The Daily Aus Is Australia going to war?
Mar 11, 2026
Discussion of Australia sending aircraft, missiles and personnel to the UAE amid the US–Iran conflict. Explanation of what an E-7A Wedgetail and defensive missiles will do. Conversation about why the UAE was chosen and how consular and diplomatic links are changing. Debate over whether this deployment counts as entering the war.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Conflict Still Unresolved And Rapidly Evolving
- The Middle East conflict remains fast moving with no clear end in sight as both sides claim they will continue until victory or required duration.
- Billi FitzSimons summarised US claims they're "nearly finished" while Iran says it will keep attacking "as long as it takes," showing conflicting endgame narratives.
Australia's Deployment Focused On Defending Australians In UAE
- Australia is deploying military assets to the UAE specifically to protect Australians and defend US bases there, not to strike Iran.
- Billi FitzSimons explained the deployment follows a call with the UAE president and is focused on protecting roughly 24,000 Australians living in the UAE.
Civilians And Infrastructure Have Been Hit
- Civilian infrastructure has been hit in the strikes, not just military targets, increasing the humanitarian stakes of the conflict.
- Billi FitzSimons cited examples like damage to Dubai airport and a school reportedly hit in earlier strikes.