‘Reckless’: Australian PM Condemns Iran’s Missile Attacks on Israel

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media during a press conference in Canberra, Australia, on April 13, 2024. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Iran’s military attacks against Israel, calling the escalation “a grave threat to the security of Israel and the entire region.”

The comment came after Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones on Israeli territory on the morning of April 14, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) blaming Israel for the attack.

The IRGC said in a statement that the operation was in response to the “Zionist entity’s crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Syria.”

Israel has repeatedly received threats from Iran since its April 1 strike on Damascus. On April 12, U.S. President Joe Biden said a retaliatory attack from Iran was imminent and pledged to stand on Israel’s side.

Albanese Condemns Iran’s Actions

On Sunday afternoon (April 14), Mr. Albanese issued a statement saying “anyone who cares for the protection of innocent life must stand against these attacks.”

“Iran has ignored our call, and those of many other countries, not to proceed with these reckless attacks,” he said.

“It risks greater instability and devastation across the Middle East.

“Iran’s ongoing flouting of international law, its egregious human rights abuses and threat to international security is why this government has imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans, including Magnitsky-style sanctions, on 85 individuals and 97 entities.”

The prime minister added that Australia continues to support regional security and work with the international community to increase pressure on Iran and prevent the conflict from spreading.

He said Australians in the region should monitor local media for public safety updates and follow the advice of local authorities.

Mr. Albanese’s comment came after Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Birmingham said Iran’s military attacks against Israel “cannot be tolerated.”

“Iran sponsors barbaric terrorists like Hamas, helps Russia against Ukraine, illegally develops nuclear weapons and oppresses the Iranian people,” he wrote in a post on X (formally Twitter) on April 14.

“We must stand with Israel, while decisive steps must be taken against Iran.”

99 Percent Of Drones, Missiles Intercepted

According to the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), Tehran has launched more than 300 explosive drones and missiles on Israel.

But IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that 99 percent of threats have been intercepted, describing this as “a very important strategic achievement.”

Mr. Adraee said out of about 170 drones launched by Iran, “not a single one of them penetrated the State of Israel, as Air Force warplanes and our allies’ air defence systems intercepted dozens of them.”

“Of the more than 30 cruise missiles launched by Iran—none of the missiles penetrated Israeli territory. Our warplanes intercepted 25 missiles outside the country’s borders,” he said in a post on X.

He added that of the more than 120 ballistic missiles, a small number penetrated the Israeli border and fell at an air force base, which caused minor infrastructure damage.

Mr. Adraee also said Iran has “committed a dangerous act and is pushing the Middle East towards escalation.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin reiterated “ironclad U.S. support for Israel’s defence in light of Iran’s unprecedented attack from Iranian territory.”

He also noted that the U.S. military force remained ready to support Israel.