International relations

The Australian Government has grave concerns about the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Australia condemns widespread human rights abuses and violations by the Myanmar military regime, and remains deeply concerned by its ongoing attacks against civilians including airstrikes.

Iranian shadow banking usually refers to a parallel banking system in which true customers are hidden or distanced from the regulated banking system. It is designed to move money, facilitate trade and access foreign currency in a manner that circumvents international sanctions.

Iranian procurement refers to the process by which Iran acquires goods, technology, and services, often through complex or illicit networks, to support its military and nuclear programs.

On 28 August 2025, France, Germany and the UK triggered the 'snapback' of international sanctions on the basis that Iran had not complied with the JCPOA by exceeding the maximum allowed uranium stockpile; undertaking prohibited enrichment activities; and obstructing international verification and monitoring.

The Australian Government is deeply concerned by the escalation of tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border and reports of civilian and military casualties.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles on December 8 in Washington, D.C., marking 40 years of AUSMIN consultations. 

Australia introduced an autonomous sanctions framework in relation to Afghanistan in December 2025.

The Afghanistan framework enables the Foreign Minister to designate a person or entity for targeted financial sanctions, and declare persons for travel bans, if the Minister is satisfied they meet the Afghanistan criteria in item 1A of regulation 6 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011.

Permit authorising the provision of humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs in relation to Afghanistan

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has imposed sanctions in relation to Haiti. The sanctions were initially imposed in 2022 in the context of high levels of gang violence and other criminal activities undermining the peace, stability and security of Haiti and its region.