Foreign Minister Penny Wong labels Iran-Israel battle ‘alarming’, as Australia tries to maintain residents secure | USAEMALL.com

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has labeled the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel as “alarming” and vowed Australia would do everything necessary to keep its citizens safe.

Israel has claimed it launched a “pre-emptive strike” on Iran amid concerns over Tehran’s nuclear program and warned the military operation could continue for days.

Senator Wong called for calm and urged parties to “refrain from actions and rhetoric” stressing now was the time to “prioritise dialogue”.

“Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran,” she told reporters in Adelaide on Friday.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the Israeli Defence Force had struck nuclear targets in Iran under “Operation Rising Lion” to end an “Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival”.

Senator Wong warned the conflict risked “further destabilising” the Middle East which she labelled as “already volatile”.

“We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions,” she said.

“We all understand the need, the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program.

“The international community understands the risk to peace and security from Iran’s nuclear program.

“We urge the parties to prioritise diplomacy and to prioritise dialogue.

“In terms of Australians in the region, please monitor Smartraveller closely for the latest travel advice on the Middle East.”

Shadow foreign minister Michaelia Cash has described the escalating conflict as “concerning” and called for “caution and dialogue”.

“The Coalition is concerned about the escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict and encourages caution and dialogue between both countries,” she said in a statement on Friday.

Senator Cash said Iran must also guarantee that it will not pursue or acquire nuclear weapons.

“We also call on Iran to stop its sponsorship of terrorism, including backing Hamas and Hezbollah,” she said.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday confirmed there was no involvement by the Trump administration in Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure and military sites.

America had in recent days withdrawn diplomatic personnel from the region.

Senator Cash called on the Albanese Government to support and protect any Australians in the region.

“We also urge all Australians in the region to heed the official advice during this uncertain time,” she said.

“We expect the Government to prioritise the safety of Australian personnel and their families.”

When asked on Friday if Australia was also contemplating withdrawing diplomatic personnel from Tehran or the wider region, Senator Wong said they were taking citizens’ safety “very seriously”.

“You should assume that we take the safety of Australians who are (there) very seriously,” she said.

“Australians who work either in the ADF or in our other posts overseas through various agencies . . . we will always take the appropriate action on that.”

Senator Wong told reporters she had spoken with the Australian ambassador to Israel on Thursday and Australia would continue to monitor the situation.

A Smarttraveller alert was issued on Friday after the military strikes, urging Australians in Iran to take shelter and reiterating advice not to travel to the region.

“There’s an increased risk of military conflict. This could escalate rapidly and without notice,” it stated.

“Australians, including dual nationals, should strongly consider leaving Iran as soon as possible.”