‘Petulant’ Trump blasts Australia for shunning Iran war
Donald Trump has declared that the US does not need the help of Australia and other allies, who have rejected joint calls for the US to help retake a major oil shipping corridor.
In a scathing statement posted on social media platform Truth Social, the US president condemned Australia and other Indo-Pacific countries for refusing to become involved in the conflict with Iran.
“The United States has been informed by many of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they do not wish to participate in our Military Operation against the Iranian Terrorist Regime in the Middle East,” Mr. Trump’s post said.
“We no longer ‘need’ or desire assistance from NATO Nations – WE NEVER HAVE! Likewise Japan, Australia or South Korea.”
The conflict, triggered by US-Israeli attacks on Iran, caused fuel prices to skyrocket worldwide following the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to Tehran’s retaliatory actions.
The US president had requested a naval coalition to help secure the key shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies pass.
But Finance Minister Jim Chalmers pushed back on Mr Trump’s criticism, saying the government was not considering sending any ships to protect oil tankers in the strait.
Ministers had previously stated that Australia had not received an official request from the United States to supply warships.
Leading opposition figure Andrew Hastie took aim at Mr Trump’s post.
“This was a testy post from a president under intense pressure… relationships have been around for a long time, you show respect and I don’t think that was a respectful post at all,” he told ABC radio on Wednesday.
“We have a proud history, and I don’t think allies are treated that way. It’s more a reflection of his character than it is of us.”
Former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said Mr Trump was “hot”.
“He is angry that America’s allies are not prepared to support him in a war he has started without their consent or any consultation,” he said.
“This actually underlines the importance of Australia being more independent, exercising our own sovereignty.”
Australia’s Associated Press is the beating heart of Australian news. AAP is Australia’s only independent national news channel and has been providing accurate, reliable and fast-paced news content to the media industry, government and corporate sector for 85 years. We inform Australia.
