Headlines
Australia weighing requests for assistance from countries attacked by iran
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 8, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 8, 2026
Quick Summary
Australia is considering requests—particularly from Gulf states under Iranian drone and missile attack—to provide defensive assistance, while reaffirming it will not engage in offensive actions against Iran or deploy ground troops.
Australia Reviews Requests to Help Countries Attacked by Iran in Middle East Crisis
Australia's Position and Response to Middle East Escalation
Government Consideration of Assistance Requests
SYDNEY, March 8 (Reuters) - Australia's government said on Sunday it was considering requests to help protect countries attacked by Iran in the widening Middle East conflict, but reiterated it would not take part in any military operations in Iran.
Foreign Minister's Statement
"We've had many countries, which are non participants, (that) have been attacked by Iran through this. You would anticipate as a consequence that we have been asked for assistance, and we will work through that carefully," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in televised remarks.
Australia's Military Stance
Australia, a close U.S. ally, has said it will not deploy troops to the Middle East if the conflict escalates.
Protection Against Iranian Attacks
Asked if Australia could help protect nations from Iranian drone and missile attacks, Wong said "correct".
Non-Participation in Offensive Actions
"We will work through that in accordance with the position that I have outlined, which is we are not participating in offensive action against Iran and we have made clear we will not participate in any ground troop deployment," Wong added.
Australian Defence Personnel Involvement
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that three Australian defence personnel were on board a U.S. submarine that sank an Iranian warship with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean, but stressed that they did not take part in the attack.
Escalation of Middle East Conflict
The conflict in the Middle East has escalated this week, with U.S. and Israeli jets striking areas across Iran, and many Gulf cities - including in the UAE and Qatar - coming under Iranian bombardment.
Support for Australians in the Region
Australia is currently working with airlines to help thousands of Australians stranded in the Middle East.
(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Kevin Buckland)
Key Takeaways
- •Australia has received assistance requests from non‑participating Gulf countries attacked by Iran and is evaluating providing protective support (abc.net.au)
- •Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed Australia will not participate in offensive operations against Iran nor send ground troops (abc.net.au)
- •The government is conducting its largest-ever consular operation—deploying six crisis teams and military aircraft to aid Australians stranded amid the rapidly escalating Middle East conflict (abc.net.au)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Australia weighing requests for assistance from countries attacked by Iran
1Is Australia sending troops to the Middle East?
No, Australia has stated it will not deploy troops to the Middle East or join ground operations in the current conflict.
2What kind of assistance is Australia considering for countries attacked by Iran?
Australia is considering requests for assistance but will not participate in offensive action or ground troop deployments.
3Did Australian personnel participate in attacks against Iran?
Three Australian defence personnel were on a U.S. submarine during an attack, but they did not take part in the operation.
4How is Australia helping its citizens affected by the Middle East conflict?
Australia is working with airlines to assist thousands of Australians stranded in the Middle East.
5Why are countries requesting Australia's assistance against Iran?
Several non-participant countries attacked by Iran have requested Australia's help due to escalating missile and drone attacks.
