Summary

- READ MORE: Trump threatens Iran's water supply Prime Minister Anthony Albanese chose his words very carefully when asked about US President Donald Trump's declaration there had been a regime change in Iran. During an interview with Sarah Ferguson on ABC's 7.30 on Monday night, Albanese said that while the US had achieved two of its main objectives in Iran - it had failed to break apart the Gulf state's regime. 'The president said at the beginning of this conflict that it was about three things,' Albanese said. 'It was about nuclear weapons and making sure that Iran can't get a nuclear weapon. 'Secondly, he wanted to damage Iran's capabilities to attack its neighbours or to assist its proxies in Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis - and others as well. 'But the third was regime change. I note the president today has said that there has been a regime change.' Ferguson pushed: 'What's your response to him saying that?' Albanese conceded: 'Well, there certainly has been a change in personnel but the structures of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and the way that they engage is still largely in place.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (above) called out US President Donald Trump's claim the US had forced a regime change in Iran In an interview with Sarah Ferguson (above) Albanese said Iran had undergone a 'personnel change' Albanese's comments were an echo of those he made in a press conference earlier on Monday. Speaking in Canberra, Albanese said his chief concern was the lack of clarity about the direction and aims of the conflict as its economic effects continue to strain Australian budgets, especially regarding the skyrocketing price of fuel. The conflict, which began on February 28, shows little sign of ending, with the Pentagon reportedly planning to send more troops to the Middle East and conduct raids near the Strait of Hormuz. 'I want to see more certainty in what the objectives of the war are, and I want to see a de-escalation,' Albanese said. He stressed that reducing tensions was not merely a regional priority. 'A de-escalation is in the global economy's interests.' Albanese also referenced Trump's goal of regime change, warning external military action often escalates nationalism and can entrench rather than weaken authoritarian governments. While speaking with Ferguson, the 7.30 host questioned: 'So the President of the United States is wrong according to you?' Albanese urged Trump (above) to consider the successes of other objectives he'd set for the conflict in the Middle East and the economic harm of continuing the war Albanese overall called for a de-escalation of the conflict, saying: 'I think people want to see an endpoint' (pictured is damage in Beirut) 'Well, it is a fact that the personnel have changed,' Albanese said. 'I think that was what the president was referring to but he can speak for himself. 'I want to see regime change in Iran to be very clear. This is an abhorrent regime that oppress its own people, that murder its own people, that engage in international terrorism.' Albanese further reiterated that he would be pushing for a de-escalation of the war. 'Conflict always has a price and the conflict has achieved its objectives that were outlined at the beginning,' he said. 'I think people want to see an endpoint.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.