Nat Barr, Host: The United States has officially joined the conflict against Iran, launching major strikes on three crucial nuclear facilities. During a televised address to the world, President Trump said these attacks were a spectacular military success.
Matt Shirvington, Host: So, Iran has since warned the actions by the US will have everlasting consequences as they continue to unleash on Israel. Back home, the Government released a statement calling for a de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.
Barr: Foreign Minister Penny Wong joins us live. Good morning to you. Does the Government support these strikes?
Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Good morning to you, Nat. We support action that prevents Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. And that is what this is. So, we've made that clear. We support action to prevent Iran getting a nuclear weapon. And let's remember what has, what has occurred here. The world has long said Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. And the sites that have been struck are specific to Iran's nuclear program. We know what the international watchdog, the nuclear watchdog has said about Iran's non-compliance with international obligations. That is why we have to continue to press for those, for the nuclear weapons program to be discontinued. What I would say is what happens next matters and we certainly don't want to see escalation and a full war in the Middle East for all the consequences for the people of the region and the world.
Shirvington: What about in the way that Donald Trump has done this? They've basically loaded up these stealth B-2 bombers with these bunker busters. They've come over from the US, 37 hours, they've dropped their bombs on their intended targets. Do you support the way that Donald Trump has gone about this?
Foreign Minister: We have been clear, I've been clear this morning on a number of programs, including yours. We support action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and that is what this is.
Shirvington: Do we support the US though? Does Australia support the US?
Foreign Minister: I have just said that. We support action that the US has taken to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. But I think the important thing actually is what happens next. I know there's a lot of focus on what happened over the last 24 hours, but we do have to focus on what happens next because this is a time where we do need to prevent and avert any further escalation into a full-scale war. And that's why the Government has called for diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation. It's the same call that European leaders have made. It's the same call that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made.
BARR. So, why take so long? Why release a statement from an unnamed Government spokesperson yesterday and then wait nearly 24 hours for you or the Prime Minister to speak?
Foreign Minister: Well, we have been reiterating the same thing, I think all week or for a couple of weeks now, in fact for years.
Barr: Yeah, but since the bombing.
Foreign Minister: Well, I'm here talking to you now, Nat, and I think the Government's statement yesterday was very clear that the Government agreed with the international community that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Shirvington: What about Albo? What about the Prime Minister? Because when you read a news article, there's hundreds of comments underneath it, and aside from the personal attacks, won't go into that, but a lot of it is about where is Anthony Albanese, where is the leadership here?
Foreign Minister: I'm sure you will be hearing from the Prime Minister today.
Barr: Don't you think it's unusual, though? Our biggest ally bombs Iran and we release a statement from an unknown spokesperson, an unnamed spokesperson. Yes, you're here now, but would you not think that it would have been something that the leader of this country would have spoken about before now?
Foreign Minister: Well, Nat, it's not an unknown spokesperson, it's a Government spokesperson, which is not unusual.
Barr: Unnamed.
Foreign Minister: Hang on. It's not an unusual thing for governments to use spokespeople.
Barr: Ok, well, we're asking where the Prime Minister is.
Foreign Minister: Well, I'm sure you'll hear from the Prime Minister today, but I would make this point. We have been, I think, very upfront and very clear over these last days and weeks as we see what is happening in the Middle East about the Government's position. And our position today is consistent with what I have been saying, the Prime Minister has been saying, for many days now.
Shirvington: What comes next is very concerning, obviously globally, for Australia as well. We know that Iran's Foreign Minister has landed in Moscow. Will, what's going to happen there? Is it a discussion with Vladimir Putin? What could happen with Russia's involvement?
Foreign Minister: Well, you know, we know the relationship between Russia and Iran. We also know the risk that both of those nations pose to global peace and security and global stability. The question is what we do about it. And what I would say is we know that continued escalation in the Middle East is not in the interest of the people of the region, nor in the interests of the globe.
Barr: So, what about Australian troops in the Middle East who are stationed there? What role, if any, would they be playing?
Foreign Minister: Well, we have deployed additional ADF personnel into the region for the purposes of trying to get Australians out. And obviously we still have, I think, 2,900 people, Australians and their families in Iran. We have about 1,300 or more Australians in Israel who are registered with us as seeking to leave. Our focus, both in terms of the foreign affairs officials and the ADF personnel, is to take what opportunity we can to assist Australians to leave. Obviously, Iran is a very difficult situation. There are no Australian officials in country any longer. We took that difficult decision a few days ago. I have deployed Australian officials to the Azerbaijani border. So, if Australians and their families get to that border, there are people there on the ground to assist them. In relation to Israel, again, the airspace is closed. There is some reports, there are some reports of the airspace opening for a window. Obviously, this is all very uncertain, but we are making preparations to see if we can utilise that window if we are able.
Shirvington: It's an uncertain time, isn't it? Penny Wong, we appreciate your time coming on. Thank you.
Foreign Minister: Good to be with you. Thank you.