Saturday Magazine

21 Mar 2026

Sat, 21st March, 2026: Peter Khalil – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence; Where are things heading with Iran?

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Sat, 21st March, 2026: Peter Khalil – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence; Where are things heading with Iran?

First up this week we have Peter Khalil – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence; Nevena and John discuss with Peter, where Where are things heading with Iran? Are facing a 70’s style fuel crisis? And some updates from his electorate.

As of March 2026, Peter Khalil, the MP for Wills and Assistant Minister for Defence, views the situation with Iran as extremely volatile, characterized by aggressive actions from the Iranian regime, including attacks on regional neighbours and the targeting of civilian.

Khalil has emphasized that Iran is a “destabilising force” through its missile programs, support for proxies, and acts of intimidation. In his role as Assistant Minister for Defence, he noted that Australia has provided defensive support to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against missile attacks, including deploying E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and air-to-air missiles.

Khalil has defended Australia’s involvement in the Middle East, stating it is “purely defensive” to protect lives and not an act of aggressive war, while acknowledging the conflict is a “fluid dynamic”.

Khalil has strongly condemned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for attempting to harm Australian citizens and engaging in acts of violence. He has supported designating the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

He has expressed solidarity with the Iranian-Australian community in Melbourne and their anxiety for families in Iran, noting his hope for a shift away from the “oppressive” Iranian regime.

Regarding demands for further military involvement, Khalil has stated he is not aware of a specific request for Australian warships to assist in the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining that operational decisions are made by the National Security Committee.

Khalil’s position aligns with the broader Australian government stance, which involves implementing targeted sanctions against the Iranian regime and supporting diplomatic pressure against its actions.