US President Donald Trump has again criticised Australia for not supporting American efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming Canberra failed to respond when asked for assistance.
“I’m not happy with Australia because they were not there when we asked them to be there,” Trump said. “They were not there, having to do with Hormuz, the Hormuz Strait.”
However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected the claim, insisting no formal or new request has been made by the US.
“Australia’s position is the same as it was yesterday,” Albanese said. “There have been no new requests, at all.”
The disagreement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz following US strikes earlier this year, disrupting global oil shipments.
Defence Minister Richard Marles echoed the Prime Minister’s stance, saying Australia had “not received a specific request in relation to the Strait of Hormuz,” while reaffirming the country’s willingness to work with allies.
Meanwhile, Australia is bracing for ongoing fuel supply disruptions due to the crisis, with the government already securing emergency diesel shipments and pursuing further regional agreements. Officials have indicated Australia will participate in international talks led by the UK and France on protecting shipping routes, though any operational involvement remains uncertain.
Source: ABC News
