Australia ready to defend Gulf countries, but excludes offensive roles and interference in the choice of the Iranian leader

Foreign Minister Penny Wong indicated that Australia could help Middle Eastern nations defend themselves against Iranian attacks, while ruling out supporting the proposal that U.S. President Donald Trump should have a role in deciding the next leader of Iran. Wong stated that it is up to the Iranian people to determine who will lead their nation, and excluded any role for Australian troops in offensive actions in the region.

In a new development, the Foreign Minister stated that it is up to the Iranians to determine who leads their nation and ruled out any role for Australian troops in offensive actions in the region. However, she indicated that Australia could play a defensive role, helping to protect Gulf nations from offensive actions in the region. She did not provide details on what support Australia might offer, but assured that the government ensures transparency to citizens regarding any decision to provide military assistance.

While avoiding direct criticism of Trump, Minister Wong ruled out supporting the proposal that U.S. President should have a role in choosing who will lead Iran. "The future for Iraq and its governance is ultimately a decision for the Iranian people, and this is not a value judgment, it is also a pragmatic judgment. We have historically seen regime changes attempted by external parties, but we all know that for there to be a sustainable regime change, it must be something that the people of that nation support and seek," she said.