Mar 1 • 07:26 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Supporting ‘illegal aggression’ against Iran ‘the worst thing’ Australia could do, international law experts say

International law experts criticize Australia's support for military action against Iran, arguing it constitutes illegal aggression.

International law experts are expressing serious concerns over Australia's support for military actions taken by Israel and the U.S. against Iran, labeling it as 'illegal aggression.' The Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has justified the government's position by emphasizing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and addressing threats to international peace and security. This rationale is called into question by legal scholars who argue that such actions violate international laws governing the use of force.

Additionally, the context surrounds recent violent incidents attributed to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Australia, specifically bombings in Melbourne and Sydney in 2024. In response to these attacks, the Australian government indicated a crackdown which included expelling the Iranian ambassador and categorizing the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism. The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, backed these military operations, aligning with leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump.

However, experts like Professor Ben Saul of the University of Sydney argue that Australia's rationale lacks legitimacy. They warn that supporting such military engagements undermines international legal frameworks designed to prevent wars and maintain peace. As Australia takes a stand by backing these attacks, it could face severe consequences both domestically and in its foreign relations, especially as questions of legality and moral stance on military aggression are raised within the global community.

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