Aussie forces won't be called for Iran-Israel fight

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to media in Seattle, US
Australia won't be asked to play a military role in the Middle East, Anthony Albanese says. -AAP Image

Australia's military is not likely to be asked to play a role in the Middle East as regional tensions escalate.

Iran and Israel have targeted each other with missile and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its long-time foe.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government was continuing to monitor the situation and urged Australians in the region to leave.

Australia has not been drawn into the conflict and Mr Albanese said the nation is not likely to be asked to participate in the future.

"It's obviously a very volatile situation," he told reporters in Seattle on Saturday, local time.

"I wouldn't expect that there would be a request for Australia to play a military role, but we will continue to play a role in terms of looking after Australian citizens."

The US was notified about the Israeli strikes in advance but Washington officials have been quick to point out it played no part in the attacks, warning Iran not to target its personnel or interests.

Mr Albanese landed in the US on his way to the G7 summit in Canada on Sunday.

He is expected to meet with a range of global leaders, including US president Donald Trump, who has been working with Iran on a nuclear deal.

Tariff discussions are expected to take the spotlight but defence talks could also feature after the US urged Australia to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP.

Australia is already forecast to grow military spending to 2.3 per cent of GDP and Mr Albanese insisted his government would give "whatever capability Australia needs to defend our national interest".