The Australian government has backed United States military action against Iran and warned of "reprisal attacks and further escalation" in the Middle East in the wake of a series of strikes that have plunged the region into a new phase of conflict. Australia "stands with the brave people of Iran", Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a joint statement on Saturday night, as they declared their support for the US' actions to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The prime minister's office has also confirmed he will convene a meeting of the National Security Committee on Sunday.