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Wong clarifies Australia's stance on Trump bombing Iranian nuclear sites

Wong clarifies Australia's stance on Trump bombing Iranian nuclear sites

7NEWS8 hours ago

Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek have confirmed to Sunrise that the Albanese government does support President Trump's strikes on Iran's three nuclear sites.
The issue of support had become controversial after the Australian government released a statement on Sunday, following the bombing attacks by US B-2 stealth bombers and submarines, that was silent on the issue.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Penny Wong confirms Australia's support for US strike on Iran.
'We note the US president's statement that now is the time for peace,' the statement read.
'The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.'
But early Monday morning Plibersek cleared up the confusion, which had become a point of attack for the Coalition, who had described the Albanese Government's statement as 'ambiguous'.
'Yes we do support the strike ... we certainly don't want to see full-scale war in the Middle East as it is a delicate and difficult time,' Plibersek said.
'We would encourage Iran to come back to the negotiating table. We've been saying that for some time now, along with the rest of the intenational community.
'No one wants to see Iran develop a nuclear weapon, we know they have been enriching uranium towards that goal.
'Now is the time for reinvigorated efforts towards diplomacy, because a full-scale war in the Middle East would be a terrible thing.'
7NEWS understands Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will convene the National Security Committee of Cabinet, and will address the nation later this morning.
The National Security Committee, officially known as the National Security Committee of Cabinet, is the paramount decision-making body for national security and major foreign policy (including usage of the Australian Defence Force) matters in the Australian Government.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says what happens next is crucial.
'We need to avert an escalation to full-scale war,' Wong said to Sunrise.
'I am sure you will be hearing from the prime minister later today.'

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'Fence sitting and confusion': Iran strikes show the growing gap between Canberra and Washington
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