Interview with Emma Rebellato, ABC News Breakfast

Transcript, E&OE Subjects: Middle East conflict, AUKUS. 11 June 2026 Emma Rebellato, Host: Well, let's go to our Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, who joins us now from London. Minister, thanks for joining us. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Good to be with you, Emma.

So, Australia's joined 21 other countries in issuing a statement condemning the alleged activities of Iran. Can you tell us a bit more about that? Foreign Minister: This is an international statement which reflects the concern that so many countries have about the engagement of Iran in their own societies.

We know, for example, that Australia, which as you know, has experienced Iranian interference on Australian soil and saw Iranian involvement in antisemitic attacks on Jewish institutions. So, we've drawn this statement to reflect our concern about the way in which the Iranian regime has projected a malign influence into many democracies, including Australia, and we're determined to stand up to it.

In the last day or so, Iran and the US have traded strikes despite this ceasefire. Now, the UN chief, António Guterres, has warned of the risk of a return to full war in the Middle East. Do you share those fears?

Foreign Minister : We don't want to see escalation, we don't want to see a return to open warfare. We don't want to see civilian assets targeted. We want to see a negotiated settlement and an end to the conflict.

We've heard a lot of rhetoric from Donald Trump. Even now, he's saying that a peace deal is close but not there yet. At what point do you believe him that there is going to be a peace deal?

Foreign Minister: Look, we should just be clear about what Australia's position is. Our position is, as the Prime Minister has articulated, we want to see a negotiated end to this conflict. We want to see that for many reasons, but foremost for us is the effect that it's having on Australians and on the global economy, which we are all feeling.

We want to see the ceasefire hold and we want a negotiated outcome. You and Richard Marles are in the UK. You've been in Europe as well for talks with your counterparts.

How important is it to strengthen those relationships, given what's going on elsewhere in the world, in the Middle East, and also the US involvement in that? Foreign Minister: We are working hard to secure Australia's interests, and we do that in great part because we strengthen our relationships with other countries. And you're right, we have been in Europe for the last few days.

We've had a joint Defence and Foreign Ministers meeting in Germany. I've been in France and met with the Foreign Minister there. And then we are now in the United Kingdom and have just concluded the joint dialogue, the joint consultation at Foreign and Defence Minister-level between Australia and the United Kingdom.

And this is all about strengthening Australia's relationships, to ensure that we can work with others to safeguard our interests. Has AUKUS been the topic of discussion, too? Foreign Minister: Of course.

That is the most ambitious project we have together. It is an ambitious project, it's a big project. It's a project that will go for many years.

But let's remember why we're doing this. This submarine capability is critical to assuring Australia's interests in a world and a region that is much more contested. It is critical to assuring our sovereignty.

It's critical to deterrence. So, that is why we are focused on it. And, of course, we had good discussions today about the progress on AUKUS.

Just quickly, Minister, the High Court ruling yesterday regarding the possibility that it opens up the Government to millions of dollars in claims from detainees. How will you manage that? Foreign Minister: I have read those reports.

Obviously, I'm in Europe at the moment. I will leave that to Tony Burke and the Attorney-General to respond to. Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Thanks for your time. Foreign Minister: Good to speak with you.