Israel and the United States have launched another attack on Iran, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising serious questions about international law, global stability and the credibility of the so-called “rules-based international order”. We explore the latest developments in the Israel–Iran conflict, including the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel and dozens of US military bases across Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait.
This attack was authorised by the United Nations, and it’s clear the United States and Israel have violated international law. Yet governments like Australia have avoided clearly stating whether the action was legal or illegal, while simultaneously condemning Iran’s retaliation. We examine the response from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and what Australia’s position says about its commitment to the rules-based international order.
We also discuss the broader strategic motivations behind the conflict, including the long shadow of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the political dynamics surrounding Donald Trump’s “peace through war” rhetoric, and the idea – frequently raised in Washington and Tel Aviv – of “regime change” in Iran. But with a population of around 90 million people, difficult terrain and a deeply rooted nationalist identity, Iran is widely regarded by military analysts as one of the most difficult countries in the world to invade.
We also look at Australia’s role in the crisis, including defence trade links with the United States and Israel, intelligence cooperation, and growing criticism within the Labor Party itself. As the conflict threatens to destabilise the region, we ask whether Australia is simply following Washington’s lead – or whether it should be willing to challenge its allies when international law and global stability are at stake.
