Australia Urges Restraint Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged both sides to exercise restraint. In an interview with ABC's Insiders program, Wong revealed she directly contacted her Iranian counterpart to convey Australia's concerns. "Continuing to escalate this has consequences for all peoples of the region," Wong stated, emphasizing the international consensus on the need for de-escalation. This call for restraint comes as Israel launched a second day of airstrikes against Iranian targets, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare that the campaign would intensify. Tehran, in response, canceled nuclear talks with Washington, further complicating the already volatile situation. The Australian government's involvement underscores the global concern over the escalating conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic resolution.