Australia may offer military support to Gulf nations facing Iran strikes but won’t participate in a ground war, Wong says

Foreign minister says Australia ‘not participating in offensive action against Iran’ but may help protect other countries Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast The Australian government is considering offering military support to assist Gulf nations facing strikes from Iran, but will not participate in any ground troop deployment into Iran, the foreign minister has said. The government confirmed nine flights had arrived in Australia from the Middle East since the US and Israeli strikes on Iran one week ago, with another three flights scheduled to arrive on Sunday. Dozens of Australians have also been bussed out of Qatar, which has limited airspace, to Saudi Arabia to fly out of the region. The foreign minister, Penny Wong, confirmed to ABC’s Insiders on Sunday that the government has been asked to provide assistance against Iran’s driving missiles. “Many countries which are non-participants have been attacked by Iran through this,” Wong said. “You would anticipate as a consequence that we have been asked for assistance and we will work through that carefully. And of course, we are.” When as