SYDNEY, March 8 - The Australian government said on Sunday it is assessing requests to provide protection to countries that have been struck by Iran in the expanding Middle East conflict, but made clear it will not engage in offensive military operations against Iran nor send Australian ground troops.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking on television, said Canberra has been approached by a number of nations seeking assistance after being attacked. "Weve had many countries, which are non participants, (that) have been attacked by Iran through this. You would anticipate as a consequence that we have been asked for assistance, and we will work through that carefully," she said.
When asked directly whether Australia could aid in protecting countries from Iranian drone and missile strikes, Wong responded "correct" and cautioned that any assistance would be evaluated within the constraints of Australias stated policy. "We will work through that in accordance with the position that I have outlined, which is we are not participating in offensive action against Iran and we have made clear we will not participate in any ground troop deployment," she added.
The government has previously said it will not deploy troops to the Middle East should the conflict intensify. Canberras position underscores a distinction between offering defensive support to partners and taking part in direct offensive operations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, earlier in the week, said three Australian defence personnel were aboard a U.S. submarine that sank an Iranian warship with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean, but emphasized that the Australians did not participate in the attack.
The broader situation in the region has intensified this week, with U.S. and Israeli jets striking areas across Iran, and several Gulf cities, including locations in the UAE and Qatar, coming under bombardment from Iranian forces. In response to the escalating violence, Australia is coordinating with airlines to assist thousands of Australians who are currently stranded in the Middle East.
Implications and context
Canberras responses reflect a balancing act: responding to ally and partner requests for protection while upholding a public refusal to engage in offensive action or ground deployments. The governments stance signals potential involvement in defensive measures, contingent on further assessment and alignment with its declared policy limits.