No ‘specific request’ to help US in strait of Hormuz, Marles says, as Trump repeats criticism of Australia
Summary
President Donald Trump said he was unhappy with Australia for not supporting the U.S. in the Middle East, specifically around the Strait of Hormuz, although Australia says it received no specific request from the U.S. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed no direct request had been made, but Australia is open to helping when needed. Australia currently has forces supporting Gulf states after a specific request from the UAE.Key Facts
- President Trump criticized Australia for not being present when the U.S. asked for help related to the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East.
- Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said no new or specific requests were made by the U.S. to Australia.
- Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia had not received a specific request about the Strait of Hormuz but would work with allies when the situation allows.
- Australia has an E-7 Wedgetail aircraft operating over Gulf states to help defend the UAE, following a direct request from the UAE.
- Planning for any military operation in the Strait of Hormuz depends on changing circumstances and has not yet occurred.
- Australia, the U.S., UK, and France are holding talks and will discuss the region at a summit in Paris.
- Australia recently announced a $53 billion increase in defence spending over the next decade.
- President Trump wants U.S. allies to spend up to 3.5% of their GDP on defense to lessen reliance on the U.S.
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