Defence ministers’ meeting on the Strait of Hormuz multilateral mission

Overnight I joined defence ministers from more than 40 other countries to reaffirm the use of collective diplomatic, economic and military capabilities to support freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Australia stands ready to support an independent and strictly defensive Multinational Military Mission, led by the United Kingdom and France, once it is established. 

Our intention is to contribute Australia’s world-leading E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to this defensive effort.

While this platform is already doing work in the region, providing this capability would make a valuable contribution to the multinational mission and efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Multinational Military Mission is designed to complement ongoing diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts, while demonstrating a tangible commitment to the security of international trade.

We want to see this conflict end, the Strait of Hormuz open and freedom of navigation resume. The longer this conflict goes on the more significant the impact on Australia will be. Our Government is doing all we can to shield Australians from the impacts.

We will continue to consult and work with partners to support these efforts.