The US and Australia Strongly Condemn 'Harassment of Women and Girls in Iran'

The United States and Australia, in a joint statement on the occasion of the 33rd consultative meeting of the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries, strongly condemned human rights violations in Iran and Afghanistan as well as the destructive activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Penny Wong, the Australian Foreign Minister, and Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Australia, along with Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin, the US Secretaries of State and Defense, condemned the human rights violations in Iran, including the harassment of women and girls, the aggressive suppression of civil society, and discriminatory treatment of ethnic and religious minorities. The meeting of US and Australian officials took place in Brisbane, Australia. In another part of the statement, they condemned the Taliban for gross human rights violations, especially the organized and comprehensive violation of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, and expressed their joint commitment to stand by the people of Iran and Afghanistan, particularly women and girls. The two countries condemned the unlawful detention of foreign and dual nationals and the targeting, intimidation, and harassment of dissidents outside Iran. The Australian foreign and defense ministers also condemned Iran's nuclear program, the proliferation of ballistic missiles, support for armed proxy forces, and threats to shipping in the Persian Gulf. The provision of Iranian drones to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine was also condemned in this statement. The joint statement referenced other issues such as strengthening joint defense cooperation to counter the 'growing influence' of China in the Indo-Pacific region. US Defense Secretary: Russia must stop irresponsible behavior. Anthony Albanese: The sale of US nuclear submarines to Australia is on the 'right track'. Blinken: Doors are open for New Zealand to participate in the 'AUKUS' military project. Antony Blinken warned about China's 'problematic behavior'.