Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has faced tough questions from Sunrise host Nat Barr over whether Australia would get involved in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Marles backed Israel’s right to defend itself while calling for calm amid rising instability in the region.
‘We very much understand Israel’s right to defend itself. We also understand the threat that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program represents to the peace and stability of the Middle East – the peace and stability of the Middle East and the world,’ he said.
Barr pressed continued to press Marles on Australia’s position.
‘We have the UK sending Royal Air Force jets into the Middle East. Our allies are on a war footing. Where does that leave us?’ she asked.
Marles replied that Australia’s efforts were currently focused on diplomatic solutions and preparing for assisted departures of Australians in the area.
‘We want to see a de-escalation here. We do understand what is in play. We are very concerned about the prospect for this escalating into a wider conflict.
‘There are many Australians in both Iran and Israel, and obviously, we are very focused on them right now.’
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has faced tough questions from Sunrise host Nat Barr
Marles backed Israel’s right to defend itself while calling for calm amid rising instability in the region
Pressed again on whether Australia would support a US-led military response, Marles declined to speculate.
‘If Trump asks for military support from Australia, what would we do?’ Barr asked.
‘I’m not about to speculate on what may or may not happen there.
‘Actually, I take America at face value, which is that their posture right now is defensive in nature – it’s about defending their people and assets within the region.
‘Right now, our call is for a de-escalation, to seek diplomacy and dialogue, and our preparations right now are very much focused on providing for assisted departures of Australians who are in the region.’
