Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Iran’s strikes against Israel at the weekend, labelling the escalation a “flouting of international law”.
Israel and international partners the US, UK, and France have been intercepting hundreds of missiles and drones sent by Iran from Iraq, Syria and Yemen — about 99% of them have been thwarted.
According to Associated Press, Iran’s barrage has included 120 ballistic missiles, 170 drones and more than 30 cruise missiles.
Iran launched the aerial offensive, called Operation True Promise, two weeks after a deadly strike it suspects was carried out by Israeli forces on its consulate in Syria on April 1.
The Australian PM issued a statement this week describing the attack as a threat to the security of the Middle East, increasing the possibility of greater instability and devastation across the region.
“Iran has ignored our call, and those of many other countries, not to proceed with these reckless attacks,” Albanese said.
“Anyone who cares for the protection of innocent life must stand against these attacks.”
The PM said 85 individuals and 97 entities connected to the Iranian regime faced Magnitsky-style sanctions, among other targeted financial and travel sanctions by Australia.
“Iran’s ongoing flouting of international law, its egregious human rights abuses and threat to international security are why this government has [taken this sanctions action],” Albanese said.
“Australia will continue to work with the international community to increase pressure on Iran to cease its destabilising actions and to prevent the conflict from spreading.”
Israel has yet to retaliate against the Iranians but international watchers are concerned about conflict and what further escalation will fuel.
Australians travelling through the Middle East have been told to monitor local media for public safety updates and follow the advice of local authorities.
Australians who need emergency consular assistance should contact the government’s 24-hour consular emergency centre at +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).
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