Foreign Minister Penny Wong has sharply criticised Iran for what she described as the “weaponisation of the Strait of Hormuz”, warning that Tehran’s actions are driving up global oil and fuel prices and inflicting economic pain on households and businesses worldwide. Senator Wong said Australia wants to see critical energy supplies continue flowing to regional partners as the conflict intensifies.
Her comments come as the United States and Israel continue military strikes on Iran following the outbreak of war on February 28. Israel has also announced new operations in southern Lebanon aimed at targeting Hezbollah, which it describes as an Iranian proxy.
Senator Wong said Australia is “gravely concerned” by the widening conflict in Lebanon, the rising death toll and the displacement of more than one million civilians. She made the remarks after speaking with Israeli minister Gideon Sa’ar, noting that both sides discussed Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks on Israel and agreed the group must disarm in line with previous international agreements.
“Australia supports Lebanon’s sovereignty so we do not want to see occupation of southern Lebanon by Israel,” she said, underscoring Canberra’s position against any expansion of Israeli military control.
As tensions escalate across the region, Australia is increasingly focused on the humanitarian fallout, the security implications and the global economic shockwaves driven by soaring energy prices.
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