'Biggest terrorist organisation in the world': Pro-Iran protester disrupts Andrew Hastie's press conference as Coalition backs US strikes on Iran

Sky News AU

6 hours ago

Andrew Hastie's press conference has been interrupted by a pro-Iran protester as he confirmed the Coalition's support for US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Mr Hastie said on Sunday the world could never accept a nuclear Iran, describing the Islamic Republic as a "repressive, theocratic autocracy" and a "sponsor of terrorism".
"From October 7, we've seen Iran support Hamas. We've seen Iran support Hezbollah. We've seen Iran support the Houthis, and we saw last year, Iran conduct missile strikes in April and October against Israeli citizens in Israel. This is a regime committed to the destruction of Israel and our allies, like the United States," he said.
"It's also a highly repressive regime which has persecuted women, dissidents, religious minorities, and that is why we support the actions today - because we have no faith that the Iranian regime will negotiate in good faith.
"The Coalition does not want war. We do not want war. But we believe this was a necessary action to take by the United States."
But as shadow home affairs minister continued his comments, a pro-Iran protester could be heard booing in the background and claiming it is the United States, not Iran, that are the "biggest terrorists".
"Boo man, come on," the protester yelled.
"Oh come on, the USA is the biggest terrorist country in the world.
Mr Hastie attempted to continue his comments, but the protesters was not finished.
"Hello? The USA is the biggest terrorist organisation in the world," they said.
After pausing for the interjection, Mr Hastie said, "It's a free country. She's allowed to say what she likes. Nonetheless, our position is unchanging."
"We do support the United States, and the Albanese government should be supporting the United States as well."
The shadow home affairs minister then began to speak about how Iran had breached its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
"We've seen 400 kilograms of 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpiled by Iran. Now, the IAEA caps enrichment at 20 per cent for military use, which is sort of reactor you have in a submarine," he said.
To which the protester replied: "And the USA does exactly the same".
Mr Hastie continued, adding that civil nuclear reactors only require 5 per cent enrichment.
"So 60 per cent (shows they) were headed towards a nuclear weapon," he said.
"And given that they sponsor terrorism, and that the Supreme Leader of Iran himself has said that he wants to wipe Israel off the map, I think it was the right call to make."
"So does the US have nuclear weapons," the protester again yelled.
"The US is a bigger terrorist organisation than Iran."
The Coalition's position comes after the Albanese government continued to call for 'de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy' following US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
In a statement responding to the US military action, a spokesperson reiterated the Albanese government's existing position.
'We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme has been a threat to international peace and security," the spokesperson said.
"We note the US President's statement that now is the time for peace. The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.'