diplomat met on Friday in Geneva, Switzerland, as President Donald Trump continued to weigh US military involvement and worries rose over potential strikes on nuclear reactors. European officials expressed hope for future negotiations, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was open to further dialogue while emphasising that Tehran had no interest in negotiating with the US while Israel continued attacking. "Iran is ready to consider diplomacy if aggression ceases and the aggressor is held accountable for its committed crimes," he told reporters. No date was set for the next round of talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's military operation in Iran would continue "for as long as it takes" to eliminate what he called the existential threat of Iran's nuclear program and arsenal of ballistic missiles. But Netanyahu's goal could be out of reach without US help. Iran's underground Fordo uranium enrichment facility is considered to be out of reach to all but America's "bunker-buster" bombs. Trump said he would put off deciding whether to join Israel's air campaign against Iran for up to two weeks. The war between Israel and Iran erupted June 13, with Israeli air strikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists. At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2000 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group. Iran has retaliated by firing 450 missiles and 1000 drones at Israel, according to Israeli army estimates. Most have been shot down by Israel's air defences, but at least 24 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds wounded. Israel's defence minister said on Saturday it killed a commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guard who financed and armed Hamas in preparation for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the 20-month long war in Gaza. Saeed Izadi, who was commander of the Palestine Corps for the elite Iranian Quds Force, was killed in an apartment in the city of Qom. Addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, warned against attacks on Iran's nuclear reactors, particularly its only commercial nuclear power plant in the southern city of Bushehr. Israel has not targeted Iran's nuclear reactors, instead focusing its strikes on the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, centrifuge workshops near Tehran, laboratories in Isfahan and the country's Arak heavy water reactor southwest of the capital. Iran previously agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors access to its nuclear sites under a 2015 deal with the US, France, China, Russia, Britain and Germany in exchange for sanctions relief. But after Trump pulled the US out of the deal during his first term, Iran began enriching uranium closer to weapons-grade levels and restricting access to its nuclear facilities. Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Israel said its warplanes hit dozens of military targets across Iran on Friday, including missile-manufacturing facilities, while an Iranian missile hit Israel's northern city of Haifa, wounding at least 31 people. Iranian state media reported explosions from Israeli strikes in an industrial area of Rasht, along the coast of the Caspian Sea. Israel's military had warned Iranians to leave the area around Rasht's Industrial City, but with Iran's internet shut off - now for more than 48 hours - it's unclear how many people could see the message. The Israeli military believes it has destroyed most of Iran's ballistic missile launchers, contributing to the steady decline in Iranian attacks. But several of the roughly three dozen missiles that Israel said Iran fired on Friday slipped through the country's aerial defences, setting off air-raid sirens across the country and sending shrapnel flying into a residential area in the southern city of Beersheba, where a hospital was hit on Thursday. Talks aimed at de-escalating fighting between Israel and Iran have failed to produce a diplomatic breakthrough as the war enters its second week with a fresh round of strikes between the two adversaries. European ministers and Iran's top diplomat met on Friday in Geneva, Switzerland, as President Donald Trump continued to weigh US military involvement and worries rose over potential strikes on nuclear reactors. European officials expressed hope for future negotiations, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was open to further dialogue while emphasising that Tehran had no interest in negotiating with the US while Israel continued attacking. "Iran is ready to consider diplomacy if aggression ceases and the aggressor is held accountable for its committed crimes," he told reporters. No date was set for the next round of talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's military operation in Iran would continue "for as long as it takes" to eliminate what he called the existential threat of Iran's nuclear program and arsenal of ballistic missiles. But Netanyahu's goal could be out of reach without US help. Iran's underground Fordo uranium enrichment facility is considered to be out of reach to all but America's "bunker-buster" bombs. Trump said he would put off deciding whether to join Israel's air campaign against Iran for up to two weeks. The war between Israel and Iran erupted June 13, with Israeli air strikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists. At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2000 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group. Iran has retaliated by firing 450 missiles and 1000 drones at Israel, according to Israeli army estimates. Most have been shot down by Israel's air defences, but at least 24 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds wounded. Israel's defence minister said on Saturday it killed a commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guard who financed and armed Hamas in preparation for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the 20-month long war in Gaza. Saeed Izadi, who was commander of the Palestine Corps for the elite Iranian Quds Force, was killed in an apartment in the city of Qom. Addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, warned against attacks on Iran's nuclear reactors, particularly its only commercial nuclear power plant in the southern city of Bushehr. Israel has not targeted Iran's nuclear reactors, instead focusing its strikes on the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, centrifuge workshops near Tehran, laboratories in Isfahan and the country's Arak heavy water reactor southwest of the capital. Iran previously agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors access to its nuclear sites under a 2015 deal with the US, France, China, Russia, Britain and Germany in exchange for sanctions relief. But after Trump pulled the US out of the deal during his first term, Iran began enriching uranium closer to weapons-grade levels and restricting access to its nuclear facilities. Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Israel said its warplanes hit dozens of military targets across Iran on Friday, including missile-manufacturing facilities, while an Iranian missile hit Israel's northern city of Haifa, wounding at least 31 people. Iranian state media reported explosions from Israeli strikes in an industrial area of Rasht, along the coast of the Caspian Sea. Israel's military had warned Iranians to leave the area around Rasht's Industrial City, but with Iran's internet shut off - now for more than 48 hours - it's unclear how many people could see the message. The Israeli military believes it has destroyed most of Iran's ballistic missile launchers, contributing to the steady decline in Iranian attacks. But several of the roughly three dozen missiles that Israel said Iran fired on Friday slipped through the country's aerial defences, setting off air-raid sirens across the country and sending shrapnel flying into a residential area in the southern city of Beersheba, where a hospital was hit on Thursday.

