MEDIA RELEASE: 2 March 2026

The Australian Peace and Security Forum (APSF) deeply regret that the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have justified the reckless and illegal US and Israeli bombing of Iran and killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader. 

The US/Israel actions breach the United Nations Charter and international law. This is not lawful self-defence against an armed attack by Iran, and the UN Security Council has not authorised it. Preventive disarmament, counterterrorism and regime change on this scale constitute the international crime of aggression. Australia must not support this action, regardless of its dislike for Iran’s authoritarian regime.

Australia’s long-term support for the United Nations and for upholding international law as the basis for international relations appears to have been abandoned in this regrettable decision to back the US and Israeli aggression.

The ALP strongly opposed the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 on the pretext of searching for non-existing weapons of mass destruction, saying it was “illegal, unnecessary and unjust” without a United Nations mandate.  Yet here is a Labor Government supporting similar illegal, unnecessary and unjust bombing of Iran. 

APSF recognises that the Iranian Government is an oppressive theocratic regime, with little respect for human rights, especially for women. The Australian Government has condemned Russia for its illegal invasion of Ukraine but supports the US and Israel for similar acts of aggression against Iran. Australia must not turn a blind eye to the trashing of the United Nations Charter by this illegal attack.

The Iranian people deserve a better Government, but unrelenting bombing and the destruction of their homes, schools and public utilities will not achieve this. Innocent civilians will suffer the most.

We call on the Australian Government to urge the US and Israel to stop the bombing and avoid a larger regional conflict.  It is not in Australia’s interest to support illegal attacks by the US and Israel. Australia should support the call by the UN Secretary General for ‘de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities, and for all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table, notably on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme.’

Contact:

Adjunct Professor Albert Palazzo, 0407 450 636

Emeritus Prof Ian Lowe, Co-President APSF  0427 278 432