The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has hit back at Tehran for summoning Australia’s ambassador to Iran, stating Australia “makes no apology” for its views and describing Iran’s missile attacks as a “dangerous escalation”.
Earlier this morning, Iranian state media agency Tasnim reported that Ian McConville was summoned due to Australia’s “repeated bias”, including on Iran’s response to what it called “the Zionist regime”, meaning Israel.
Australia’s ambassador to Iran, Ian McConville.Credit: DFAT
It comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned Australia’s Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi for praising slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as a “blessed martyr”.
In a statement, DFAT backed Australia’s stance against Iran.
“Australia makes no apology for the views it has expressed about Iran’s actions or the actions of its ambassador to Australia,” the department said.
“The Australian government condemned Iran’s reckless missile strikes on Israel. They were a dangerous escalation and increased the risks of a wider regional war.
“The Australian government continues to call on all parties to exercise restraint and de-escalate. The destructive cycle of violence in the region must stop.”