Legality of strikes on Iran ‘matter for US and Israel’
Australia continues to support the US in its war against the “disgusting” Iranian regime, but the Albanian government has stopped short of legally approving military action.
USA and Israel carried out an airstrike on Iran, killing the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 40 senior leaders as the two countries press for regime change.
The Pentagon confirmed that three American soldiers were killed in the conflict.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said US facilities in Australia were not used in the attack and described Iran’s leadership as “disgusting”.
“We support the action taken by the United States and we stand with the Iranian people at this time,” he told ABC radio on Monday.
Asked whether the attacks would be considered legal under international law, Mr. Marles said: “Ultimately, the legality of these measures is an issue that both the United States and Israel must consider.”
Australia-based human rights activist and lawyer Sara Rafiee called for continued international pressure to help dismantle the regime’s coercive practices, security infrastructure and command centres.
“Iranians are clear on one thing: reform within the current system is not an option,” he said.
“After 47 years of oppression, they want the complete disappearance of the regime and the opportunity to determine their own future.”
Iranians in Australia took to the streets to celebrate the attacks on Tehran, marking them as the beginning of the end of the brutal regime.
Rallies were held in Sydney, Melbourne and outside the former Iranian embassy in Canberra, where community members sprayed champagne, cheered and danced.
An elated Nadeo Ranjear welcomed the Ayatollah’s death as “the biggest, biggest news.”
“This is still the beginning of the end. We still haven’t achieved 100 per cent victory, but we are almost there,” he told AAP outside the embassy on Sunday.
“Victory is soon… The Iranian people will overthrow this regime.”
Some smaller anti-war demonstrations also broke out, with groups such as the Jewish Council of Australia condemning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approval of US strikes.
Australian Travel Industry Association chief executive Dean Long warned travelers transiting the Gulf to expect delays and reroutes “for the foreseeable future”.
He warned Australians not to cancel flights, even to countries that have been upgraded to do not travel warnings.
“Let the airline or tour operator make that call; if they can’t provide the service because it’s unsafe, your rights are much better protected,” Mr Long said.
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