Australia to Join Hormuz Shipping Mission

Australia will join a strictly defensive mission led by France and Britain to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Times of Israel reported, citing AFP.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said Canberra would contribute a Wedgetail E-7A surveillance aircraft that is already deployed in the region to help protect the United Arab Emirates from Iranian drone attacks.

“Australia stands ready to support an independent and strictly defensive Multinational Military Mission, led by the United Kingdom and France, once it is established”, he said in a statement.

The planned operation is intended to complement diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts, while demonstrating a tangible commitment to the security of international trade.

(timesofisrael, bak)