SYDNEY – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday voiced support for the recent US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, while also calling for calm and a return to diplomacy. He emphasized that the global community cannot allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.
Albanese told reporters in Canberra that Iran’s enrichment of uranium to 60% clearly suggests intentions beyond peaceful nuclear energy. He stressed that if Iran had followed the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) guidelines, the situation might have been different.
The IAEA recently reported that Iran has stockpiled enough uranium enriched to 60%, which, if further processed, could be used to build up to nine nuclear weapons. This alarming development has heightened concerns worldwide, including among Australia’s key allies.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the US acted unilaterally but within the context of global security. She confirmed that Australia supports the strike to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, but also reiterated that escalation must be avoided. Wong joined the UK and other nations in urging Iran to return to the negotiating table.
Due to rising tensions, Australia closed its embassy in Tehran on Friday. The government is now preparing for possible evacuations, as approximately 2,900 Australians are currently in Iran. Two defence aircraft have been sent to the Middle East in non-combat roles to assist in any potential civilian evacuations.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said they are carefully reviewing the available evidence on Iran’s enrichment activities. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon echoed the global call for dialogue, stressing that peace and diplomatic engagement must remain the priority.