Latest news with #NationalSecurityCommittee
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Top strategic analyst says US-Australia alliance ‘in its worst shape' after government explored legality of Iran Strikes
The US-Australia alliance is in a critical condition, according to a leading strategic analyst after Finance Minister Katy Gallagher let slip the federal government had ordered legal advice into President Trump's strikes on Iranian nuclear hubs. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was slammed for his belated support of US President Donald Trump's coordinated strikes against three significant Iranian nuclear facilities. Mr Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong fronted the media on Monday morning more than 24 hours after the attack, saying they backed the US' strikes but stressed they did not want to see the regional conflict escalate into all-out war. However, in a major development to the saga, Finance Minister and close confidant of the Prime Minister Katy Gallagher revealed on Thursday that the government had ordered advice on whether the US' strikes against Iranian nuclear sites were legal. 'Look, obviously advice has been sought by – I mean, in government, as we are working through some of these issues, we get a whole lot of advice across the government,' Senator Gallagher said on ABC RN. When questioned if acquiring legal advice reflected thinking within the government that the US' strikes were illegal under international law, Ms Gallagher said that it was a routine formality. 'Well, we receive – for example, when the NSC (National Security Committee) meets, we get a whole lot of advice from across government about a whole range of things, and we don't really go into those matters publicly.' Peter Jennings, one of the county's most eminent strategic analysts said the Albanese government seeking legal advice on the matter was 'not the act of a friendly ally' and stated he was 'surprised that they need to ask a question at all.' 'I think it's very clear that America was launching these strikes in defence of Israel and in defence of America itself, and they were attacking a regime which has literally since 1979 been calling for death to America and death to Israel,' Mr Jennings said. Mr Jennings, who served as executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute from 2012-22 said that by focussing on the legality of the strike the government was 'wilfully blind to the realities of what's going on in the Middle East right now' He outlined the move would be considered extremely provocative by US officials and would 'do serious damage to Australia's position in DC.' Ms Gallagher refused to share the nature or outcome of the advice and insisted that the government endorsed the US' strikes against Iran. 'I'm not going to go into the advice the government receives, but I can be clear, and I think ministers who have appeared on your program and the PM and the Foreign Minister have been very clear that we support the strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities,' she said. Mr Jennings said the emerging rift between the two countries was extremely concerning and stated 'the alliance is in its worst shape since the Whitlam/Nixon period which was more than 50 years ago.' 'One wonders then if they are trying to find a reason to distance themselves from the American strikes, because frankly you can create legal advice which will support the strikes, or also that says the strikes were illegal,' Mr Jennings said. 'This was an unnecessary step, something that the government could easily have supported on the basis of Iran's nuclear program and its international support of terrorism.' 'I just think it just shows that they're not trying to be an ally, they're trying to be a critic, and this is just not going to work with the Trump administration.' Mr Albanese, unlike British PM Keir Starmer, was not notified of the US' attacks on Iran before they were carried out, with the Prime Minister confirming he had not spoken to the US President after he abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada a day before the two were due to meet.
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
NSC takes stock of situation
ISLAMABAD: In a bold move, the National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday reaffirmed Iran's right to self-defence following US air strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, warning of a dangerous escalation in regional tensions. The NSC, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by senior cabinet members and military leadership including Field Marshal Asim Munir, met to assess the rapidly evolving regional situation in the wake of Israeli aggression and US strikes on the Iranian nuclear facilities. The NSC strongly condemned Israel's military actions against Iran and regretted that the US strikes had coincided with a constructive negotiation process between Tehran and Washington. 'These reckless actions have escalated tensions, threatening to ignite a wider conflict and diminishing the opportunities for dialogue and diplomacy,' a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. The committee reaffirmed Iran's right to self-defence under the United Nations Charter and conveyed condolences to the Iranian government and people over the loss of innocent lives. It also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured. Expressing grave concern over potential escalation, the NSC condemned the US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22. It said the strikes violated resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), international law, and the UN Charter. The forum reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to engage closely with relevant parties and endorsed continued efforts to promote regional peace and stability. It called on all sides to resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy and emphasised adherence to international human rights and humanitarian law. At the NSC meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir briefed participants on his recent US visit, including his meeting with US President Trump. Sources said PM Sharif praised Field Marshal's efforts, noting that the engagement highlighted Pakistan's strategic importance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Dangerous': Aus response to strikes slammed
