Ursula von der Leyen meets Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra; Question Time returns

In a press conference dominated by questions about war and global instability, Albanese and von der Leyen downplayed the possibility of their administrations becoming further embroiled in conflict in the Middle East.

When asked whether Europe would send ships to the Strait of Hormuz to support oil supplies, von der Leyen said:

Leaders in the European Union have made it very clear that they can envision an operation, a mission, once the hostilities end. But of course, it is not my place to judge their decisions to provide the necessary facilities in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Asked whether Australia would support intervention in the strait, Albanese said Australia continued to condemn Iran’s persistent attacks on its neighbors and the choking of a key oil export route:

This affects the global economy and targeting civilian ships is contrary to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which allows for freedom of navigation.

“What Australia is providing is an E7 aircraft to the region, providing support specifically to the UAE upon their request,” he said. “This is the request we have received so far.”