Escalating Middle East conflict demands restraint, diplomacy and civilian protection
2 March 2026
Like many Australians, I have watched the escalating conflict in the Middle East with profound concern.
The end of the brutal Iranian regime can only be welcomed from a human rights perspective. The regime’s repression of women, brutal crackdowns on protesters and widespread human rights abuses have been shocking and confronting.
But the recent attacks by the United States and Israel represent a dangerous escalation in Middle East tensions. Military responses outside clear international legal frameworks undermine global norms and increase the risk of wider war in an already fragile region.
These actions, and the US attacks on Venezuela, show President Trump’s willingness to engage in global conflict irrespective of international law. This sets a dangerous precedent that other nations may follow. International law cannot be selectively applied when convenient.
I am seeking a briefing from the government on this matter, and will seek assurances that the government will allow parliamentary debate before making any decision to involve Australia in this conflict.
I was deeply troubled to hear of a US and Israeli strike on an Iranian school which has reportedly killed more than 100 people. In any military conflict, the people who suffer most are ordinary civilians.
With the world’s attention now focused on the Iran attacks, we must not forget the suffering in Gaza where civilians are still facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The amount of aid Israel is letting through to Palestinians falls far short of what is needed.
The repercussions of this attack are reverberating across the world. Economists predict that a war involving Iran would push up oil prices, fuel inflation and potentially slow global economic growth.
For Australian travellers currently in the Middle East or planning travel to the region:
- Smartraveller advises Australians not to travel to most destinations in the Middle East. This includes Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Australians should reconsider the need to travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
- The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its 24/7 Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.
- DFAT has also opened a crisis portal for Australians in Israel and Iran. Go to: https://crisis.dfat.gov.au/crisisportal/s/
- Australians needing emergency consular assistance- including people worried about relatives overseas - should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).
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