Deputy Opposition Leader Ted O'Brien has slammed Anthony Albanese's response to US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming it sends a 'dangerous message to the world'. Iran overnight fired missiles at the Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar in response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities at the weekend. The Trump administration has suggested it was informed of the attack beforehand and Qatar was able to shoot down the Iranian missiles without any casualties. Donald Trump announced on Tuesday morning - hours after the strike - that Israel and Iran had agreed to 'a complete and total ceasefire'. The Prime Minister has been widely criticised by the Coalition and other political figures for his response to the US strikes, not fronting media until after a National Security Committee meeting on Monday. Mr Albanese did officially back Mr Trump's actions, though refused to directly answer whether Australia was briefed prior to the decision to strike being made. Mr O'Brien claimed Mr Albanese showed a 'lack of leadership' on the day of the strikes. 'The Prime Minister was silent – he put out no statement, he did not speak to the Australian people, he did not call a meeting of the National Security Committee,' he said on Today. 'He did not come out and decisively back the United States, our key ally. Unfortunately, that only weakens our relationship with the United States. 'And it sends a very dangerous message to the world that Australia, under this government, is passive. It's a failure of a leadership test.' Appearing alongside Mr O'Brien, Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth hit back at claims Mr Albanese was 'defensive, dismissive, and really on edge' in Monday's press conference. 'What we saw was the Prime Minister come out and clearly explain Australia's position – clearly explain that we don't have a central role in this conflict and clearly explain what we're doing for Australians,' Ms Rishworth said. 'We are a methodical government … you might be used to the chaos of previous Coalition governments coming up with different positions, but we're a methodical government.' Ms Rishworth did not answer directly when pressed by host Karl Stefanovic on whether the government would support further US strikes. 'I think these strikes were very targeted by the reports from the US,' she said. 'They have been effective in disrupting the nuclear facilities, and that was what their focus was, of course. 'The world for a long time has recognised that it is inconceivable that Iran gets access to nuclear weapons, and we – you know, for the peace and stability, stability of the world – that's been important.' 'The US has been pretty clear that it thinks it was a successful targeting of those facilities, but we want to see some return to diplomacy to actually de-escalate this, because a wider conflict in the Middle East is an incredibly difficult circumstance that no one wants to see.' Foreign Minister Penny Wong and other senior Labor ministers on Tuesday morning condemned Iran's retaliatory strike on the US base. Coalition's renewed calls to 'stand with US' Sussan Ley has reaffirmed the Coalition's support for the US in the wake of Iran's strike, and called on Mr Albanese to attend this week's NATO Summit to seek a meeting with Mr Trump. In a statement on Tuesday morning, the Opposition Leader reiterated their support for actions taken by the US to 'prevent the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons'. 'The Coalition condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the Iranian regime's direct missile attack on a United States base in Qatar,' Ms Ley said. 'We note President Trump has said the United States was provided with prior notice to prevent loss of life and injury. That said, this provocative act is a violation of Qatari sovereignty. 'Australia must stand firmly with our allies and partners, including the United States, in the face of such aggression. 'Noting reports that President Trump may be seeking meetings with IP4 nations - including Australia - at NATO, we continue to urge (Mr Albanese) to attend. 'Now is a time for Australia to stand with the United States and Anthony Albanese should be taking every opportunity to do so.' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has already travelled to Europe to represent Australia at the NATO Summit. More to come
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Liberal deputy Ted O'Brien slams Anthony Albanese's response to US, Iran strikes
Deputy Opposition Leader Ted O'Brien has slammed Anthony Albanese's response to US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming it sends a 'dangerous message to the world'. Iran overnight fired missiles at the Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar in response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities at the weekend. The Trump administration has suggested it was informed of the attack beforehand and Qatar was able to shoot down the Iranian missiles without any casualties. Donald Trump announced on Tuesday morning - hours after the strike - that Israel and Iran had agreed to 'a complete and total ceasefire'. The Prime Minister has been widely criticised by the Coalition and other political figures for his response to the US strikes, not fronting media until after a National Security Committee meeting on Monday. Mr Albanese did officially back Mr Trump's actions, though refused to directly answer whether Australia was briefed prior to the decision to strike being made. Mr O'Brien claimed Mr Albanese showed a 'lack of leadership' on the day of the strikes. 'The Prime Minister was silent – he put out no statement, he did not speak to the Australian people, he did not call a meeting of the National Security Committee,' he said on Today. 'He did not come out and decisively back the United States, our key ally. Unfortunately, that only weakens our relationship with the United States. 'And it sends a very dangerous message to the world that Australia, under this government, is passive. It's a failure of a leadership test.' Appearing alongside Mr O'Brien, Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth hit back at claims Mr Albanese was 'defensive, dismissive, and really on edge' in Monday's press conference. 