Iranian Ambassador Urges Australia to Condemn Israel Amid US Tensions

In a significant diplomatic exchange, Ahmad Sadeghi, Iran's ambassador to Australia, has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to publicly condemn Israel's recent military actions against Iran. During an interview aired on ABC's '7.30' on June 18, 2025, Sadeghi characterized Israel's June 13 strikes on Iranian targets as 'unprovoked' and warned of potential repercussions for U.S. military personnel stationed in the Persian Gulf should the United States escalate its involvement.

Sadeghi's comments come in the wake of Israel's targeted attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, including facilities at Natanz, Sifahan, and Fordow, which Israel believes are central to Iran's alleged nuclear weapons program. In the interview, Sadeghi denied that Iran is pursuing nuclear arms, asserting that the Islamic Republic's nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. He stated, 'Of course not. It has been prohibited by our Supreme Leader,' referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Iranian ambassador's demand for condemnation from Australia reflects the heightened tensions in the region, where military actions have resulted in civilian casualties on both sides. Reports indicate that the Israeli strikes have led to at least 224 fatalities in Iran, while Iranian retaliatory strikes have reportedly caused 24 deaths in Israel, including civilians.

Sadeghi emphasized the importance of holding aggressors accountable, stating, 'You have to have the punishment of the aggressor.' He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pursuing aggressive policies and warned that failure to respond could lead to severe consequences.

The ambassador's warnings extend to the United States, where President Donald Trump has issued ultimatums to Iran, including demands for 'unconditional surrender.' Trump recently threatened Iranian leadership on social media, indicating that military options remain on the table, though he has refrained from direct military intervention thus far. Sadeghi cautioned that any U.S. military actions could provoke a broader conflict involving other nations in the region, including Iraq and Afghanistan, saying, 'If Iran would be attacked by the U.S., they wouldn’t be silent.'

This latest diplomatic friction follows a history of contentious relations between Iran and Israel, exacerbated by Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional military activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), led by Director Rafael Grossi, has expressed concerns regarding the transparency of Iran's nuclear program, stating it cannot guarantee that the program is exclusively peaceful. Sadeghi, however, dismissed these concerns, asserting that Iran has cooperated fully with international inspections.

The Iranian ambassador's remarks come amid a backdrop of regional instability, raising questions about the potential for escalated conflict. With U.S. troops numbering approximately 80,000 in the Persian Gulf, Sadeghi's assertions highlight the precarious balance of power in the region and the implications of U.S. foreign policy decisions.

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely. The call for Australia to take a definitive stance against Israel reflects broader geopolitical dynamics that could reshape alliances and influence future diplomatic engagements in the Middle East. As Sadeghi noted, 'We advise Mr. Trump to be very careful about that,' suggesting that the stakes extend beyond Iran and Israel, potentially impacting global security and diplomatic relations.