Penny Wong defends 24 hour delay for Albanese government's backing of US strikes on Iran after omission of 'support' from initial statement
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has insisted the government was 'very clear' in its support for US strikes against Iran after an initial statement did not use the word 'support'.
After US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes against Iran, the Albanese government issued a statement calling for 'de-escalation'.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ms Wong said the government 'supports action' to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
'Australia has been clear, along with the international community, that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,' she told reporters at Parliament House.
'We support action to prevent that from occurring and this is what this was.'
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has imposed sanctions on two members of the Netanyahu government for inciting violence.
Her comments mark a notable shift in tone from the carefully worded government statement released on Sunday.
That initial statement did not include any reference to Australia 'supporting' the US action.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was expected to hold a press conference on Sunday but this did not happen.
'We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security,' a government spokesperson said on Sunday.
'We note the US President's statement that now is the time for peace. The security situation in the region is highly volatile.
'We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.'
The statement also advised Australians in the region to follow local safety advice and that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) was preparing to assist.
Asked on Monday why it took almost 24 hours for the government to express support for the United States, Ms Wong defended the government's response.
'I think if you look at our statement released by the government yesterday, we made clear what we have always said,' she said.
'The international community, including Australia, has long believed that Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. I think that was very clear.'
Despite Ms Wong's assurances, the opposition has seized on what it describes as a failure of leadership and clarity from the Albanese government.
Liberal senator Hollie Hughes told Sky News on Monday that it was 'embarrassing' that the Albanese government took 24 hours to support the United States.
'All Australians should be absolutely embarrassed by the fact that one of our strongest allies, yet we've had deafening silence,' she said.
President Trump hailed the military strikes as a 'spectacular military success', as the US directly entered the Middle East conflict.
He claimed that key enrichment facilities had been 'completely and totally obliterated' and warned Iran to 'make peace immediately or they'll get hit again'.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had earlier confirmed Iran was in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
The Albanese government has consistently called for de-escalation and diplomacy in the conflict.
Ms Wong's comments on Monday came alongside a consular update, confirming more than 4000 Australians in Iran and Israel have asked for assistance to leave.
Iranian airspace remains closed, though Australian officials have been deployed to the Azerbaijani border to support citizens who reach it by land.
'The situation is very difficult. Airspace remains closed — certainly in Iran. It is a very difficult situation,' Ms Wong said.
'In relation to Israel, there are reports that the airspace may open for a limited period… the situation on the ground is uncertain and fluid and risky.'
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