Follow The Money AUKUS drags Australia towards US-Israel war on Iran
Mar 11, 2026
Emma Shortis, Director of International & Security Affairs at the Australia Institute and foreign policy analyst. She dissects the US–Israel war on Iran, civilian and regional impacts, and legal questions around the conflict. She explores revelations about Australians on a US submarine, AUKUS secrecy and how deepening ties may pull Australia into war. Short, sharp takes on escalation, regional fallout and broken international norms.
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War Launched Without Clear Legal Or Strategic Plan
- The US and Israel launched a broad, rapidly shifting military campaign against Iran with no clear legal justification or endgame.
- Emma Shortis describes high civilian casualties, strikes on schools and infrastructure, and ad-hoc shifting objectives from the US administration.
AUKUS Embeds Australia In US Naval Operations
- AUKUS has embedded Australian personnel on US nuclear submarines, exposing Australia to operational and legal entanglement.
- Emma Shortis notes three Australians were aboard a sub that sank an Iranian frigate, challenging Australia's claim of non-participation.
Secrecy Masks Australian Involvement In Strike
- Government secrecy around AUKUS operations obscures accountability and delays disclosure of Australian involvement.
- Emma points out initial refusal to confirm crew locations, then a later admission that three Australians were aboard the submarine.
