Hastie Declares Rules-Based Order Dead Amidst Escalating Iran Conflict

Shadow Minister for Industry Andrew Hastie has asserted that the concept of a rules-based international order is obsolete, as Australian troops stationed in the United Arab Emirates were confirmed safe following a drone strike. This declaration comes amid a rapidly escalating conflict involving US and Israeli military actions in Iran.

Australian Troops Safe After UAE Drone Strike

Australian Defence Force personnel stationed at Al Minhad airbase in the UAE were unharmed during a weekend drone strike, according to Defence Minister Richard Marles. More than 100 Australian personnel are currently deployed across the Middle East, with the majority based at Al Minhad, a headquarters used since 2003 for ADF missions and contingencies The Guardian.

Dismissal of the International Rules-Based Order

Hastie characterized the notion of a rules-based order as “nice to talk about” but irrelevant in the current geopolitical landscape, particularly given the actions of US President Donald Trump. He stated, “I don’t believe that exists any more, and anyone who says it does is living in a fantasyland. This is a new world order.” He believes the world is now “governed by power” and favors a strong US presence to deter actions by countries like Russia Sydney Morning Herald.

US and Israel Justify Actions Against Iran

Even as international law experts have raised concerns about the legality of the US and Israeli bombings in Iran, Defence Minister Marles emphasized that Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon violates international non-proliferation agreements. He stated it is a “matter for the United States and Israel to justify the legal side of their actions,” but affirmed that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities is “utterly essential for global security” The Guardian.

Concerns About Regime Change

Hastie cautioned that war is a “very, very risky business” and acknowledged that Iranians might perceive the current conflict as a shift from one form of authoritarian rule to another. He suggested that regime change appears to be part of Donald Trump’s strategy, but expressed circumspection, drawing on his experience in past conflicts Sydney Morning Herald.

Government Response and Support for Stranded Australians

The Australian government is undertaking contingency planning to assist the approximately 115,000 Australians in the region, including efforts to support travelers affected by airline disruptions. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has been in contact with her counterpart in the UAE to facilitate safe flight departures, with accommodations and meals provided to affected Australians The Guardian.

Bipartisan Support and Dissent

The US attack on Iran has garnered bipartisan support in Australia, with Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson stating that a coordinated attack to address Iran’s nuclear program is “very decent for international peace, and security.” However, Greens leader Larissa Waters condemned the attacks as “illegal, abhorrent and unilateral,” and expressed concern about Australia being drawn into another US-Israeli war The Conversation. Nationals senator Matt Canavan also expressed skepticism about the potential for positive outcomes from regime change efforts The Conversation.