Australian Government Stands Firm: "We Will Not Send Warships to the Strait of Hormuz" Despite Trump’s Pressure

Draws a Line Against Trump’s ‘Security Bill’ Request

As U.S. President Donald Trump has requested a 'security bill' from seven countries, including Korea, the Australian government, which has been mentioned as a potential participant, has made it clear that it has no plans to join.

On the 16th (local time), Catherine King, Australia's Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, stated in an interview with Australian public broadcaster ABC, "We will not send ships (warships) to the Strait of Hormuz," and added, "We understand just how incredibly important that strait is, but we have not been asked (by the U.S.) to participate in the escort mission, nor are we currently contributing."

Donald Trump, President of the United States, is speaking to reporters on the 15th (local time) aboard his private plane, Air Force One. Photo by AP News Agency

President Trump said the previous day that there are seven countries participating in the escort mission for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and warned, "We will remember (who participates)," thus pressuring countries to take part. This number is two more than the five countries—Korea, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France—that had been asked to dispatch warships the day before.

Previously, Matt Sisulswaite, Assistant Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, stated that Australia's involvement in a potential war between the United States, Israel, and Iran would be limited to supporting the defense of Gulf countries under attack by Iran. Assistant Secretary Sisulswaite said, "Australia is not directly involved in this armed conflict, but we will do everything we can to ensure the safety of Australians in the region to the greatest extent possible. For now, this defines the scope of our involvement."

It is known that Australia relies directly and indirectly on the Strait of Hormuz for about 50% of its petroleum imports, including refined oil products. According to AFP News Agency, due to the impact of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the average price of gasoline in New South Wales (NSW), southeastern Australia, surged by about 40% compared to a month ago to 2.23 Australian dollars per liter (approximately 2,345 won).

Recently, Australia has deployed a Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft to protect Gulf airspace and decided to provide medium-range air-to-air missiles to the UAE.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.