Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has warned that the current conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran shows similarities to the lead-up to the Iraq War in 2003.
Speaking on ABC Radio National’s RN Breakfast, Wilkie said the justification for the strikes had been exaggerated and argued that the situation carries “alarming parallels” with the period before the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Wilkie noted that the Iraq invasion followed the 2002 United States midterm elections and said political considerations had played a role in that conflict.
He claimed similar dynamics could be emerging again, accusing US President Donald Trump of using escalating tensions with Iran to improve Republican political fortunes ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
Wilkie also pointed to what he described as inconsistencies in statements about Iran’s nuclear capability. He said warnings that Iran could develop nuclear weapons within 18 months conflicted with earlier claims that Iran’s nuclear capacity had been destroyed following a 12-day conflict.
Another concern raised by Wilkie was the absence of United Nations approval for the strikes.
He said that, unlike in the lead-up to the Iraq invasion, the United States had not attempted to obtain UN authorisation before military action.
Wilkie argued the situation raised questions about the justification and legal framework surrounding the strikes.
