Australia's Leaders Change Their Language on the Iran War

Anthony Albanese's language on the war in the Middle East has changed.

After the US launched its war on Iran, Australia welcomed the action.

The government and opposition agreed that the war was justified.

But now, that support has decreased.

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With the Strait of Hormuz closed, oil markets are affected, and both parties have changed their tone.

They are responding to public fears about fuel.

Support for military action has turned to alarm.

Early movers

Anthony Albanese was one of the first leaders to respond to the US strikes on Iran.

The timing might have been due to time zones.

But it was different from the US strikes on Iran last June.

Mr Albanese said the US actions were welcome.

He supported the US acting to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

He talked about the need for regime change in Iran.

Two days later, he expressed hope for the Iranian people.

He was asked if the Iranian regime's actions justified the US steps.

He said Australia supported the US action and disliked the Iranian regime.

Angus Taylor said it was not time to sit on the sidelines.

He welcomed the news of the former Iranian leader's death.

He suggested Western countries could do more to help.

Early statements from allies echoed Mr Albanese's concerns.

But some, like the Canadian Prime Minister, added that their support came with regret.

Others, like the Greens, opposed the war from the start.

Shifting stance

The early enthusiasm in Australia is different from the sombre tones now.

The government's shift has been gradual, with fuel prices rising.

The US aims in the war are harder to understand.

Donald Trump has expressed anger at allies.

Mr Albanese called for the war to end.

He acknowledged Australia's initial support for the war.

He said the original objectives had been met.

The war is affecting the global economy.

It is causing pain for farmers, truckies, and families.

Military analysts say Iran's military has been degraded.