Australian MP Hastie Declares Rules-Based Order Dead Amid Iran Crisis
Coalition frontbencher Andrew Hastie has declared that anyone who believes the rules-based international order still exists is living in a "fantasyland", as tensions escalate between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The statement comes after the Australian government confirmed that all troops stationed at the Al Minhad airbase in the United Arab Emirates are safe following a weekend drone strike.
Australian Troops Confirmed Safe After UAE Drone Attack
Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed on Tuesday that all Australian personnel working at the Al Minhad airbase were uninjured and accounted for after the strike. The attack occurred as Iran launched retaliatory measures against nearby countries following bombings led by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"All the Australians who are there are safe and accounted for," Marles stated. "We've got more than 100 personnel across the Middle East. Most of them are in the UAE where we've had an operational headquarters at Al Minhad for many, many years now."
Australia has maintained a smaller force at Al Minhad since the end of operations in Afghanistan. Last year, Defence reported approximately 50 core Australian Defence Force staff and a total of 70 to 80 Australians at the base at any given time.
Hastie Dismisses International Rules as Irrelevant
While the government defended the US and Israeli bombings, Liberal MP Andrew Hastie dismissed concerns about the international rules-based order. The shadow minister for industry described such discussions as "nice to talk about" but irrelevant when Trump acts as an "apex opportunist" in the White House.
"I don't think that exists any more, and anyone who says it does is living in a fantasyland. This is a new world order," Hastie asserted. "I think the world is governed by power, and I prefer a powerful US re-establishing deterrence, rather than other countries like Russia using might to advance its national interest."
Government Defends Actions Amid Legal Criticism
The government's defense of the bombings comes amid criticism from international law experts who argue that the US and Israel acted without proper legal authorization. Marles addressed these concerns on ABC TV, stating that Iran had been seeking to acquire a nuclear weapon, which breaches international non-proliferation agreements.
"It's a matter for the United States and Israel to justify the legal side of their actions," Marles said. "But there's absolutely no doubt that the world could not trust Iran in terms of what it was doing with its nuclear program. And it is utterly essential for global security that Iran be prevented from acquiring this capability."
Hastie Warns of Risks in Military Strategy
Despite his support for US power, Hastie, an SAS veteran, cautioned that war "is a very, very risky business". He expressed concern that Iranians might be wondering if they are "trading one tyrant for another" through regime change strategies.
"It's a blunt instrument for regime change, which I think is part of Donald Trump's strategy," Hastie observed. "I'm circumspect about regime change, having been involved in the wars of the last 15 to 20 years, and we'll watch closely."
Contingency Planning for Australians in the Region
As the crisis unfolds, contingency planning is underway in Canberra to assist the approximately 115,000 Australians in the region. This includes efforts to help thousands of travelers affected by airline disruptions.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong spoke with her UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Tuesday. He confirmed that the UAE is working to safely allow flights out of the country and that Australians affected by travel disruptions are being accommodated and provided with meals.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is processing thousands of registrations from the UAE and other countries to confirm the situation and welfare of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their dependants.
