Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged President Donald Trump to clearly define the United States' objectives in the ongoing conflict with Iran, warning that uncertainty risks prolonging both the war and its global economic fallout. Speaking in Canberra, Albanese said he wanted greater clarity about the direction of the campaign and called for de-escalation, arguing that easing tensions would serve the interests of the global economy.

Albanese said the initial goals of the conflict — preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and weakening its capacity to project military power through regional proxies — had largely been achieved. However, he expressed deep concern about any push for regime change, cautioning that history shows externally imposed regime change is rarely successful and often fuels further instability and nationalism.

While voicing strong condemnation of Iran's leadership and support for the Iranian people, Albanese stressed that military action can entrench authoritarian governments rather than weaken them. He warned that strategic ambiguity from Washington could intensify economic disruption and extend the crisis.

His remarks followed criticism from opposition figures who argued that a lack of clear planning from the United States had left allies unprepared and allowed Iran to exert significant pressure on global markets, worsening economic pain worldwide.