Australia welcomes Israel-Iran ceasefire

The Australian government has welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, announced by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday and condemned Iran’s strikes on American military bases.

In a statement issued following the announcement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Australia welcomes President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. We have consistently called for dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.”

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Acting Shadow Foreign Minister Andrew Hastie also welcomed the development. “Any step that de-escalates tensions and prevents a wider regional conflict is a moment to be recognised. A ceasefire is a vital step to prevent further suffering and to give space for diplomacy and stability to return,” they said in a joint statement.

The ceasefire was declared hours after Iran launched missile strikes on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq. The attacks were widely viewed as retaliation for targeted US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the Iranian strikes, stating on X: “Australia condemns Iran’s strike on US bases in Qatar and Iraq. 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. Australia continues to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.”