Albo’s chilling warning that Aussie military could be sent into the Middle East as Israel-Iran conflict explodes
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Australia’s military could be asked to play a role in the Middle East as regional tensions escalate.
Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government was continuing to monitor the situation and urged Australians in the region to leave.
Australia has not been drawn into the conflict, but Mr Albanese said the nation could be asked to participate in the future.
‘It’s obviously a very volatile situation,’ he told reporters in Seattle on Saturday, local time.
‘We expect there could be a request for Australia to play a military role.’
The US was notified about the Israeli strikes in advance but Washington officials have been quick to point out it played no part in the attacks, warning Iran not to target its personnel or interests.
Mr Albanese landed in the US on his way to the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday.
Primie Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured in Fiji on Friday) spoke out ahead of the G7 Summit in Canada
Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe
He is expected to meet with a range of global leaders, including US president Donald Trump, who has been working with Iran on a nuclear deal.
Tariff discussions are expected to take the spotlight but defence talks could also feature after the US urged Australia to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP.
Australia is already forecast to grow military spending to 2.3 per cent of GDP and Mr Albanese insisted his government would give ‘whatever capability Australia needs to defend our national interest’.
