Scott Morrison tells defence chief to 'protect and defend' Australians amid Iran's bombing campaign

Australia appears set to remain in Iraq, even as other US allies such as Germany and Canada pull their troops out

Scott Morrison has told the chief of the Australian defence force "to take whatever actions are necessary" to protect Australian troops and diplomats in Iraq after Iran began bombing allied military bases. All defence and diplomatic staff in the country were now safe, Morrison said.

Australia's military appears set to remain in Iraq as long as the US does, even as other allies such as Germany and Canada pull their troops out of the country.