Albanese also said Australia would send advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates following a phone call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a military package for the United Arab Emirates to help the Gulf country defend itself against Iranian attacks as tensions in West Asia simmer.
“The Iranian conflict in the Middle East began just over a week ago, and Iran’s reprisal attacks continue to escalate, already at a scale and depth we haven’t seen before. Twelve countries across the region, from Cyprus through to the Gulf, are continuing to be targeted,” Albanese said on Tuesday.
What will Australia send?
The Royal Australian Air Force will deploy an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and supporting personnel for the next four weeks to help “protect and secure airspace above the Gulf” and contribute to the region’s “collective self-defence”.
Albanese also said Australia would send advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates following a phone call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The prime minister noted that the 115,000 Australians living in West Asia, among them, 24,000 in the UAE, are the main reason why Canberra is sending the weapons to the country.
“Helping Australians means also helping the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf nations defend themselves against what are unprovoked attacks,” Albanese added.
We’re focused on keeping Australians safe. pic.twitter.com/GIir4JlqWF
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 9, 2026
Iranian players granted asylum
Five players from Iran’s visting women’s football team claimed asylum in Australia on Tuesday, seeking protection after they were branded “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem.
Iranian players fell silent as the anthem played ahead of a tournament match in Australia last week, an act seen as a symbol of defiance against the Islamic republic.
US President Donald Trump was among those urging Australia to offer the players asylum, citing grave fears for their safety if they were forced to board a plane home.
Five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, slipped away from the team hotel under the cover of darkness to claim sanctuary from Australian officials.
“We’ve been preparing for this for some time,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
With inputs from agencies
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