West Australian

2 hours ago

• West Australian

Bunker ‘did not exist': Aussie reporter's terrifying scramble for shelter in Israel amid missile threat

An Aussie journalist has spoken of the chilling moment she realised a bunker she'd been trying to seek shelter in 'did not exist' as Iran launched missiles at Israel amid the countries' ongoing, deadly conflict. Channel 7 Europe Correspondent Jacquelin Robson is in Israel reporting on the country's escalating conflict with Iran. Robson told Sunrise she was out filming with her crew when they received an alert to seek shelter after missiles were fired from Iran. She was forced to pull over and try to find somewhere to shelter, telling the program of the chilling moment she realised a bunker she'd been trying to take refuge in didn't exist. 'There were some locals who were calling us over to a bunker, and we soon discovered that that bunker did not exist,' Robson told Sunrise. 'The final siren then sounded, and we were forced to run to find shelter, and found some space between some buildings.' Sirens can be heard going off in the footage as Robson puts on a helmet, crouching down in a corner against a building. An explosion can be heard in the footage, with Robson saying it was the sound of a ballistic missile being intercepted. Israel last week attacked a string of Iranian nuclear and military sites, with missiles fired back and forth between the countries since. There have been reports of 224 deaths in Iran as a result of the deadly conflict. Israeli Military chief of staff Eyal Zamir on Friday warned the IDF was prepared for a 'prolonged campaign'. 'We have embarked on one the most complex campaigns in our history,' Mr Zamir said, according to SBS. 'We have embarked on a campaign to remove a threat of this magnitude and against such an enemy that requires readiness for a prolonged campaign. 'The IDF is prepared for this. 'Day by day, our freedom of action is expanding and the enemy's freedom of action is shrinking.' Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday said the country was 'ready to consider diplomacy once again, once the aggression is stopped', SBS reported. 'In this regard, I make it crystal clear that Iran's defence capabilities are not negotiable,' Mr Araghchi said. He said Iran's nuclear program was 'peaceful'. Israel's United Nations ambassador Danny Danon said the country 'will not stop' until Iran's 'nuclear threat is dismantled', Sky News reported.