Albo breaks silence on ceasefire, Qatar attack
Thousands of Australians are begging the Albanese Government to get them out of the Middle East and Europe after Iran sent missiles to a US airbase in Qatar.
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Anthony Albanese has welcomed President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Mr Trump has announced Iran and Israel have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to begin in about six hours.
“We have consistently called for dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation,” Mr Albanese said in response. “The safety of Australians in the region is our priority.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East and are deeply concerned about keeping Australians safe.”
Stranded Aussies beg for help
Thousands of Australians are now begging the Albanese Government to get them out of the Middle East and Europe after Iran sent missiles to a US airbase in Qatar.
As the Australian Defence Force scrambles to evacuate Australians from Iran and Israel as early as today, the government has warned distressed tourists in Europe are also worried because of the disruption to commercial air travel in the region.
Australia has condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks on the United States after it sent 13 missiles towards a US base in Qatar – but telegraphed its punches to de-escalate the crisis and avoid casualties.
But rather than the attacks representing an escalation of the conflict, some experts believe that the decision of Iran to expressly warn the US it was sending the missiles suggests it wants to de-escalate the conflict.
The disruption to air travel and rising tensions in the region is prompting many Australians to try to flee the region.
“This is obviously a very fluid situation but if you’re talking about people wanting to get out of Iran and Israel there obviously are some thousands now of Australians who have contacted Australian consular officials seeking assistance to depart those two countries,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.
“But many more besides now in Europe and other destinations wanting to get home or in Australia wanting to get over there are going very disrupted by what is happening in the Middle East right now. As I say again, monitor Smarttraveller and stay in touch closely with your airline.”
“This is a really, really dangerous situation.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia did not want any further escalation.
“Australia condemns Iran’s strikes on US bases in Qatar and Iraq,” she said.
“We do not want to see further escalation. A full-scale war in the Middle East would be devastating for the people of the region and the world.”
Trump mocks Iran’s ‘weak response’
President Donald Trump has made it clear in social media posts that he does not intend to retaliate to the “very weak response”.
“CONGRATULATIONS WORLD, IT’S TIME FOR PEACE!,” he said and even thanked Iranians for “giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured”.
“Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”
Iran’s conduct in warning the US that the missiles were en route mirrors the 2020 attack on US bases in Iraq in retaliation for the US assassination of senior general Qassem Soleimani.
Iraq was given advance warning of the strikes, the Americans were ready just as they were this time to protect US personnel at Al Udeid.
Travel warnings for Australians
Nevertheless, Australia has issued clear warnings about travel in the region.
“I’ve indicated publicly this morning that I have asked my department to consider if there’s any alteration to travel advice more broadly,” Senator Wong said.
Warnings for Iran, Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Iraq state: “We continue to advise Australians not travel to (these countries) due to the volatile security situation and the risk it could deteriorate with little notice.”
“(Airports) could close without warning, and you may be unable to leave for an extended period,” the warnings read.
“The Australian government may not be able to assist you to leave.”
Liberals urge Australia to ‘stand with the US’.
Liberal leader Sussan Leader has urged the Prime Minister to “stand with the United States” in the wake of the Iranian regime’s missile attack on a US base in Qatar.
While the Albanese Government is yet to release a formal statement on the attacks, the Coalition has “condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the Iranian regime’s direct missile attack”.
“We note President Trump has said the United States was provided with prior notice to prevent loss of life and injury,” Ms Ley said.
“That said, this provocative act is a violation of Qatari sovereignty.
“Australia must stand firmly with our allies and partners, including the United States, in the face of such aggression.
“The Coalition reaffirms its support for the actions taken by the United States to prevent the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“Noting reports that President Trump may be seeking meetings with IP4 nations including Australia at NATO, we continue to urge Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to attend.
“Now is a time for Australia to stand with the United States and Anthony Albanese should be taking every opportunity to do so.”
Mr Albanese has been under fire for not unequivocally backing the US strikes on Iran on Sunday.
On Monday, the Prime Minister confirmed Australia did not support the strikes to shutdown Iran’s nuclear capabilities but stressed the attacks were “unilateral” that is America acted alone.
Originally published as Albo breaks silence on ceasefire, Qatar attack
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