Full Story Newsroom edition: Australia and the ‘bomb first’ new world order
Mar 5, 2026
Gabrielle Jackson, deputy editor at The Guardian Australia, offers sharp political analysis. Bonnie Malkin, international editor, reports on global conflicts. They discuss rapid escalation after strikes on Iran. They explore Iran’s strategic aims and regional fallout. They examine Australia’s quick support, allied reluctance, and the 'bomb first' approach. They also cover verifying battlefield evidence and domestic political risks.
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Rapid Escalation From Targeted Strike To Regional War
- The Iran strikes quickly escalated from a targeted attack into a broader regional war touching Europe and Asia.
- Bonnie Malkin described how within six days strikes, Iranian retaliation across nine countries and Hezbollah's entry spread the conflict beyond containment.
Closing The Strait Of Hormuz Is An Economic Pressure Tactic
- Iran's tactics include strategic moves like threatening the Strait of Hormuz to raise oil prices and apply economic pressure.
- Bonnie Malkin highlighted Iran's closure threat as a tactical lever intended to scare the US and affect global markets.
Australia's Swift Support Driven By Domestic Politics
- Australia's response was swift and publicly supportive of the strikes, influenced by domestic political calculations.
- Gabrielle Jackson said factors included a desire to avoid looking weak after Bondi and concern about the Iranian diaspora and prior Iran-linked attacks in Australia.