Albanese said he supported the United States "acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has claimed Iran's regime is "without legitimacy", as the USA and Israel launch military action and strikes against the country.
In a statement released hours after the strikes began, ordered by US PresidentDonald Trump, Albanese slammed the "brutal acts of violence and intimidation" the regime uses, including targeted attacks in Australia.
Albanese said he supported the United States "acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security," though did not directly mention the strikes.
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"The regime has instigated a brutal crackdown on its own people, leaving thousands of Iranian civilians dead. A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy," he said.
Referencing two attacks on Jewish synagogues in Australia in 2024, Albanese said: "These appalling acts targeting Australia's Jewish community were intended to create fear, divide our society and challenge our sovereignty."
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As a result of the attacks, Australia expelled Iran's ambassador and listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.
Albanese said Iran has been a "destabilising force" through its ballistic missile and nuclear program.
WATCH: Trump tells Iranian officials to lay down arms or 'face death'
He said it was a "threat to world peace".
"The international community has been clear that the Iranian regime can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon," Albanese added.
"Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression."
Opposition leader Angus Taylor called Iran's regime "authoritarian, antisemitic and abhorrent."
"It wants nuclear weapons, seeks the destruction of Israel, has encouraged terrorism through its proxies - Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis - and has supplied weapons to Russia to support Putin's invasion of Ukraine," he said in a post on X.
"We pray for the Iranian people at this time."
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