Why Aussie teens are at risk after US bombed Iran

Following the US strikes on Iran, Australia is now entering a heightened risk period for home grown terrorists, military experts warn.

Vulnerable Australian teenagers are at risk of being turned into jihadists off the back of the United States strikes on Iran, military experts warn.

It comes amid warnings that Iran’s Quds Force could direct attacks on Australian soil, while Australians based in the Middle East were told to get back home as soon as possible.

Michael Shoebridge, a director at Strategic Analysis Australia, said Australia was now entering a heightened risk period for home grown terrorists.

“This has the potential to reignite Islamic terrorism,” he said.

“If you are an Islamic teenager this is just another example of how the West is keeping you down. Iran may not need to direct the attacks but they could happen.”

Islamic State has already claimed credit for a terror plot in Syria at the weekend, where a suicide bomber killed 22 people at a Christian church service in Damascus.

Islamic State has claimed credit for a terror plot in Syria at the weekend.

Acting opposition foreign affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie said the Quds Force, an unconventional special operations wing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, was “very methodical, very patient”.

“That’s something we’ve got to watch very closely,” Mr Hastie told Sky News.

“There’s a reason why Mike Burgess, the director general of ASIO, mentioned the Iranians in his annual threat update – particularly around foreign interference.

“This is a risk for the US particularly, but also allies as well. But that’s no reason not to stand with the US.”

Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie. Picture: Richard Dobson / NewsWire

Mr Hastie said the strikes on Iran’s nuclear program were a “historic moment”, adding the world could not afford to have Iran get a nuclear weapon.

“Hopefully this frustrates the ambitions of the Iranian regime for at least a decade,” he said.

Asked about the risk of retaliation from sleeper cells and whether Australia would review its terror threat level, Mr Albanese said: “The ASIO Director-General and our security intelligence agencies are constantly engaged in monitoring”.

“There’s been no change in any of the advice that has been issued,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Senate Leader and Foreign Minister, Penny Wong hold a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, where the recent Iranian conflict was discussed. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said there were always risks, not only from escalation in the region, but also potential more broadly.

“I have asked my department to consider … if there’s any alteration to travel advice more generally, which we will obviously make sure it’s updated,” Ms Wong said.

The Australian government has warned Aussie travellers about a potential increase in the risk of terrorist attacks around the globe, in new advice released on Monday.

“Conflict in the Middle East could impact safety and security elsewhere. There is a risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation. Protests and civil unrest may happen globally,” the updated on the Smart Traveller website said.

“The risk of terrorist attacks can increase, particularly around: areas where foreign tourists gather, embassies; other foreign interests.”