Australia reacts to Iranian strike on US base
The Albanese government has condemned an Iranian strike on a major US base in the Middle East.
Iran overnight fired missiles at the Al Udeid Air base in Qatar in response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities at the weekend.
The Trump administration has said it was informed of the attack beforehand and Qatar was able to shoot down the Iranian missiles without any casualties.
Mark Butler was the first senior Albanese government minister to front media on Tuesday.
He condemned the Iranian attack and urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table. Health Minister Mark Butler says the Albanese government condemns Iran's attack on a major US base. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia
'The Australian government does condemn this latest attack,' the Health Minister told Nine.
'We're pleased at reports there are no casualties from the attack, but again urged the Iranians to return to the table.
'It's important for them, but also for the region and the broader international community that we see a de-escalation in this conflict.
'Iran cannot be in a position where there's the threat of a full-blown war or further escalation. Here it is now behoves them to return to the table.'
Donald Trump has dismissed the Iranian strike as a 'very weak response' to the shock US operation over the weekend, which involved American bombers flying a 36-hour mission to pound three uranium enrichment sites with so-called bunker buster bombs.
'Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered,' the US President posted on social media.
'There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was 'set free,' because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction.
'I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done.
'Most importantly, they've gotten it all out of their 'system,' and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE.
'I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured.
'Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.'
A little later, Mr Trump posted: 'CONGRATULATIONS WORLD, IT'S TIME FOR PEACE!'
It remains unclear if Iran still holds substantial amounts of enriched uranium.
The regime has said it moved much of its stockpiles out of the facilities the US struck before the attack.
Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has vowed not to 'submit to anyone's harassment'.
More to come.
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