Politics Now Is Australia 'participating' in the Middle East war?
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Mar 10, 2026 Discussion of Australia sending a surveillance plane, missiles and personnel to the Middle East. Debate over whether the deployment is defensive or makes Australia a participant in the conflict. Breakdown of a late-night phone call between the prime minister and Donald Trump and what it signals about alliances. Coverage of five Iranian women's footballers seeking asylum and the government's handling of their cases.
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Deployment Claimed As Practical Help For Australians
- The government justifies the move by citing Australians stranded in the region and Australia's operational expertise with the Wedgetail aircraft.
- Tom Crowley notes the UAE has shot down about 1,500 Iranian missiles, underscoring the volume of attacks prompting the request.
Defensive Label Doesn't Eliminate Participation Risk
- Even 'defensive' support can blur into active participation because Australian forces will operate where Iranian strikes are frequent.
- Tom Crowley compares the involvement to the Ukraine case but highlights higher proximate risk to personnel in the Gulf.
Early Morning Call With Trump Kept Private By PM
- The PM spoke with Donald Trump early in the morning, but refused to disclose specifics, citing diplomatic discretion and operational sensitivities.
- Tom Crowley highlights an information imbalance because Trump posted a public readout on Truth Social.