Anthony Albanese says peace talks must restart quickly to end the escalating Middle East war, as Australia calls for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and free navigation for all countries.
Hours after US President Donald Trump said he would lift the US blockade of the strategic waterway from Tuesday morning Australian time, Albanese urged Washington and Tehran to return to talks in Pakistan.
“We want to see the Strait of Hormuz open and freedom of navigation, so obviously the lack of resolution in the talks over the weekend was disappointing,” Albanese said.
“We want to see a reduction in tensions and we want to see those negotiations restarted.”
After talks in Pakistan led by US Vice President JD Vance failed to resolve the crisis, Trump threatened to bomb Iranian water treatment facilities, power plants and bridges if the regime in Tehran did not agree to give up its nuclear weapons programme.
Trump directed the US Navy to “begin interdicting any and all vessels attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz”.
But Iran’s Revolutionary Guard responded by declaring that if any warships came near the strait to enforce the blockade, the move would be considered a violation of the ceasefire and would be met with a strong response. It also stressed that the strait would remain under Iranian control.
About 20% of global oil supplies normally pass through the strait, which is now subject to Iranian drone attacks and undersea mines.
Announcement of new defense force chief
Albanese made the announcement saying that V Admiral Mark Hammond, now chief of the navy, will replace current Australian Defense Force chief David Johnston in July.
Hammond said the Australian military would be ready to contribute to the international effort to reopen the strait if the government decided to assist.
“The Navy is as ready as ever,” he said, echoing Johnson’s comments last week.
He said that out of the 10 major combat ships of the Navy, eight are currently deployed.
“They are equipped with one of the most advanced radars in the world … and some of the world’s most advanced missile-engagement systems.
“Are they capable of carrying out the mission? As Johnson said last week, absolutely. The question of contribution is an issue for consideration by the Australian Government, should they receive a request. And no such request has been made.”
Trump named Australia among countries not aiding the US war effort, although he insisted that no help was needed.
Albanese stressed that the Australian government’s view is that the ceasefire should extend to Israel’s fight with Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon.
He expressed sympathy for members of the Lebanese diaspora in Australia.
“I express my condolences to the grieving families who have lost innocent relatives and friends, no matter where this happened.
“The conflict is having a greater impact in developing countries, which require fuel for the essentials of life. It is having a huge impact, which is why we have called for a solution, to de-escalate and move forward.”
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.
The Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, said 57 fuel shipments, including crude oil, jet fuel, diesel and petrol, were en route to Australia, and the government continued to make contingency arrangements for supplies without expecting the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened.
Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong will also visit Brunei and Malaysia this week to boost fuel supplies.
