Australia Joins US-Led Military Efforts in Gulf

Albanese Government sends aircraft and missiles to support US operations amid escalating conflict with Iran

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Albanese Labor Government in Australia has announced plans to deploy an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and provide medium-range air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates, joining the US-led military efforts in the Gulf region. This follows the recent escalation of the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. The move has drawn criticism from the Australian Greens party, who argue that Australia is being dragged into another "forever war" and that the government is appeasing the demands of the US and Israel.

Why it matters

Australia's decision to provide military support to the US-led operations in the Gulf region is seen as a significant shift in the country's foreign policy, aligning it more closely with the US and its allies. This move has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation of the conflict and the risk to Australian personnel, as well as the broader implications for Australia's international relations and reputation.

The details

The Australian government has announced that nearly 100 military personnel will be deployed to the Gulf this week, along with an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and medium-range air-to-air missiles. This comes in response to a request from the US and follows the recent illegal war launched by the US and Israel against Iran, which has already caused chaos in the region and global economy.

  • The announcement was made on March 10, 2026.
  • The Australian military personnel and equipment are set to be deployed to the Gulf region this week.

The players

Albanese Labor Government

The current government in Australia, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which has decided to provide military support to the US-led operations in the Gulf region.

Larissa Waters

The leader of the Australian Greens party, who has criticized the government's decision to join the US-led military efforts, arguing that it will only escalate the conflict and leave Australia trapped in another "forever war".

David Shoebridge

The Greens spokesperson on Defence and Foreign Affairs, who has also criticized the government's decision, stating that it is directly contrary to Australia's national interest and that the troop deployment is originating from Washington.

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What they’re saying

“Australians do not want to get dragged into Trump and Netanyahu's illegal war on Iran.”

— Larissa Waters, Australian Greens Leader

“Labor has learnt nothing from Iraq and Afghanistan, and so are joining with the Coalition and One Nation to follow the US into another forever war.”

— David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson on Defence and Foreign Affairs

What’s next

The Australian government will need to navigate the diplomatic and military implications of its decision to join the US-led operations in the Gulf region, as the conflict with Iran continues to escalate.

The takeaway

Australia's decision to provide military support to the US in the Gulf region has raised concerns about the country being drawn into another prolonged conflict, with critics arguing that it is contrary to Australia's national interests and will only serve to escalate the tensions in the region.