Re flagrant violation of international law by US and Israel in bombing Iran

I am writing to you on behalf of the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN), a network of organisations (community, faith and peace groups, trade unions) and concerned individuals, from all regions of Australia who are united by our support for an independent Australian foreign policy based on peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The US’s massive illegal strike against Iran is a clear violation of international law as are the Israeli government’s attacks on Iran and their continuing attacks on Gaza. It is Iran’s right to defend itself, however much we disagree with their government. Many experts on international law have pointed out that Iran was in no way about to launch a serious attack on Israel and experts state there is no evidence that Iran is developing nuclear weapons.

The unprovoked and provocative attacks on Iran by Israel and the US cannot be in any way considered a case of Israel or the US defending themselves.

The situation in the Middle East has reached a critical stage where further rash actions could lead to horrendous consequences and a likely widening of the war. Diplomacy and cool heads need to prevail. Unfortunately, the leaders of the US and Israel have not previously demonstrated these skills or qualities.

The recent warning by over 400 Nobel Laureates and other public intellectuals about the growing threat of fascism needs to be taken seriously (published in the Australian Financial Review, 13 June 2025). The US and Israel believe they can act with impunity and the Palestinian and Iranian people are feeling the great cost of that impunity at the moment. IPAN is greatly concerned about which state might be next?

Australia can in no way stay silent about this inhumanity and flagrant disregard for international law – we must disengage from the US as quickly as possible. IPAN condemns the illegal USA bombing against sovereign nation Iran and is deeply disturbed that the Australian government has publicly supported the strikes by the US on Iran.

We therefore write with the utmost urgency to ask that you do not allow US bomber planes or ships to use any Australian territories or facilities to enable their bombers to reach Iran or anywhere else.

Australia should not take any action that would lead to our government being seen to be aligned with the actions of the US and Israel bombing Iran and Gaza. Australia has joined in the disastrous wars of Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq and we must not make the same mistake again.

Again, we urge the Australian Government to not allow the US to use Australia’s territories or facilities to contribute to Israel and the US waging wars on Iran and Gaza. Those facilities include Pine Gap, North West Cape, air-refuelling facilities, our airfields and ports.

Republished from IPAN.org.au 23 June 2025.   Click here to add your name.

The views expressed in this article may or may not reflect those of Pearls and Irritations.