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Penny Wong on Iran

Supports action against nuclear threat (strong)

TL;DR

Penny Wong strongly condemns the Iranian regime as a destabilising force while supporting necessary international action against its nuclear program.

Key Points

Australia supports action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and threatening international peace and security as of February 2026.
The government expelled Iran's ambassador and suspended embassy operations following at least two attacks on Australian soil orchestrated by Iran in 2024.
She called on Iran to cease its indiscriminate attacks against other countries in the region and stressed the need to avoid broader regional escalation.

Summary

Foreign Minister Penny Wong firmly condemns the Iranian regime, viewing it as a decades-long destabilising force due to its ballistic missile, nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal violence against its own citizens. She asserts that a regime relying on repression lacks legitimacy and that the international community must prevent Iran from ever developing a nuclear weapon. She explicitly states that Australia supports action taken by international partners, like the United States, to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities and threatening global peace and security.

This firm stance is underscored by past actions taken by the government, including the unprecedented expulsion of Iran's ambassador, the suspension of operations at the Australian embassy in Tehran, and listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism following attacks orchestrated by Iran on Australian soil in 2024. Furthermore, she has urged Iran to cease its indiscriminate attacks on regional countries, while also calling for the protection of civilian life and a return to diplomacy to avoid broader regional escalation, as she manages the safety of Australian citizens caught in the volatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Penny Wong's current position on Iran?

Penny Wong's current position is that the Iranian regime is a destabilising force that has brutally repressed its people and threatened international security. She firmly supports international action aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Has Penny Wong supported military action against Iran?

She has stated that Australia supports action taken by international partners, like the United States, to deal with the Iranian nuclear threat. However, she clarified that Australia itself did not participate in the recent strikes.

What action has the Australian Government taken against Iran?

The Australian Government has taken strong action, including sanctioning over 200 individuals and listing the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism. Previously, Australia took the unprecedented step of expelling Iran's ambassador following attacks on Australian soil.