Australian conflict role unlikely as Iran tensions rise

standard.net.au · Mar 2, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Australia is unlikely to send military support to the Middle East after US strikes against Iran. Photo: Jessica Hromas/AAP PHOTOSAustralia is unlikely to join military action in the Middle East as the conflict widens following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingSave 30%All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other in your areaThe US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran at the weekend, killing its leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 40 senior officials.Australia had contributed to operations in the Middle East in the past, but Canberra was unlikely to send its limited maritime assets to the region, UWA Defence and Security Institute Adjunct Professor Jennifer Parker said.Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she did not anticipate Australia being involved in future strikes.After weeks of military build-up in the Middle East, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. (AP PHOTO)It comes after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer allowed the US to use British military bases in the Middle East for defensive strikes against Iran.Prof Parker said it would not be safe for the government to fly home thousands of Australians stranded by the conflict."Unfortunately those people might not be getting out immediately and its best to wait for international flights to resume," she said."Iran is targeting military bases, of course with missiles firing and drones being jammed and intercepted, they can hit unintended targets."Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia stood with the Iranian people in their struggle against an "oppressive" system."The Iranian regime has directed attacks on Australian soil, has brought death, destruction and chaos in its neighbours for decades," he told parliament on Monday.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia stands with the Iranian public for regime change. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)"While Australia is not directly involved in current military strikes, we've been clear of our utter rejection of the brutal Iranian regime."US President Donald Trump told the Daily Mail the war in Iran would take "four weeks or so''.Three American troops have been killed in the conflict and five others seriously wounded.Opposition Leader Angus Taylor welcomed the strikes against Iran."This is a genocidal, authoritarian and despotic regime that has existed in Iran since 1979," he said."They have been responsible for unspeakable acts."Senator Wong said there were about 115,000 Australians in the region as airspaces remain closed."Whether or not it is an Australian flight or a commercial flight, the flights are not able to occur," she said.Senator Wong said a portal would be available to people in Iran, Israel, Qatar and the UAE to give them the most up to date information.With thousands of Australians in travel limbo, those stranded may not be able to get insurance for missed flights or being stuck overseas for several days.Insurance Council of Australia chief executive Andrew Hall said travel insurance may not be able to be claimed due to the ongoing conflict."When there is a declaration of war, that often will invoke an exclusion into travel insurance policies," he told reporters in Sydney."Without those exclusions, events like this could potentially drain insurance pools overnight."The action by the US, if successful, could send a strong message of deterrence to the Indo-Pacific more broadly, Prof Parker said, by showing it had the credibility and capability to respond to threats.Iranians in Australia hope the strikes on Tehran are the beginning of the end for the brutal regime. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)Rallies took place in Sydney, Melbourne and outside the former Iranian embassy in Canberra, where members of the community sprayed champagne, cheered and danced. Vigils are also planned in Sydney and Melbourne for the killed Iranian leader, which prompted condemnation from NSW Premier Chris Minns."By any objective measure, the ayatollah was evil. I don't think we should be mincing words about this," he said.Australian Associated PressDailyYour morning newsToday's top stories curated by our news team.