Albanese Defends Iran Response, Rejects Claims Australia Was Overlooked by Trump

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected criticism that his government was slow to respond to escalating tensions between the US and Iran, following American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Speaking on Tuesday, Albanese defended Australia’s position, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and supporting a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East.
Albanese dismissed claims that Australia had been sidelined by US President Donald Trump, despite the abrupt cancellation of their planned meeting at the G7 summit. He confirmed that a bilateral meeting with Trump would proceed at a mutually convenient time, adding, “That will be a good thing.”
The prime minister also pushed back against suggestions his government was unprepared in the wake of the US strikes. “We are a considered, orderly government. We’ve long maintained that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and called for diplomatic engagement to avoid military escalation,” he said.
As tensions remain high, Defence Minister Richard Marles is set to represent Australia at the Indo-Pacific partners’ meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Netherlands. Discussions are expected to focus on defence spending, with Trump urging Indo-Pacific nations, including Australia, to increase their military budgets to 3.5% of GDP.
Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed he would speak with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss the economic impact of the Iran-Israel conflict and new US tariffs. Despite the strain, Albanese signaled confidence in the strength of US-Australia ties and the potential for diplomatic progress.