Australian Facilities Damaged in Iranian Strike Near Al Minhad Air Base in UAE, PM Confirms No Casualties

 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that an Iranian projectile struck near Australia's military headquarters at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates early Wednesday morning, causing minor damage to Australian facilities but no injuries among personnel.

The incident occurred around 9:15am AEDT (approximately 2:15am local time in Dubai), when the projectile hit a road leading up to the base. This sparked a small fire that affected an accommodation block and a medical facility in the Australian section of the joint air base.

"I can confirm that no Australian personnel were injured and everyone is absolutely safe at this point in time," Mr Albanese told reporters in Tasmania. He added that he had spoken with Defence Minister Richard Marles and emphasized the need to recognize the Iranian regime's ongoing "random attacks" across the Gulf region.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) maintains a long-standing presence at Al Minhad Air Base, which serves as a key logistics and operational hub for Australian forces in the Middle East. Australia deploys assets there, including support for regional security operations such as an E-7 Wedgetail aircraft.

In a follow-up statement, the Department of Defence reiterated that all ADF personnel deployed to the Middle East are safe and accounted for. "The strike resulted in minor damage to an accommodation block and medical facility in the Australian section of the base. Defence’s focus is on ensuring the safety and security of our people, and we will continue to revise force protection measures as the situation in the Middle East evolves."

This marks at least the second reported Iranian strike on or near the base in recent weeks, amid escalating tensions in the region. The attack comes as part of broader Iranian retaliatory actions following reported US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, which have expanded to include allied facilities in Gulf countries.

Australia has repeatedly stated it is not directly participating in offensive operations against Iran and maintains a defensive posture in the region. The government has condemned the Iranian regime's actions, including past incidents targeting Australian soil, while supporting efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and threatening international security.

No Australian troops are reported to have been directly targeted in offensive roles, and the Prime Minister has assured that Australia has not been asked to join broader attacks on Iran.

The incident has prompted renewed travel warnings for Australians in the Middle East, with Smartraveller advising heightened caution due to risks of further escalation, missile activity, and attacks on infrastructure.

Defence experts note that the strike highlights the expanding reach of Iranian operations in the Gulf, even against facilities hosting allied forces not directly involved in frontline combat.