Mar 9 • 08:06 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Australia would be signed up to Iran war ‘by deception and stealth’ if military support sent, Shoebridge says

The Greens party in Australia argues that providing military support to Gulf states in the Iran conflict would unjustly align Australia with U.S. interests and potentially involve the country in international warfare.

In a recent statement, the Greens party expressed their opposition to the Australian government's potential military support for Gulf countries amidst escalating tensions with Iran. This move, they argue, is primarily aimed at aligning with U.S. interests, particularly those of President Donald Trump, rather than supporting regional stability. The party has warned that such assistance could draw Australia deeper into the conflict, not by overt military engagement, but through stealthy means that could mask the true nature of involvement.

The Australian government's cabinet's national security committee convened to assess requests for support from Gulf nations impacted by Iran's missile strikes, which are a response to U.S. military actions in the region. International law experts, including Donald Rothwell, have raised significant legal concerns regarding Australia's involvement. They assert that even providing defensive assistance under international law would categorize Australia as a participant in the conflict, given that such actions do not differentiate between offensive and defensive measures in terms of legal implications.

As discussions intensify and an announcement regarding potential support is anticipated, the Greens' position highlights the contentious nature of military involvement and the potential legal and moral ramifications of Australia's alignment in the unfolding international situation. The outcome of these deliberations could set a precedent for how Australia engages in international conflicts moving forward, with significant implications for its foreign policy and legal standing in global affairs.

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