Albanese calls on US and Iran to resume peace negotiations and reopen strait of Hormuz | Strait of Hormuz
Anthony Albanese said peace talks to end the growing Middle East war should continue apace as Australia called for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and free navigation for all countries.
Hours after US President Donald Trump said he would impose an American blockade of the strategic waterway from Tuesday morning Australian time, Albanese called on Washington and Tehran to return to talks in Pakistan.
“We want to see the Strait of Hormuz opened and freedom of navigation realized, so it is obviously disappointing that the talks over the weekend did not reach a solution,” Albanese said.
“We want to see tensions ease and negotiations restart.”
After negotiations in Pakistan led by US vice president J.D. Vance failed to resolve the crisis, Trump threatened to bomb Iran’s water purification plants, power plants and bridges if the regime in Tehran did not agree to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
Trump ordered the US Navy to begin “blockading all ships attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz.”
However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard responded by declaring that if any warship approached the strait to impose a blockade, the move would be considered a violation of the ceasefire and would prompt a strong response. He also insisted that the strait remain under Iranian control.
About 20 percent of global oil supplies pass through the strait, which is often subject to Iranian drone attacks and undersea mines.
New defense forces chief announced
Albanese spoke as he announced that V Admiral Mark Hammond, currently Navy chief, will replace current Australian defense force chief David Johnston in July.
Hammond said Australian forces would be ready to contribute to the international effort to reopen the strait if the government decides to help.
“The Navy is as ready as ever,” he said, echoing Johnston’s comments last week.
Eight of the Navy’s 10 major warships are currently deployed, he said.
“They are equipped with one of the most advanced radars in the world … and some of the most advanced missile delivery systems in the world.
“Are they capable of carrying out the task? As Johnson said last week, absolutely. One of the issues that the Australian government considers is the issue of contribution, if they receive a request. And there was no such request.”
Trump checked that Australia was among the countries not aiding the US war effort, although he insisted no aid was needed.
Albanese emphasized the Australian government’s view that the ceasefire should also include Israel’s fight against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon.
He expressed sympathy for members of the Lebanese diaspora in Australia.
“No matter where, I feel the pain of the families who lost innocent relatives and friends.
“Conflict is having a greater impact only in developing countries that need fuel for the basic needs of life. It is having a tremendous impact, which is why we have consistently called for de-escalation and a forward-looking solution.”
Lebanon and Israel agreed to hold their first meeting at the US State Department on Tuesday to discuss a possible ceasefire and broader peace talks.
Energy minister Chris Bowen said 57 fuel shipments, including crude oil, jet fuel, diesel and gasoline, were on their way to Australia and the government remained cautious about supplies without waiting for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen.
Albanese and foreign minister Penny Wong will also visit Brunei and Malaysia this week to support fuel supplies.
