Full Story The Sunday read: Paul Daley on Australia’s blind acceptance of Trump’s war on Iran
Mar 14, 2026
Paul Daley, Guardian Australia columnist known for sharp takes on politics and foreign policy, questions Australia’s passive drift toward US‑Israel actions against Iran. He warns of creeping entanglement, shifting US‑Australia ties, murky legal justifications, risks to Australian personnel, and the dangers of macho war rhetoric. He urges Australia to refuse complicity.
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Australia's Uneasy Drift Toward Entanglement
- Australia risks increasing entanglement by uncritically backing the US-Israeli air war on Iran rather than resisting involvement.
- Paul Daley argues alliance management and AUKUS maintenance have become appeasement of a belligerent US administration with unclear war aims.
Unclear War Aims Undermine Allied Trust
- The strategic objectives of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran remain opaque and shifting, undermining allied confidence.
- Daley cites presidential oscillation on goals and troop deployment as reasons traditional allies should be wary of military support.
Avoid Deploying Forces Into Iran Conflict
- Avoid deploying Australian forces beyond repatriation and defensive roles to prevent placing personnel in direct harm.
- Daley warns any hardware or personnel involvement risks deaths that could escalate Australia's military commitment.