Israel and Iran crisis: Wong backs right to self-defence but urges restraint as fears of all-out war grow

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for de-escalation in the Middle East, while condemning Iran’s nuclear program as a threat to world peace after a barrage of attacks.

Senator Wong’s comments follow Israel’s targeting Iranian military sites, nuclear scientists and key infrastructure with missile strikes, in what it labelled a “preemptive assault” on Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities.

Iran has responded with missile strikes that have killed at least four people in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the strikes had significantly set back Iran’s nuclear program and has warned of further retaliation.

“The world knows that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program is a threat to international peace and security and we know that Iran has been found by the UN watchdog to be in breach of its non-proliferation obligations,” Senator Wong said.

“This is why we all have sanctions against Iran because we understand the risk to international security.”

Pressed on whether Israel’s actions were legally justified under international law on ABC Insiders, Senator Wong reiterated Israel’s right to self-defence but said the more pressing issue was how to contain the conflict.

“Israel has a right to self-defence. It does have a right to self-defence. The question here is not a legal proposition, the question here is ‘what do we do now?’ we know Iran is a threat,” she said.

“We know that its nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel.”

“It’s a perilous time for many in the Middle East. It is a risky time.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a “Do Not Travel” warning for both Israel and Iran, with Senator Wong saying conditions were “very perilous” and that airspace above the countries had been closed.

The advice to Australians in affected areas was to shelter in place and heed all local directives.

Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that Australian officials were continuing efforts to assist citizens in the region.

He said Australia was not involved in the conflict and did not expect to be drawn in militarily.

“Australian officials are doing what they can to ensure that the interests of Australians are protected, but it’s obviously a very volatile situation that they are dealing with,” the Prime Minister said.

“At the moment, of course, there’s an issue with people getting out of the region.

“Australia does not play a role in this military conflict.

“I wouldn’t expect that there would be a request for Australia to play a military role, but we will continue to play a role in terms of looking after Australian citizens.”

The PM said the conflict would likely be discussed during his meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming G7 summit in Canada.

Mr Albanese said he would also meet in the coming days with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other world leaders.

“I’m sure that the events, obviously, that are occurring in the Middle East will be a topic of conversation,” Mr Albanese said.

condemned Iran’s nuclear program, labelling it as a threat to global peace after Israeli strikes destroyed several of its key assets on Friday which have sparked tit-for-trade drone and missile strikes between the Middle Eastern countries.