Manila: Australia indicated its support Monday for the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities but repeated calls for de-escalation to avoid a wider war, saying "now is the time for diplomacy," a local media report said.

According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, "The world has agreed Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon, so yes, we support action to prevent that, and that is what this is." However, Wong emphasized the importance of diplomacy and de-escalation, urging all parties involved to commit to these efforts after Australia initially refrained from explicitly supporting the US action.

Australia's support for the strikes is more definitive compared to allies such as the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, who have all highlighted the risk of Iran developing a nuclear arsenal but have not shown the same level of endorsement. Wong clarified that Australia had not received any request from the US for assistance with the strikes and noted that the US action was "unilateral." She avoided speculating on Australia's response to any future requests, expressing Australia's deep concern over potential escalation.

Wong remarked on the precarious situation facing the international community, stating, "The key question for the international community is what happens next.It's obviously a very precarious, risky and dangerous moment the world faces."

The opposition Greens party has opposed the strikes, with defense spokesperson David Shoebridge criticizing US President Donald Trump as a "warmonger" and urging Australia to clarify its stance of non-involvement. Shoebridge stated, "You cannot bomb your way to peace.and the people who are always going to pay the price are the ordinary people on the street."