Australian politicians have expressed strong support for Iranians amid ongoing nationwide protests against the country’s government.
In a joint statement with Canada and the European Union, Australia condemned the Iranian government’s crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, calling for an end to lethal force and arbitrary arrests. The statement praised the courage of the Iranian people, noting that too many lives have already been lost.
Senator Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister, added, “The Iranian regime has the responsibility to protect its own population and must allow for the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.”
Senator Michaelia Cash, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, condemned Iran’s theocratic authorities for attempting to suppress dissent by shutting down communications, jailing protestors, and killing civilians. “Restore communications. Free detainees. End the violence,” she urged.
Liberal MP Julian Leeser, representing Pennant Hills and Berowra in New South Wales, echoed Senator Cash’s concerns. Leeser said he stood with the Iranian people, particularly women and girls, in their fight for freedom against a regime he described as “criminal” and responsible for human rights abuses at home and terrorism abroad.
The protests, sparked more than two weeks ago, have drawn thousands of Iranians to the streets. Authorities responded with severe crackdowns, leaving at least 116 dead and over 2,600 arrested, according to reports.
It is reported that the Iranian government has blocked internet and phone networks, effectively isolating its 85 million citizens, though some have bypassed restrictions using satellite internet services and virtual private networks.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was “closely monitoring the events unfolding in Iran,” praising the courage of Iranian citizens protesting for freedom. He stated that Israel “supports their struggle for freedom and strongly condemns the mass killings of innocent civilians,” adding that he hoped the nation would soon be “liberated from the yoke of tyranny” and that Israel and Iran could once again become “faithful partners in building a future of prosperity and peace.”
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs issued a stern warning to citizens, urging them to leave Iran while commercial flights were still available and to prepare for potential airspace closures or further travel disruptions. The advisory highlighted the volatile security situation, ongoing protests, and the high risk of arbitrary detention, noting that consular assistance in Iran was extremely limited.
Iran has been governed as a theocracy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has held power for more than three decades. Some protesters have called for the return of the former monarchy, with Reza Pahlavi, son of the last king Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, now living in the United States, encouraging citizens to seize the moment to “liberate that nation.”
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
