Anthony Albanese has warned against any further escalation in the growing conflict between Israel and Iran, calling for US-led dialogue to stop any further destabilisation in the region.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is updating travel advice for Australians in Iran and Israel, after Israel launched an attack on Iran aimed at “dozens” of targets including its nuclear facilities, military commanders and scientists. Israel claimed it took unilateral action because Tehran had begun to build nuclear warheads.
Speaking in Fiji on the first day of an overseas tour, Albanese said: “We are very aware of what has occurred, and it is concerning, any escalation in the region”.
“We, of course, are very conscious of the threat that Iran becoming a nuclear state would represent to peace and security in the region, as well.
“We want to see these issues resolved through dialogue, and the United States has been playing an important role there.”
Speaking before talks with his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, Albanese confirmed Dfat travel advice would be updated very soon.
The conflict is expected to overshadow next week’s G7 summit in Canada, during which the prime minister could have face-to-face talks with US President Donald Trump.
Earlier, the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said the government was “alarmed” by the risk of a possible further escalation in tensions.
“This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions,” she said.
“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.”
Wong said she had spoken to the Israeli amb***ador on Thursday.
The foreign affairs minister was asked whether Australian military or diplomatic staff would be withdrawn from Tehran and the region.
“You should ***ume that we take the safety of Australians very seriously, the Australians who work either in the ADF or in our other posts overseas through various other agencies, and we will always take the appropriate action on that,” Wong said.
The minister told Australians in the region to monitor the Smartraveller website for travel advice.
The Coalition said it too was “concerned” about further escalation.
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“The Coalition is concerned about the escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict and encourages dialogue between both countries,” leader of the opposition in the Senate, Michaelia Cash, wrote on X.
“We expect the government to prioritise the safety of Australian personnel and their families. We also call on Iran to stop its sponsorship of terrorism, including backing Hamas and Hezbollah.”
Greens senator David Shoebridge said the attacks risked “tipping the world into a larger war”.
Shoebridge said the party condemned the action by Israel.
“The Australian government must call on Israel to step back from military brinkmanship and engage with international legal processes and diplomatic solutions,” he said on Friday.
“Israel’s actions threaten to ignite a wider regional conflict that would have devastating consequences for tens of millions of people around the world.”
Wong announced a new $10m aid package for Gaza on Friday to deliver critical medical support and food for children.
“The situation for the people of Gaza is catastrophic. Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies. Schools, hospitals, and homes destroyed,” Wong said.
“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. But as I said, that doesn’t mean you do nothing. We do what we can by working with partners.”
The aid would be delivered through the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordanian Organisation, operating field hospitals in Gaza, and through Unicef, Wong said.
