US, Iran must be ‘pulled back’ from prolonged war
Military analysts warn Australia must act with partner countries to pull the US and Iran “back from the brink” to end the war and reopen a crucial oil corridor.
In a televised speech from the White House on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said the key objectives of the war in Iran were “nearing completion” and that the regime was no longer a threat.
“They suffered great destruction both militarily, economically and in every respect,” he said in his 20-minute speech.
In response, Iran disrupted shipping, which caused oil prices to rise.
Mr. Trump called on U.S. allies who depend on oil from the Strait of Hormuz to take action.
“Countries of the world that receive oil through the Strait of Hormuz should pay attention to this passage,” he said.
“They have to grasp it and value it, and they can do that easily.
“We will help, but they must also take the lead in protecting the oil on which they are so dependent.”
Defense analyst Marcus Hellyer, head of research at Strategic Analysis Australia, said a modest military contribution from Canberra in the form of warships was unlikely to have any impact on the conflict in the Middle East.
“The worst case is nuclear war, we need to find a solution and countries need to pull Israel, the US and Iran from the brink,” he told AAP.
He said Australia did not have many ships it could send to the region because previous governments had mismanaged the defense procurement process.
“Our cupboard is pretty bare,” the analyst said.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has called on Australia to consider any US requests to send military assets to the Middle East.
Labor has repeatedly insisted that no formal request has been made by the US.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese questioned the need for a protracted war when he addressed the National Press Club on Thursday.
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