Australian defence personnel, diplomats to stay in Iraq amid US-Iran tensions

Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison has confirmed on January 8 that his country's troops and diplomats will remain in Iraq even after Iran's 22 ballistic missiles were fired on Iraqi bases housing US troops and coaliation forces. Morrison h earlier released an official statement that he along with Defense chief of Australia are closely monitoring incidents taking place in middle east after dramatic escalation caused by US President Donald Trump-directed airstrike killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani. 

National Security Committee of Cabinet met in Canberra to discuss Middle East tensions, and shortly after meeting, Morrison said that Australia is committed to counter Islamic State in Iraq and government will continue to monitor situation closely. Australian PM furr justified that ' situation overnight has stabilised'. Currently, as per international reports, nearly 300 Australian troops and diplomatic personnel are stationed in Iraq. 

Re - Australian Billionaire Andrew Forrest Pledges $70 Million To Bushfire Crisis

According to official transcript of press release on Australian government's website, Morrison said, “ cessation of those immediate hostilities that we saw yesterday and nature of statement also issued [by US President Donald Trump] today, as well as intelligence that we have, means that we are in a position to continue to undertake mission that we have set for ourselves in Middle East”.

Re - Celeste Barber's Fundraiser Passes Over $45 Million For Australia Bushfire Crisis

Pentagon chief says 'deterrence is restored'

After dramatic escalation of US-Iran tension over killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on January 8 that Washington has reestablished some 'deterrence' towards Tehran. However, Pentagon chief concluded by saying 'time will tell'. Earlier Esper h mentioned that US 'does t seek conflict' however, it 'will respond forcefully if necessary'. 

"I think at this point with strikes we took against Kataeb Hezbollah in late December and n our actions with regard to Soleimani, I believe that we've restored a level of deterrence with m," Esper told reporters referring to Iraqi group backed by Iran.

Esper's comments came after Iran retaliated on Soleimani's killing by firing 22 ballistic missiles on Wednesday into two bases of Iraq, housing US troops. US President Donald Trump h dressed media on January 8 after attacks on Iraqi bases housing US troops and urged United Nations Security Council to intervene in matter. Trump t only called for peace but also spoke about making a deal with Iran.

Re - Australia: Lizzo Volunteers At Foodbank For Those Affected By Bushfires

Re - Photographers Capture Nature's 'recovering' Response To Australia Bushfire Crisis