Foreign Minister Penny Wong clashed with reporters during a tense press conference in Canberra, sharply responding to repeated questions about whether Australia would join potential military action against Iran. She confirmed that Australia is not considering sending troops to the Middle East and pushed back on questions about the legality of possible strikes by the United States and Israel, urging caution in how the issue was framed.

Wong said Australia supports efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and described Iran as a risk to global stability. She pointed to recent regional attacks and noted that Iran had also been linked to incidents on Australian soil. In 2024, arson attacks targeted a kosher restaurant in Sydney and a synagogue in Melbourne, causing significant damage and injury. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation concluded the attacks were directed by the Iranian government through local proxies, prompting Australia to expel Iran’s ambassador and suspend its embassy in Tehran.

The Foreign Minister also addressed concerns for Australians stranded in the Middle East amid escalating tensions and widespread travel disruptions. She urged citizens to monitor official travel advice and said the government is prioritising commercial flight options to help people leave the region. Wong acknowledged the distress caused by cancellations but said commercial airlines remain the fastest way to move large numbers of Australians to safety.