Wong raises concerns over Lebanon conflict

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong expressed Australia’s grave concern at the expansion of the conflict in Lebanon and recent comments by an Israeli minister in a phone call with her Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar on Wednesday.

Wong reiterated Australia’s condemnation of Iran and its proxies’ continued attacks across the region and discussed prospects for de-escalation.

“Iran’s weaponisation of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting oil and fuel prices worldwide, demonstrates the Iranian regime’s willingness to inflict economic pain on households and businesses across the world,” Wong said.

“Australia wants to see critical energy supplies flow to our partners and our region.”

Wong said Australia was gravely concerned at the expansion of the conflict in Lebanon, the loss of life and displacement of more than one million civilians.