The Australian government condemned Iran’s attack on a U.S. air base in Qatar, as U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire was on the way.
Iran fired missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base overnight in retaliation for the United States hitting three nuclear sites in Iran on June 22.
No casualties were reported, as both the United States and Qatari authorities were made aware of the incoming missiles beforehand, making it possible to shoot them down.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed her recent sentiments in once again calling for de-escalation.
“A full-scale war in the Middle East would be devastating for the people of the region and the world.
“Australia continues to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.”
Australian Health Minister Mark Butler told Nine the attack was condemned by the Australian government.
“We’re pleased at reports there are no casualties from the attack, but again urged the Iranians to return to the table,” he said.
“It’s important for them, but also for the region and the broader international community that we see a de-escalation in this conflict.
“Iran cannot be in a position where there’s the threat of a full-blown war or further escalation. Here it now behoves them to return to the table.”
Butler went on to tell ABC Radio National that Australians should check the Smart Traveller website if planning a journey to the Middle East due to flight disruptions, labelling it a “very volatile situation.”
On June 23, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his support for the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.
“The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon and we support action to prevent that,” he said.
“We don’t want escalation and a full-scale war. We continue to call for dialogue and for diplomacy.
“Iran didn’t come to the table, just as it has repeatedly failed to comply with its international obligations.”
The war started on June 13 when Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities amid claims Iran was just days away from having nuclear weapons.
Trump Claims Ceasefire
At 8 am on June 24 (AEST), U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to announce that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between Israel and Iran.“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a complete and total ceasefire in approximately six hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in-progress, final missions for 12 hours, at which point the war will be considered ended,” he said.
Trump branded the conflict the “12-day war,” adding that both sides would remain peaceful and respectful.
“This is a war that could have gone on for years and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will,” he said.
