The Australian Greens have described attacks on the Iranian regime as “disgraceful” and “illegal” after Labor and the Coalition backed US–Israeli strikes.
Greens leader Larissa Waters said the military action and the subsequent toppling of Iran’s clerical leadership had “unleashed chaos across the Middle East”.
Ms Waters also accused the Albanese government of violating international law by expressing support for President Trump’s Operation Epic Fury.
“Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal attacks last night have unleashed chaos across the Middle East,” Senator Waters said.
“The Greens condemn these illegal, abhorrent and unilateral attacks. Australians do not want to be dragged into another US-Israeli war.
“Australia’s support of Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal attack last night was disgraceful… We cannot bomb our way to peace.”
Greens foreign affairs spokesman David Shoebridge said the strikes on the Iranian regime did not justify what he described as an unlawful attack.
“No one seriously believes that Donald Trump cares about the rights or lives of people in Iran,” Senator Shoebridge said.
“Just like other US wars that Australia has supported in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, the talk is about freedom and democracy but the reality is killing and destruction.
“With barely a moment’s pause the Albanese government has backed Trump and another US-led war in the Middle East.
“This proves without a shadow of a doubt that Labor has outsourced Australian foreign policy to Washington.”
The Greens have also demanded the government rule out any involvement of joint US-Australian facilities, including Pine Gap and North West Cape, in supporting the strikes.
Their condemnation came after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated Australia’s support for action aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
“We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace,” Mr Albanese said.
“A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy.”
It comes after the Albanese expelled the Iranian ambassador following revelations Iran had helped orchestrate terror attacks in Australia.
Mr Albanese said Iran had been “a destabilising force” through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor also backed the strikes and sharply criticised the Iranian regime.
“The theocratic Iranian regime is authoritarian, antisemitic and abhorrent,” Mr Taylor said.
“It wants nuclear weapons, seeks the destruction of Israel, has encouraged terrorism through its proxies … and has supplied weapons to Russia.”
“Since 1979, the revolutionary Islamic government in Tehran has oppressed, imprisoned and murdered Iranians. We pray for the Iranian people at this time. May courage prevail.”