Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has criticized Australia for what he perceives as its lack of support for the United States and Israel in their military actions against Iran, labeling the nation as “weak.”

In an opinion piece for the Daily Telegraph, Abbott argued that Australia should have backed the U.S. strikes, describing the military action as a “just cause.”

“Weakness provokes aggression,” Abbott stated. “Since the government rejected a request from the Biden administration to deploy a frigate to the Red Sea—marking the first instance since the 1951 ANZUS treaty that we declined a U.S. military request—Australia has shown weakness. This is not merely about lacking military power but, more importantly, the resolve to use it.”

Abbott emphasized that despite the U.S. not consulting its allies before initiating the airstrikes, Australia should have anticipated imminent action against Iran and proactively reached out to the White House to offer support.

“By conspicuously opting out of the current conflict, doing even less than the overly cautious British government, we have not only disappointed our principal ally but also compromised our values and long-term national interests,” Abbott expressed.

The Albanese government, however, has pointed out that the U.S. has not issued any direct request for military support, despite former President Donald Trump’s comments criticizing Australia’s decision not to participate in the attack.

Australia has sent military assets to Middle Eastern allies to serve in a defensive capacity against Iranian strikes.