After participating in a gathering of over 40 nations focused on the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Penny Wong shared her insights.
Wong emphasized that the meeting underscored “Australia’s commitment to supporting global initiatives aimed at preventing the Iranian regime from controlling critical maritime routes.”
She highlighted concerns that “Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait, along with its assaults on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure, such as oil and gas facilities, is leading to severe disruptions in energy supplies and affecting global oil and fuel prices.”
“Iran is intentionally imposing economic hardship on communities worldwide, including those in the Indo-Pacific region, with the most vulnerable populations suffering the greatest impact,” Wong stated.
Australia, alongside international partners, denounced the Iranian regime’s strategic use of the Strait of Hormuz as a weapon.
Wong noted that the attending ministers collectively called on Iran to comply with United Nations resolutions that affirm the rights of non-military vessels to navigate freely.
“The focus of last night’s meeting was diplomatic and civilian initiatives countries could pursue to make the Strait of Hormuz accessible and safe. Ministers agreed on the importance of continued coordination and collective action,” Wong said.
“Australia is not taking offensive action against Iran and we are not deploying troops on the ground in Iran.
“The Australian Government continues to support de-escalation and the resolution of this conflict.
“The longer this war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be.”
Strikingly, she did not mention the US or Israel in the statement, though their current warmaking is what triggered Iran’s closure of the strait.
