Australia 'alarmed' at escalating Israel-Iran violence

Perth Now

19 hours ago

Australia is "alarmed" at the escalating violence between Israel and Iran after attacks on nuclear and military targets in the Iranian capital Tehran.
Israel hit dozens of the sites on Friday as tensions soared in the wake of a United Nations agency finding Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the conflict risked further destabilising a region that is already very volatile.
"Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran," she said soon after the strikes were confirmed.
"We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that ... would further exacerbate tensions.
"We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program - it represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy."
The federal government's Smartraveller website was updated on Friday with a "do not travel" warning for Iran.
Iran has halted flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country's main airport, Iranian state TV said.
Tensions have been building in the region as US efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked.
US intelligence had previously indicated that Israel was making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, as part of its ongoing efforts to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling out diplomats from the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Senator Wong also announced Australia will provide an extra $10 million to help with the distribution of urgent medical and food supplies to Gaza.
"The situation for the people of Gaza is catastrophic," she said.
"Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies, schools, hospitals and homes destroyed.
"I know so many Australians are distressed by the suffering, and many Australians are frustrated that we have been unable to move the dial on our own."
Australia has contributed more than $110 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel in 2023.
The government is partnering with Jordan to provide urgent medical care to Palestinians seriously injured in Gaza, while providing $5 million to UNICEF to help feed children.