CANBERRA January 13, 2026 – In a strongly worded statement, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong declared Australia’s solidarity with the Iranian people protesting against their government’s oppressive rule, condemning the regime’s violent suppression that has claimed over 500 lives in recent weeks.
“Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against an oppressive regime,” Wong said in a video address posted on X. She highlighted the escalating brutality, noting, “What we have seen over recent days and weeks is an oppressive regime becoming ever more violent, and even more brutal against its own people in an attempt to retain power.”
Wong directly addressed the Iranian leadership, stating, “Not only is the world calling on you to stop killing your people, but a regime that requires the murder of its own people to maintain authority is not a regime with any legitimacy.”
The protests, which erupted on December 28, 2025, initially sparked by soaring prices and a deepening economic crisis, have evolved into widespread calls for regime change, spreading to all 31 provinces of Iran. Demonstrators have been chanting slogans like “Death to the Dictator,” targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Rights groups report at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel killed, with over 10,600 arrests amid a communications blackout lasting more than 84 hours. Some estimates place the total death toll above 544, with reports of security forces using live ammunition and extrajudicial killings.
The Iranian government has intensified its crackdown, declaring three days of national mourning for “martyrs” among its security forces and threatening strikes on U.S. military bases if President Donald Trump intervenes. Trump has imposed tariffs on Iran’s trading partners and reiterated threats of U.S. action, escalating tensions. Iran’s exiled crown prince has urged protesters to persist, while demonstrations have spilled over internationally, including clashes in Los Angeles and London.
In a follow-up post, Wong warned of limited consular services in Iran and urged Australians to depart immediately via commercial flights. “Our ability to provide services in Iran is extremely limited. I urge any Australians still in Iran to leave now while commercial options are available,” she stated, providing emergency contact numbers: 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (overseas).
Wong’s statement has sparked mixed reactions on X. Supporters praised Australia’s stance, but critics accused the government of hypocrisy, pointing to domestic policies like proposed anti-hate legislation. One user remarked, “And yet with the proposed ‘Combatting Hate’ bill it’s likely the arrest rate for wrongthink will spike in Australia.” Others questioned Australia’s focus on foreign issues over domestic concerns, with comments like, “How about standing with Australians instead of the rest of the world it’s not our problem.”
The unrest marks one of the most significant challenges to Iran’s clerical rulers since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with protesters clashing with security forces and reports of Molotov cocktails and gunfire in various cities. As the death toll rises, international calls for restraint grow, though the regime shows no signs of backing down.
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