Australia to join "strictly defensive" UK-France mission to secure Strait of Hormuz

Alsharq Tribune-Ahmed Essam 

Australia "stands ready" to support a "strictly defensive" multinational military mission led by Britain and France to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing Middle East tensions, a senior official said Wednesday.

Defense Minister Richard Marles said in a statement that Australia would contribute an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to the mission once it is established.

Marles made the announcement after a meeting with defense ministers from more than 40 countries, where participants reaffirmed support for freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

"The multinational military mission is designed to complement ongoing diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts, while demonstrating a tangible commitment to the security of international trade," he said.

"The longer this conflict goes on the more significant the impact on Australia will be," The minister warned, adding the government would continue working with partners to support these efforts.