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In a press conference held earlier today, Alabese expressed Australia’s solidarity with the courageous citizens of Iran who are resisting an authoritarian regime. “Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against what is an oppressive regime,” he stated.
Alabese acknowledged the challenges faced by the tens of thousands of Australians with family ties in the Middle East, empathizing with their situation. “I understand this is a very difficult time for the tens of thousands of Australians with loved ones in the Middle East. The days ahead are going to be difficult. They are uncertain,” he noted.
Highlighting the importance of global stability, Alabese emphasized the necessity of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “We support the [United] States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace security,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, Alabese attributed responsibility for orchestrating attacks on Australian soil to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, underscoring the gravity of the security threats posed by such actions.
He said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei “was responsible for orchestrating attacks on Australian soil”.
“His passing will not be mourned,” he said.
Albanese said he supported the United States “acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security,” though did not directly mention the strikes.
“The regime has instigated a brutal crackdown on its own people, leaving thousands of Iranian civilians dead. A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy,” he said.
Referencing two attacks on Jewish synagogues in Australia in 2024, Albanese said: “These appalling acts targeting Australia’s Jewish community were intended to create fear, divide our society and challenge our sovereignty.”
As a result of the attacks, Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador and listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.
Albanese said Iran has been a “destabilising force” through its ballistic missile and nuclear program.
He said it was a “threat to world peace”.
”The international community has been clear that the Iranian regime can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” Albanese added.
“Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.”
Opposition leader Angus Taylor called Iran’s regime ”authoritarian, antisemitic and abhorrent.”
“It wants nuclear weapons, seeks the destruction of Israel, has encouraged terrorism through its proxies – Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis – and has supplied weapons to Russia to support Putin’s invasion of Ukraine,” he said in a post on X.
“We pray for the Iranian people at this time.”