Australia is considering requests from countries affected by recent Iranian missile and drone attacks, as tensions intensify across the Middle East and allied governments seek additional defensive support.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that several Gulf nations have approached Canberra for assistance in protecting their territory and infrastructure from Iranian strikes.

The requests come amid an escalating regional conflict involving Iranian forces and a coalition led by the United States and Israel, which has triggered retaliatory attacks and heightened security concerns across the Gulf.

Australian officials indicated that any potential role would focus strictly on defensive measures rather than offensive military operations.

The government has emphasised that it has no intention of deploying ground troops to Iran or participating in direct strikes, but it remains open to providing support that could help partner nations defend against missile and drone attacks.

Possible forms of assistance could include the deployment of specialised military capabilities, intelligence sharing or technological assets designed to improve air and missile defence.

Analysts have suggested that advanced naval vessels or airborne surveillance platforms could be among the options considered if the government agrees to support regional partners.

The deliberations come as the broader Middle East conflict continues to reshape global security dynamics.

Australia has already taken several steps in response to the crisis, including urging its citizens in the region to leave where possible and deploying military aircraft to assist with evacuations.

The Australian government has also reiterated its strategic alignment with key allies while stressing the importance of transparency with the public regarding any military commitments.

Officials say the country’s participation in international security efforts must remain consistent with international law and with Australia’s broader national interests.

The situation follows a rapid escalation of hostilities between Iran and its adversaries, including a series of missile and drone strikes targeting locations across the Gulf region.

Those attacks have raised fears of wider instability in an area that hosts major global energy infrastructure and numerous international military bases.

While discussions with partner governments continue, Australian leaders have signalled that any decision will be carefully assessed in consultation with allies and parliament, with a clear emphasis on defensive cooperation rather than involvement in an expanding regional war.