PM Anthony Albanese Backs U.S. Strikes on Iran: National Security Statement 2026

Canberra - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally backed military action by the United States of America and Israel against Iran, following a series of high-stakes overnight strikes, on February 28, that have significantly escalated tensions in the Middle East.

In a stern address delivered from Sydney on Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Prime Minister stated that the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in the operation, "will not be mourned" by those who value global security and human rights.

The Prime Minister said Australia stands in full support of its allies' efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear ambitions.

He characterized the Iranian regime as a destabilizing force that has spent decades threatening international peace through ballistic missile programs, the funding of armed proxies and the state-sponsored repression of its own citizens.

"A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy," Mr. Albanese said.

"The international community has been clear; the Iranian regime can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon," he added.

Albanese also linked the regime’s activities to domestic safety, specifically citing recent attempts by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to orchestrate attacks against Australia’s Jewish community.

He noted these actions were intended to create fear and divide our society.

In response to the escalating conflict, the Prime Minister has convened the National Security Committee to assess potential reprisal attacks, including heightened risks of cyber-warfare and regional instability.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has immediately upgraded travel advisories in light of the strikes, warning it's citizens not to travel to Iran (highest level), on Israel and Lebanon they said people should reconsider their need to travel, advising that on the regional airspace major carriers including Qantas and Virgin have begun rerouting flights over the Arabian Peninsula to avoid potential missile corridors, adding significant travel time to European sectors.

Meanwhile the Australian embassy in Tehran has entered a "draw-down" phase, with staff dependents already evacuated.

Albanese also urged any Australians remaining in the region to depart immediately if safe to do so, warning that the government’s ability to provide consular assistance is now extremely limited.