Australian Government Calls for Dialogue, Diplomacy Between Israel, Iran

Calls for diplomacy have sparked criticism from Israel’s Ambassador to Australia.

An explosion is seen during a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025. AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg

The Australian government continues to express concern about the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

Israel and Iran have been exchanging air strikes and missile barrages since June 13, sparking concerns of a broader regional war.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong are pushing for diplomacy between the two sides.

“We are concerned about the escalation of the conflict that is going on now in the Middle East and we do believe it is really important that we see a focus, an emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy,” Marles told the Defending Australia 2025 summit on June 16.

“Now, to be clear, we completely understand the threat that is represented by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program as not just a threat to the Middle East, as a threat to the peace and stability of the world.”

Wong repeated the call and also warned against escalation.

“Our call for diplomacy, for dialogue, for de-escalation, is the same call that is being made by the United Kingdom, by Canada, by France, by so many countries around the world, and it’s consistent with what President Trump has said,” Wong told reporters in Canberra on June 16.

“What I would say is ultimately, we don’t want to see escalation—an escalation which leads to worse outcomes in the longer term—we don’t want to see escalation that leads to dire consequences for the people of the region.”

Wong revealed she had spoken to Israel’s foreign minister about the “crisis at hand,” casualties in Israel and consular matters.

This came after she told the ABC, “We urge de-escalation, we urge restraint, we urge dialogue and diplomacy. And that call has been reflected by likeminded and partners.

She added that U.S. President Donald Trump had said he was open to a deal.

However, calls for diplomacy have sparked criticism from Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon.

“Through its pursuit of nuclear arms, Iran has turned this into an asymmetric conflict between a democracy seeking to defend itself and a regime bent on destruction. Yet some still urge diplomacy, as if words can stop warheads,” Maimon said in a post to X on June 15.

“This is how the conflict began. Israel cannot afford the illusion that existential threats are empty words. We have a duty to act, to protect our people.”

In a stark warning about the dangers of inaction, Maimon added, “History has shown what happens when the world ignores regimes that preach hatred, promise annihilation, and are left to build the means to carry it out. Iran isn’t hiding its intent, it declares it. And it’s building the weapons to fulfil it.”

On June 13, Israel launched an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military figures, killing key officials and nuclear scientists.

In retaliation, Iran has launched ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israel, killing civilians in Tel Aviv and Haifa. More than 200 people have died in Iran and 18 in Israel.

‘Seriously Bad People,’ Liberal Senator Says

Meanwhile, Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg defended Israel’s right to protect itself from the danger of Iran gaining nuclear weapons.

“What’s at stake is that Iran wants a nuclear weapon,” he told the Today Show.

Bragg highlighted that Iran wants to wipe Israel off the map. He said if Australia were in Israel’s shoes, it would not tolerate a country nearby getting a nuclear weapon.

“So Israel is trying to stop that from happening. That’s a good thing for humanity because these guys are the worst regime anywhere on the planet. These are seriously bad people, and they should never be given an opportunity to have a nuclear weapon,” Bragg said.

This comes after Australian Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash called on Iran to cease supporting Hamas and Hezbollah and promise not to develop any nuclear weapons.

Trump Calls for a Deal

Trump called on Iran and Israel to make a deal in a recent post on Truth Social.

“Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using trade with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks with two excellent leaders who were able to quickly make a decision and stop,” Trump said.