Australia: Australia will deploy a long-range military aircraft and missiles to the Gulf region, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the move aims to help protect Australian citizens during the ongoing conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, Albanese revealed that Australia plans to send an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to the Gulf region. This aircraft will provide long-range reconnaissance and aid in securing the airspace over the area. Albanese emphasized that the Wedgetail and supporting Australian Defense Force personnel will be deployed for an initial four weeks to support the collective self-defense of Gulf nations.

The decision follows discussions with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as requests from regional partners. Additionally, Australia intends to supply advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to the UAE. The prime minister highlighted the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, with several countries facing missile and drone threats. He noted that the UAE has intercepted more than 1,500 rockets and drones, underscoring the risks to civilian lives.

Albanese stated there are over 20,000 Australians residing in the UAE and approximately 115,000 across the Middle East, affirming that protecting Australians abroad remains a top priority for the government. However, he clarified that Australia is not engaging in offensive actions against Iran and will not deploy ground troops.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in over 1,250 fatalities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, more than 150 schoolgirls, and senior military officials. In response, Iran has launched sweeping barrages targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel across the region, as well as multiple Israeli cities.