Australia walks ‘very fine line’ with Gulf deployment amid Iran war

Analysts say the defensive deployment reflects Canberra’s attempt to balance alliance pressure with fears of deeper involvement in the conflict

Analysts said the government was “walking a very fine line” with the deployment, signalling support for partners under Iranian attacks while stopping short of committing Australia to offensive operations.

He said the Royal Australian Air Force would send an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and supporting personnel to “protect and secure airspace above the Gulf” for the next four weeks and assist with the region’s “collective self-defence”.