Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed approval for the recent ceasefire announcement, highlighting Australia’s longstanding advocacy for de-escalation in the region.

“Australia welcomes the agreement reached by the United States, Israel, and Iran for a two-week ceasefire aimed at negotiating a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict,” said a joint statement from Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

The statement reiterated the Australian government’s consistent calls for a reduction in hostilities and a peaceful end to the ongoing conflict.

The tensions had escalated due to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its aggressive actions against commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and energy facilities, which have led to significant disruptions in energy supplies and have driven up oil and fuel prices globally.

Albanese emphasized the ramifications of prolonged conflict, noting, “We have consistently warned that the longer this war continues, the greater the impact on the global economy and the more devastating the human toll will be.”

“We have been clear the longer the war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be, and the greater the human cost.”

“Australia has been working with international partners in support of diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so critical supplies can flow to those who need it, including the most vulnerable.”

The statement thanked mediators Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia for “advancing de-escalation efforts”.

“Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict,” the statement read. “We continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian life.”

— Alexandra Koster