Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have issued a strong statement condemning Iran’s regime and backing United States military action aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The Prime Minister said Australia stands with “the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression”, describing the Iranian regime as a long-standing destabilising force through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and acts of violence and intimidation.
“For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation.”
The Government confirmed Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024, targeting the nation’s Jewish community. In response, Australia expelled Iran’s Ambassador, suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran and listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Iran’s state media and several foreign governments reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, died at the age of 86 following a major military strike attributed to Israeli forces in coordination with the United States.
Meanwhile, Iranian state television announced a 40-day national mourning period. Independent verification of the circumstances surrounding his death has been limited.
More than 200 Iranian-linked individuals have been sanctioned by Australia, including over 100 connected to the IRGC.
The Prime Minister’s statement noted that, alongside international partners including the United States and the G7, Australia has repeatedly called on Iran to uphold the human rights and freedoms of its citizens. Instead, the regime has carried out what the Government described as a brutal crackdown, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths.
“A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy.”
The Government reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program poses a threat to global peace and security, and supported action by the United States to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Australian officials are closely monitoring the situation. Australians have been advised not to travel to Iran and to leave if it is safe to do so. Travel advice for Israel and Lebanon has also been upgraded to “Do Not Travel”.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular assistance in the region.
Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been responsible for attacks against Australians and for supporting extremist groups abroad.
“One Nation does not lament his passing,” Senator Hanson said, calling it “a great opportunity for the people of Iran to take back their nation”.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor described the Iranian government as “authoritarian, antisemitic and abhorrent”, accusing it of pursuing nuclear weapons, backing militant groups including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, and engaging in foreign interference in Australia.
“We pray for the Iranian people at this time. May courage prevail.”
Prime Minister Albanese said the regime had “claimed countless lives” and stated that Khamenei’s passing “will not be mourned”, although Tehran has yet to officially confirm reports of his death.
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