HomeAUAustralia Weighs Military Support for Gulf Nations, Says Foreign Minister Penny Wong

Australia Weighs Military Support for Gulf Nations, Says Foreign Minister Penny Wong

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Australia is weighing up an appeal for military aid by Middle Eastern countries under attack from Iran.

Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, confirmed on ABC’s Insiders today that the federal government has been approached by several countries seeking defense support against drone and missile threats.

In recent days, Iran has launched airstrikes targeting pro-Western nations such as the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 4 March 2026. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 4 March 2026. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen (Alex Ellinghausen)

“Iran’s actions have affected many countries not directly involved in the conflict,” Wong stated.

“As a result, we’ve received appeals for assistance, and we are carefully considering these requests,” she added.

While Wong refrained from discussing specifics regarding potential military support, she assured that the government would be transparent about any decisions made.

Wong also reiterated that Australian armed forces would not take part in offensive operations against Iran.

She was speaking after the Iranian regime gave conflicting comments about the targeting of its neighbours.

Smoke rises after an Iranian drone attack in the port area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) (AP)

President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to Arab Gulf nations in a remarkable address yesterday, saying Tehran would stop striking its neighbours unless any attacks on Iran originated from those countries.

He urged Gulf nations not to become a “plaything in the hands of imperialism,” warning them not to attack Iranian territory.

It’s not clear if the president’s announcement comes into effect immediately. After the address, interceptions continued over the UAE and sirens rang in Bahrain.

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