7am Why Albanese backed Trump’s Iran attack
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Jun 26, 2025 In this discussion, Karen Middleton, a columnist for The Monthly and Inside Story, navigates the political landscape surrounding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's backing of Trump's airstrikes on Iran. She highlights the silence from the Australian government and contrasts it with the Labor Party's historical anti-war stance. Middleton also analyzes the internal divisions in Labor regarding foreign policy and discusses the new direction of the Coalition under Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who aims to reshape her party's identity and advocate for change.
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Australia's Cautious Response to US Strike
- The Australian government was not forewarned about the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
- They responded cautiously, supporting de-escalation and diplomacy rather than directly endorsing the attacks.
Albanese's Shift on War Policy
- Anthony Albanese once strongly opposed the Iraq war as unjust and preemptive.
- His current stance supporting US action against Iran marks a significant policy shift for Labor.
Labor Party's Internal Foreign Policy Debate
- Some Labor members, especially on the left, are critical of the government supporting US strikes on Iran.
- Despite pushback, Albanese holds strong authority to set Labor's foreign policy direction.