Iran threats to target US big tech in the Middle East; Australia fuel excise cut comes into effect
Health Minister Mark Butler said the government was focusing on the “core” of the US alliance, not President Donald Trump’s day-to-day comments.
Asked on ABC television this morning whether Trump’s changing attitude towards the participation of allies in the war reflects on the future of the alliance, Butler said, “For this reason, we do not comment on the statements of the US president on a daily basis.”
“We are focused on the core of our relationship between Australia and the United States. As your audience will be well aware, it is our most important strategic relationship and has been for decades, and across political divides both here and in the United States, and I’m confident it will continue to be so in the future,” Butler said.
Recently, the Trump administration has signaled its readiness to end the war in Iran before a clear decision is reached on the Strait of Hormuz, pushing other countries to take on the task of securing the vital oil corridor.
“We’ve seen some encouraging statements in the last few hours from the Iranian president as well as the Americans, and they want this wound to end as soon as possible,” Butler said.
“Ultimately, this is in the hands of the three countries waging this war. As your viewers know, Australia is not a party to Trump’s war with Iran, but Australian families are certainly being affected by this. They’re being hit hard, which is why we’re taking such strong action to support them.”
