Penny Wong accuses Iran of interference in Australia as Donald Trump pushes Middle East peace deal
Foreign Minister Penny Wong accused Iran of exerting a “malicious influence” on Australia by joining more than 20 countries in a coordinated condemnation of the regime as a fragile Middle East ceasefire faces mounting pressure.
Speaking from London, where he is traveling with Defense Minister Richard Marles for a series of high-level security and defense talks across Europe, Senator Wong said Australia had signed a joint international statement expressing concerns about Iran’s activities both abroad and within democratic countries.
The statement comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East following a series of attacks between Iran and the United States, despite efforts to preserve the ceasefire and growing international calls for a diplomatic solution.
Senator Wong said Australia had first-hand experience of Iran’s interference.
“As you know, it is Australia that has experienced Iranian intrusion into foreign territory and Australian territory and has seen Iran engage in anti-Semitic attacks on Jewish institutions,” he said.
“We have prepared this statement to reflect our concern about the way the Iranian regime is projecting malign influence on many democracies, including Australia, and we are determined to stand against it.”
The comments come as US President Donald Trump continues to publicly express confidence that a broader peace deal between Iran and the US is achievable, despite recent military exchanges that threaten to derail talks.
Asked whether he believed Mr. Trump’s repeated claims that a deal was close, Senator Wong declined to directly evaluate the president’s comments; instead he reiterated Australia’s position that diplomacy was the only valid way forward.
“We don’t want to see increased tensions. We don’t want to see a return to open warfare,” he said.
“We do not want to see civilian assets targeted. We want to see an agreement reached through negotiation and an end to the conflict.”
The Foreign Minister said Australia’s primary concern was the impact ongoing instability could have on Australians and the global economy, particularly as uncertainty around energy markets and critical shipping routes continues.
“Our position, as the Prime Minister has expressed, is that we want to see this conflict end through negotiation,” he said.
“What’s most important to us is the impact this is having on Australians and the global economy, and we’re all feeling it.”
Senator Wong and Mr. Marles are currently holding a series of meetings in Germany, France and the United Kingdom; Australia is seeking to strengthen defense and diplomatic ties with key allies amid growing instability in both the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
The two participated in joint foreign and defense ministerial consultations focusing on security cooperation, the war in Ukraine, Middle East tensions and regional stability.
Senator Wong also used the interview to reaffirm the government’s commitment to AUKUS, explaining that the decades-old submarine partnership with the US and UK is critical to Australia’s future security.
“This submarine capability is critical to ensuring Australia’s relevance to a much more contested world and region,” he said.
“Securing our sovereignty is critical. Critical for deterrence.”
The comments come as Australia seeks to deepen its international partnerships while managing rising geopolitical tensions in many regions.
