Australia Joins US Leader Strait of Hormuz Patrol

Australia will join the United States (US) in a coalition of countries that protect oil tankers and cargo ships from threats posed by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. That was said by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. 

"This unstable behavior is a threat to Australia's interests in the region," Morrison said at a press conference in Canberra. 

Photo from: sindonews

                                                               Australian Prime Minister (PM) Scott Morrison.

"The government has decided that it is in Australia's national interest to work with our international partners to contribute. Our contribution will be limited in scope and will be time-bound, "he explained as reported by Reuters on Wednesday (8/21/2019).

Morrison said Australia would send Poseidon P-8A reconnaissance aircraft to the Middle East for one month before the end of 2019, while Australian frigates would be deployed in January 2020 for six months. 

The Australian placement will expand US-led efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between Oman and Iran, amid rising tensions. This strait is passed by almost one-fifth of the world's oil shipments. 

Washington, which is by far the strongest Western naval contingent in the Gulf, has called on its allies to join the shipping guard operation.

However, European countries who disagree with the US decision to impose sanctions on Iran, are reluctant to sign a US-led mission for fear of increasing tensions in the region. 

                                                                                                                         { Source }