Aussie ships and troops headed to Iran for international operation

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has committed defence forces to the Straits of Hormuz in Iran as part of a US-led international operation, as escalating tensions in the region threaten to directly affect Australia.

AUSTRALIAN defence forces will be sent to the Middle East in a bid to de-escalate rising tensions in the Persian Gulf and secure oil supplies.

At least 200 defence personnel will be sent, as well as a navy frigate and surveillance plane, in a US-led international mission in the Straits of Hormuz to protect oil shipments.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement ahead of a series of diplomatic and economic trips in Asia and Europe, beginning in Vietnam tonight.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia will commit a P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane and a navy frigate towards freedom of navigations operations in the Straits of Hormuz, Iran. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Morrison confirmed Australia’s involvement in the Iranian mission with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yesterday morning and will discuss it further with US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the G7 in France next week.

If follows Iranian forces harassing oil shipments in the straits in recent months.

Mr Morrison warned that the tensions in the Straits of Hormuz put at risk 16 per cent of Australia’s crude oil supply and up to 30 per cent of its refined oil which transit through the region.

“Rising geopolitical tensions and protectionism is weighing heavily on global confidence and growth,” the Prime Minister said.

“This destabilising behaviour is a threat to Australian interests in the region, particularly our enduring interest in the security of global sea lanes of communication.”

Australia’s involvement in the freedom of navigation operations will be time limited, with ADF personnel deploying shortly to take part in planning operations, before the frigate arrives in January for a six-month stint.

A P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane will also be sent into action later this year, but the timing is to be determined.

A RAAF P-8A Poseidon will be used to assist in a US-led international freedom of navigation operation in the Straits of Hormuz, Iran.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds noted it was the 68th deployment of a Royal Australian Navy vessel to the Middle East, often taking part in counter-piracy and counter-terrorism operations.

But Mr Morrison did not rule out extending the mission if required.

While it is a US-led mission, Mr Morrison stressed that it was an international mission, currently comprising of the US, UK and Australia.

Labor’s acting Opposition leader and defence spokesman Richard Marles said the maritime patrols were an appropriate measure for Australia to take.

“This is very central to Australia’s national interest and we do have a long history of participating in missions of this kind,” he said.