Australia Announces Intent to Join 'Hormuz Mission'

SadaNews - Australia announced on Wednesday that it will join a mission led by France and Britain to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Australian Minister of Defense Richard Marles stated that his country will participate in a "purely defensive" mission, led by the two European countries.

Marles made the remarks after a meeting involving 40 countries, saying that Australia will contribute a surveillance aircraft that it had previously sent to the region to counter Iranian attacks.

The minister added in a statement: "Australia is ready to support an independent, purely defensive multinational military mission led by Britain and France, once it is established."

Marles noted that this mission is "designed to complement diplomatic communications and de-escalation efforts, while demonstrating a tangible commitment to the security of international trade."