Explore the latest developments concerning Australia has been.
Australia has been asked to assist Middle East nations coming under fire from Iran. What could that look like?
Defence analysts say the world-class capability of the RAAF’s Wedgetail aircraft could help against drone and missile strikes carried out by Iran
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The foreign minister, Penny Wong, has confirmed that the government has been asked to provide military assistance to combat missiles and drone attacks that Iran has launched against neighbouring countries.
“Many countries which are non-participants have been attacked by Iran through this,” Wong said.
“You would anticipate as a consequence that we have been asked for assistance and we will work through that carefully. And of course, we are.”
Government won't say which Gulf state requested Australia's military assistance — as it happened
The government is currently considering a request to provide military assistance to a Gulf nation, but it won't say which one.
And that's where we'll have to leave our federal politics live coverage for today. Thank you for joining us!
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Australian troops may go to Gulf
The Australian government is considering sending military assistance to the Gulf nations facing attacks from Iran, Foreign Minister Penny Wong told ABC Insiders on Sunday.
Wong confirmed that Australia was asked to provide assistance to the region when she met with her UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed last week (The Age).
She said Australia would consider providing defence to the Gulf nations but would not participate in “offensive action” against Iran. She said, “This is not Iraq, and we are not the Howard government” (The Guardian).
Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson said the Coalition would “carefully consider any deployment proposals” once briefed. He said, “Australia had a proud record of standing with our allies and friends in times of crisis” (ABC).
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