Australia has expressed its willingness to join a "neutral and peaceful" multinational mission proposed by France and Great Britain, with the aim of ensuring the safety of maritime transport in the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement was made by Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, who stressed that Canberra is ready to support a “strictly defensive” mission led by Britain and France, once it is finalized. According to Marles, Australia will contribute an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, which is already deployed in the region to help protect the United Arab Emirates from potential drone attacks.
He explained that the mission is conceived as an initiative that complements diplomatic efforts and measures to reduce tensions, while at the same time aiming to strengthen the security of international trade in one of the most strategic maritime corridors in the world.
In an earlier warning, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the United Nations is expected to present an initiative to create a formal framework for this mission. The plan is for the operation to be launched only after Iran and the United States reach an agreement on sanctions relief, in coordination with both parties.
