Australia Rules Out Military Role in Israel–Iran Conflict, Calls for Diplomatic De-escalation

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rules out military involvement in the Israel–Iran conflict, urging diplomatic solutions, Canberra, June 15, 2025.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly ruled out any military involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, stressing the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation to prevent further destabilization in the Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference in Canberra on Sunday, Albanese stated that while Australia condemns any acts of aggression and supports Israel’s right to self-defense, the country will not participate in any form of military action or coalition effort in the region. “Australia is not involved in the current hostilities, and we do not foresee any scenario in which Australian Defence Forces would be deployed to the Middle East in response to this crisis,” he said.

The announcement comes amid rising international pressure on Western allies to take clearer stances after Israel launched major airstrikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites, followed by retaliatory missile attacks by Tehran. The situation has led to widespread concern among global powers, with some nations reinforcing military preparedness and others calling for an urgent ceasefire.

Albanese emphasized that Australia’s focus will remain on humanitarian aid, diplomatic dialogue, and coordination with allies through multilateral channels such as the United Nations and the G20. He also noted that Australia’s intelligence and defense agencies are closely monitoring the developments, particularly in terms of regional security, cyber threats, and potential disruptions to global energy markets.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed the prime minister’s remarks, warning that further military escalation could lead to a catastrophic war. “We urge all parties to respect international law and pursue dialogue over destruction,” Wong said during a separate briefing. She confirmed that Australia has reached out to both Israeli and Iranian diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation.

The opposition has largely supported the government's stance. Peter Dutton, leader of the Liberal Party, called for a bipartisan approach to the crisis and welcomed the decision to stay militarily neutral while backing global peace efforts.

Australia's Arab and Jewish communities have both expressed concern over the unfolding crisis. Several rallies have taken place in major cities including Sydney and Melbourne, calling for peace and humanitarian relief for civilians caught in the crossfire. The Australian government has also begun assessing whether to increase support for international refugee agencies should displacement in the region escalate.

While Australia maintains strong defense ties with the United States and other NATO-aligned countries, Albanese made it clear that any response to the Israel–Iran conflict must be measured, principled, and non-military in nature. “This is a moment for global leadership, not for additional firepower,” he concluded.