Australian public opinion and government response to US-Israel war on Iran and regional military deployments
Consensus Summary
Australian public opinion remains deeply divided over the US-Israel war on Iran, with polls showing a majority preferring to stay out of the conflict despite concerns about Iranâs nuclear ambitions and regional threats. The Guardian Essential poll found only 26% of Australians support the war, while 43% disapprove, with economic impacts like rising petrol prices (over $2 per litre) and cost-of-living pressures dominating public anxiety. Both the Guardian and Resolve polls reveal strong opposition to direct military involvement, with 61% in the Resolve poll wanting Australia to stay entirely out of the conflict. The governmentâs deployment of an E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and 85 defence personnel to the UAE has seen mixed support, with around one-third backing the move. Meanwhile, regional tensions escalated as an Iranian projectile struck near Australiaâs Al Minhad Air Base, causing minor damage but no injuries. Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned Israelâs potential ground offensive in Lebanon, warning of devastating humanitarian consequences, while Liberal MP Andrew Hastie criticized US President Donald Trumpâs perceived disdain for allies. The polls also highlight shifting diplomatic priorities, with many Australians favouring closer ties with 'middle powers' like Canada and Japan over the US, reflecting broader concerns about great-power rivalry.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The Resolve Political Monitor poll (SMH/TheAge) found 61% of Australians want the country to stay entirely out of the US-Israel war on Iran, with only 13% eager for involvement.
- The Guardian Essential poll (Guardian) found 43% disapproved of the US and Israeli bombardment of Iran, while 26% backed the move, with 31% unsure.
- The Resolve poll (SMH/TheAge) reported 39% opposed and 28% supported the US-Israeli military actions in Iran, with 36% undecided or neutral.
- The Guardian Essential poll (Guardian) found 34% approved and 25% disapproved of Australiaâs deployment of an E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and 85 ADF personnel to the UAE, with 40% unsure.
- The Resolve poll (SMH/TheAge) found 39% backed Australiaâs decision to send missiles and an E-7 Wedgetail to the UAE, while 25% opposed it.
- The Guardian Essential poll (Guardian) found 85% of Australians are concerned about the warâs impact on cost of living, with petrol prices surging over $2 per litre since the conflict began.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Guardian/SMH/TheAge) revealed an Iranian projectile struck near Australiaâs Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, causing a fire and damaging facilities but no injuries to Australian personnel.
- Foreign Minister Penny Wong (SMH/TheAge) urged Israel against launching a major ground invasion in Lebanon, citing humanitarian concerns and displacement of over 1 million civilians.
- The Guardian Essential poll (Guardian) found 60% of Australians wanted Australia to work with international organisations on peace talks to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
- The Guardian Essential poll (Guardian) found 30% of Australians opposed sending naval support to end blockages of oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, while 37% would back it.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The Guardian Essential poll (1,008 respondents) found 26% of Australians backed the US-Israel war on Iran, with 43% disapproving and 31% unsure.
- The poll found 31% wanted Australia to distance itself from the US, while 21% wanted closer ties, contrasting with 51% wanting closer ties with New Zealand, 41% with Canada, and 37% with Japan.
- The Guardian reported Defence Minister Richard Marles did not rule out extending the deployment of the E-7 Wedgetail beyond the initial four weeks, stating Australia had received requests from the US to help defend the Gulf region.
- The Guardian noted 37% of respondents backed offering refuge to civilians displaced by the war, while 30% opposed sending naval support to the Strait of Hormuz and 50% opposed sending ground troops.
- The Guardian cited Peter Lewis (Essential Media) stating, 'The US strikes on Iran are supported by the public, but they also seem to be undermining support for the US alliance more generally.'
- The Guardian reported 32% backed the governmentâs move to send missiles and an E-7 Wedgetail to the UAE, while 35% opposed it.
- The Resolve Political Monitor survey found 47% of Australians support regime change in Tehran, with only 9% wanting the current government to remain in place.
- The SMH reported Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie branded US President Donald Trump 'petulant' for declaring the US did not need alliesâ help in Iran, despite earlier urging countries to send warships to protect the Strait of Hormuz.
- The SMH included a quote from Hastie: 'I thought it was a petulant post from a president under immense pressure... I just donât think thatâs how you treat allies.'
- The SMH reported 29% of Australians endorsed the governmentâs support for the US-Israeli strikes, with 35% opposed and 36% undecided or neutral.
- The SMH noted 48% of respondents opposed Australia offering any military support to the US in Iran, while 24% supported it and 28% were neutral or undecided.
- TheAge repeated verbatim the SMH article, including the exact wording and quotes from Andrew Hastie and Penny Wong.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian Essential poll (26% approval) shows higher support for the US-Israel war on Iran than the Resolve poll (28% support).
- The Guardian reports 34% approved of Australiaâs deployment of the E-7 Wedgetail to the UAE, while the Resolve poll shows 39% backed the same deployment.
- The Guardian states 31% of Australians wanted Australia to distance itself from the US, while the Resolve poll does not provide comparable data on this specific question.
- The Guardian reports 37% would back sending naval support to the Strait of Hormuz, while the Resolve poll does not mention this specific question.
- The Guardian reports 50% opposed sending ground troops to any operation, while the Resolve poll does not provide comparable data on this specific question.
Source Articles
Australians want no part in Iran conflict as Hastie unloads on âpetulantâ Trump
Most Australians want the country to stay out of the war in Iran, with fewer than one in three voters backing the Albanese governmentâs support for US strikes....
Australians want no part in Iran conflict as Hastie unloads on âpetulantâ Trump
Most Australians want the country to stay out of the war in Iran, with fewer than one in three voters backing the Albanese governmentâs support for US strikes....
Guardian Essential poll: only a quarter of Australians approve of US-Israel war on Iran
Poll also finds Australians keener for government to forge closer ties with âmiddle powersâ such as Canada and Japan Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Only one in four Austr...