Australia Says UAE Support Does Not Involve Offensive Action Against Iran

The Australian government has stated that its defence commitments to the United Arab Emirates do not involve any offensive action against Iran. This comes after reports that the UAE conducted military strikes on Iranian targets, including an attack on a refinery that disrupted operations.

In March, Australia sent a Wedgetail early warning and control aircraft along with 85 support personnel to the UAE at the gulf kingdom's request. At the time, the deployment was described as providing defensive support for airspace in the region to help protect civilians.

Officials have said the basis for the deployment has not changed. The UAE has been a frequent target of missile and drone strikes from Iran, with such attacks resuming in the past week. A senior UAE minister previously described Iran's actions as unprecedented.

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on May 4 that renewed Iranian attacks during the ceasefire period constitute a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to its security.

Reports indicate the UAE carried out a strike on a refinery on an island in the Persian Gulf in early April. The attack occurred around the time the U.S. president announced a ceasefire following a five-week air campaign. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declined to comment on the strikes but referred to earlier statements asserting its right to respond to hostile acts.

A spokesperson for the Australian prime minister said the government has been clear that Australia is not taking offensive action against Iran. The government continues to describe the aircraft deployment as support for the collective self-defence of regional countries.