Australian leaders back siege on ‘illegitimate’ Iran regime

Senior Australian government ministers have been called to a snap meeting after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, reportedly killing the Islamic regime’s leader.

Australian leaders have thrown their support behind United States and Israeli attacks on Iran amid reports the Islamic regime’s leader has been killed.

Tehran has been pounded by explosions and air strikes after US President Donald Trump announced a “massive and ongoing” operation to topple the Iranian administration.

It has led global airlines to suspend flights across the Middle East, alongside changes to travel warnings for popular destinations such as Doha and Dubai.

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly been killed in the strikes, a development Mr Trump described as a “correct story”.

A meeting of Australia’s national security committee, involving Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other senior government ministers, is due to take place on Sunday morning.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has urged Australians to delay all travel to the Middle East, including to the United Arab Emirates.

“Military conflict in the region may result in widespread movement restrictions, airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions,” the warning said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement on Saturday, saying Australia stood with the people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.

“For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies and brutal acts of violence and intimidation,” Mr Albanese said.

Australia and its international partners called on the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights of its citizens, the prime minister added.

“Instead, the regime has instigated a brutal crackdown on its own people leaving thousands of Iranian civilians dead,” he said.

“A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy.”

Mr Albanese also pointed to recent Iranian attacks on Australian soil, including those targeting Jewish communities.

Iran’s ambassador was expelled in August 2025 after the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation found Tehran was behind at least two antisemitic arson attacks on home soil, including the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor described the current Iranian regime as “authoritarian, anti-Semitic and abhorrent”.

“Since 1979, the revolutionary Islamic government in Tehran has oppressed, imprisoned and murdered Iranians,” Mr Taylor added.

“We pray for the Iranian people at this time. May courage prevail.”

Mr Albanese said a diplomatic crisis centre has been established

“Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited,” he said.

“Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so.”

UPDATE:

The government has played down the likelihood of Australian military involvement in Iran as the US pushes for regime change.

Australia is unlikely to take part in any military action in Iran after the US and Israel pounded the Islamic republic with missile strikes, reportedly killing its supreme leader.

The federal government has backed the attacks on the Iranian regime, which US President Donald Trump said were aimed at ending the decades-long threat from Tehran and its nuclear weapons program.

Iran has launched counter attacks in a number of countries, throwing travel plans into chaos and threatening a major escalation in the region.

Missiles hit a luxury hotel in Dubai and damaged the city’s airport, which is a major hub for global travel.

Asked if Australia would consider sending troops to achieve regime change in Iran, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said it was highly unlikely.

“Ultimately, Iran’s future must be determined by the people of Iran … you would not expect us to participate,” she told reporters on Sunday.

Australia has issued “do not travel” warnings for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as tensions escalate, and is urgently trying to verify if any citizens have been caught up in the conflict.

Senator Wong also confirmed the government was not told in advance about the US-Israeli strikes, which have been condemned by UN officials.

Pressed on whether the attacks were justified, the foreign minister said Australia supported any action to stop Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon but added she would leave it to the US and Israel to explain the legal basis for the strikes.

The government’s national security committee met on Sunday morning to discuss the fast-developing situation.

Israeli and US leaders have said Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, a claim disputed by the regime’s state media.

Mr Trump urged the Iranian people to rise up against the regime, declaring “the hour of your freedom is at hand”.

Iranians have reported internet and phone lines being disconnected after the attacks – a common occurrence when military tensions rise.

Opposition frontbencher Tim Wilson said the Ayatollah’s death made the world a safer place, but he hoped the military situation could remain contained.

“The aim should be that the Iranian people take control of their destiny,” he told the ABC’s Insiders program.

“They decide their future and that’s not with the mullahs in charge as far as I’m concerned.”

Asked if Australian involvement would be appropriate, Mr Wilson said it was a matter for the foreign minister but any decision made by the government needed to be necessary and proportionate.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement on Saturday night, saying Australia stood with the people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.

“For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies and brutal acts of violence and intimidation,” he said.

He also pointed to recent Iranian activities on Australian soil, including its alleged links to two antisemitic arson attacks.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor described the current Iranian regime as “authoritarian, antisemitic and abhorrent”.

Australian Jewish groups backed the attacks on Iran, while some Muslim advocates said the US had no legitimate justification for the strikes.

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By: Zac de Silva and Allanah Sciberras On: 01/03/2026 11:49