Summary

Angus Taylor has called on Labor to end the “ambiguity” around any requests to help clear the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian missiles and drones have made the Middle East maritime chokepoint too perilous to transit, save for a handful of countries that have negotiated safe passage for ships. The strait’s effective closure has cut a fifth of the world’s oil supply and driven fuel prices to historic highs across the globe. After peace talks failed at the weekend, the US blockaded the Middle East maritime chokepoint to cut off Iran’s ports and starve its economy. Anthony Albanese has insisted the White House has not requested any help, but US President Donald Trump has repeatedly named Australia among allies who have failed to assist Washington. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Opposition Leader said the government needed to be clear on what has been asked of Australia. “Australia should be providing whatever support we reasonably can to make sure we get the Strait of Hormuz opened up,” Mr Taylor said. “Now, we don’t know what requests have been received. “There’s all sorts of ambiguity about that from the government, but we want the Strait of Hormuz opened up, and we want it done as quickly as possible because that will put downward pressure on the price at the bowser for all Australians who are suffering from a cost of living crisis – a homegrown inflation crisis brought about by this government.” Mr Albanese will on Friday join a European-led talks to rally a coalition to safeguard shipping in the strait once the fighting stops. The virtual summit will not include the US or Iran, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying it would comprise of “countries prepared to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait”. “This strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties to the conflict, is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances permit,” he said. Australia has so far deployed a reconnaissance plane and dozens of defence personnel to the United Arab Emirates to help defend the Gulf state from Iranian attacks. Australia has also sent defensive missiles to the UAE.