| IPAN Patrons: Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe AO & Kellie Tranter Lawyer, Human Rights Activist
MEDIA RELEASE 10 March 2026
Media Interviews: Retired Army Major Cameron Leckie 0413 226 546
Media Liaison: Jonathan Pilbrow M: 0403 611 815
The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) expresses its deep concern and strong opposition to the Australian government’s decision to send an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and 85 ADF personnel to the United Arab Emirates.
This deployment draws Australia deeper into the illegal US and Israeli war on Iran and increases the risk of a wider regional conflict.
‘The government’s claim that this is a ‘defensive’ measure to protect Australians in the UAE is a fallacy. This deployment will only increase the danger to Australians in the region and entangle us further in an illegal conflict which also endangers Australians’ domestic food and energy security’, said Retired Army Major Cameron Leckie, Spokesperson for IPAN.
The joint US-Australian facilities at Pine Gap and RAAF Base Tindal are integral to US military operations, providing intelligence and targeting information, and the government cannot provide a transparent and unequivocal assurance that these facilities will not be used in support of attacks on Iran.
In recent weeks IPAN has repeatedly called on the Australian government to distance itself from the illegal US/ Israeli-led aggression against Iran.
‘There is no evidence that Iran has planned to produce nuclear weapons. Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. In addition, unlike Australia, the USA and Israel, Iran has expressed support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, while Federal Labor have yet to fulfill a longstanding promise to ratify the treaty, said Retired Army Major Leckie.
The attack on Tehran oil storage facility has created an environmental and health war crime and the bombing of a girl’s school in Iran, which killed over 100 children, runs contrary to claims the war seeks to address the rights of women in Iran. In addition, the attacks on civilians in Lebanon, are further tragic reminders of the human cost of this conflict.
‘The Australian government is ignoring the lessons of Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and Libya’, said Retired Army Major Leckie
‘Attacking Iran is not a path to peace or stability, but a recipe for a wider regional conflict. We are urging the government to reverse this reckless decision and pursue an independent foreign policy that prioritises international law, peace, diplomacy, and human right’, said Retired Army Major Leckie.
IPAN calls on the Australian government to:
• Immediately reverse the decision to deploy military assets to the UAE.
• Publicly condemn the attacks on Iran and the killing of civilians.
• Urge all parties to cease hostilities and return to diplomatic negotiations immediately.
• Sign and ratify the treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
ENDS
Bio: Retired Army Major Cameron Leckie served 24 years in the Australian Army retiring with the rank of Major. As member of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals he served in a number of regimental and training appointments, concluding his service as the Executive Officer of the 1st Signal Regiment. He deployed to East Timor (Operation WARDEN), the Solomon Islands (Operation ANODE) and Sumatra (Operation SUMATRA ASSIST). Cameron is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Southern Queensland.
About IPAN: IPAN represent many organisations across Australia – community, faith and peace groups, trade unions – and concerned individuals aiming to build public dialogue and pressure for change to a truly independent foreign policy for Australia – one in which our government plays a positive role in solving international conflicts peacefully. www.ipan.org.au |