'What we saw was the Prime Minister come out and clearly explain Australia's position – clearly explain that we don't have a central role in this conflict and clearly explain what we're doing for Australians,' Ms Rishworth said. 'We are a methodical government … you might be used to the chaos of previous Coalition governments coming up with different positions, but we're a methodical government.' Ms Rishworth did not answer directly when pressed by host Karl Stefanovic on whether the government would support further US strikes. 'I think these strikes were very targeted by the reports from the US,' she said. 'They have been effective in disrupting the nuclear facilities, and that was what their focus was, of course. 'The world for a long time has recognised that it is inconceivable that Iran gets access to nuclear weapons, and we – you know, for the peace and stability, stability of the world – that's been important.' 'The US has been pretty clear that it thinks it was a successful targeting of those facilities, but we want to see some return to diplomacy to actually de-escalate this, because a wider conflict in the Middle East is an incredibly difficult circumstance that no one wants to see.' Foreign Minister Penny Wong and other senior Labor ministers on Tuesday morning condemned Iran's retaliatory strike on the US base. Coalition's renewed calls to 'stand with US' Sussan Ley has reaffirmed the Coalition's support for the US in the wake of Iran's strike, and called on Mr Albanese to attend this week's NATO Summit to seek a meeting with Mr Trump. In a statement on Tuesday morning, the Opposition Leader reiterated their support for actions taken by the US to 'prevent the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons'. 'The Coalition condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the Iranian regime's direct missile attack on a United States base in Qatar,' Ms Ley said. 'We note President Trump has said the United States was provided with prior notice to prevent loss of life and injury. That said, this provocative act is a violation of Qatari sovereignty. 'Australia must stand firmly with our allies and partners, including the United States, in the face of such aggression. 'Noting reports that President Trump may be seeking meetings with IP4 nations - including Australia - at NATO, we continue to urge (Mr Albanese) to attend. 'Now is a time for Australia to stand with the United States and Anthony Albanese should be taking every opportunity to do so.' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has already travelled to Europe to represent Australia at the NATO Summit.
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
‘Dangerous': Aus response to strikes slammed
Deputy Opposition Leader Ted O'Brien has slammed Anthony Albanese's response to US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming it sends a 'dangerous message to the world'. Iran overnight fired missiles at the Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar in response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities at the weekend. The Trump administration has suggested it was informed of the attack beforehand and Qatar was able to shoot down the Iranian missiles without any casualties. Donald Trump announced on Tuesday morning - hours after the strike - that Israel and Iran had agreed to 'a complete and total ceasefire'. The Prime Minister has been widely criticised by the Coalition and other political figures for his response to the US strikes, not fronting media until after a National Security Committee meeting on Monday. Mr Albanese did officially back Mr Trump's actions, though refused to directly answer whether Australia was briefed prior to the decision to strike being made. Mr Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong held a highly anticipated press conference on the US strikes on Monday. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Mr O'Brien claimed Mr Albanese showed a 'lack of leadership' on the day of the strikes. 'The Prime Minister was silent – he put out no statement, he did not speak to the Australian people, he did not call a meeting of the National Security Committee,' he said on Today. 'He did not come out and decisively back the United States, our key ally. Unfortunately, that only weakens our relationship with the United States. 'And it sends a very dangerous message to the world that Australia, under this government, is passive. It's a failure of a leadership test.' Deputy Opposition Leader Ted O'Brien claims Mr Albanese's response was 'a failure of a leadership test'. NewsWire / Nikki Short Credit: News Corp Australia Appearing alongside Mr O'Brien, Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth hit back at claims Mr Albanese was 'defensive, dismissive, and really on edge' in Monday's press conference. 'What we saw was the Prime Minister come out and clearly explain Australia's position – clearly explain that we don't have a central role in this conflict and clearly explain what we're doing for Australians,' Ms Rishworth said. 'We are a methodical government … you might be used to the chaos of previous Coalition governments coming up with different positions, but we're a methodical government.' Amanda Rishworth did not give a direct answer on whether Australia would support further strikes on Iran. Jason Edwards / NewsWire Credit: NewsWire Ms Rishworth did not answer directly when pressed by host Karl Stefanovic on whether the government would support further US strikes. 'I think these strikes were very targeted by the reports from the US,' she said. 'They have been effective in disrupting the nuclear facilities, and that was what their focus was, of course. 'The world for a long time has recognised that it is inconceivable that Iran gets access to nuclear weapons, and we – you know, for the peace and stability, stability of the world – that's been important.' 'The US has been pretty clear that it thinks it was a successful targeting of those facilities, but we want to see some return to diplomacy to actually de-escalate this, because a wider conflict in the Middle East is an incredibly difficult circumstance that no one wants to see.' Foreign Minister Penny Wong and other senior Labor ministers have condemned Iran's retaliatory strike on Tuesday morning. More to come
