Opposition Urges Iran to End Support for Terrorist Groups

Coalition Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash said the world could never accept a ‘nuclear-armed Iran.’

An explosion caused by a projectile strike illuminates the skyline in Tel Aviv, Israel, early Saturday, June 14, 2025. AP Photo/Leo Correa

The Australian Opposition has called on Iran to stop supporting terrorist organisations Hamas and Hezbollah and promise they won’t acquire any nuclear weapons.

The conflict between Iran and Israel escalated on June 13–14, with Israel attacking Iran’s nuclear sites and Iran retaliating in Tel Aviv.

Australian Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash said the targeting of Israeli population centres by the Iranian regime was deeply troubling.

“The Iranian regime’s ability to acquire nuclear weapons poses a serious and direct threat to world peace and stability, especially as it continues to engage in terrorism by supporting its proxies: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Houthis in Yemen,” they said on June 14.

“Whilst we continue to urge caution, Israel has a right to defend itself. Israel is exercising its sovereign right to defend its people and ensure the security of future generations. The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iran.”

They also expressed support for the Jewish community in Australia and their sympathies for Iranian Australians, many of whom fled Iran for a better life.

The Opposition said state and federal authorities must work day and night to promote social cohesion and community safety.

“We can never allow instability overseas to be a platform for anti-Semitism on Australian soil,” Ley and Cash said.

Shadow Defence Minister Angus Taylor also urged Iran to abandon any pursuit of nuclear arms and support of terrorism, while also acknowledging rising tensions.

“We are concerned about the escalation, but we also call on Iran to cease its support of Hamas and Hezbollah. It’s completely unacceptable. And we must see Iran cease any work on nuclear weapons, it’s completely unacceptable as well,” he told reporters at a doorstop in Sydney on June 14. 

Labor Calls for Dialogue, Diplomacy

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on June 13 expressed alarm about the escalation between Israel and Iran, warning that it risked further destabilising a region that was already volatile.

“We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions. We all understand the need, the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program. It represents a threat to international peace and security. And we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy,” she said.

Wong also continued to defend Australia’s recent sanctions against Israeli ministers and expressed disapproval with the Netanyahu government.

“We have a long-standing friendship with the people of Israel, and we want that to continue,” she said.

“But we disagree with the actions of the Netanyahu government, we disagree with the actions of these ministers in relation to the West Bank, and we disagree with the actions of the Netanyahu government in the blockade of aid into Gaza. And that is a principled position to take.”

Trump Urges Iran to Make a Deal

Israel launched a military operation against Iran on June 13, assassinating key leaders and targeting nuclear facilities. Iran reported that 78 individuals and civilians were killed in the Israeli air strikes.

Iran launched retaliatory attacks, killing at least three people and injuring 40 in Tel Aviv.

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran to “make a deal” in a post to Truth Social on June 13 and called for no more death or destruction.

“Just do it, before it is too late. God Bless All,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was not involved in the strikes against Iran and their top priority was protecting American forces in the region.

“Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” he said on June 13.