Australia signs up for US-led Hormuz naval patrols

Australian forces will add a “modest, meaningful and time-limited” contribution to a United States-led mission in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at protecting freedom of navigation in the Gulf region, the country’s prime minister Scott Morrison has said.

The Australian contingent will join military forces from the UK, Bahrain and Israel in the US mission.

Morrison said 15% of crude oil and 30% of refined oil destined for Australia came through the Strait of Hormuz.

The move is supported by Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL), which represents the interests of maritime businesses in Australia.

Teresa Lloyd, CEO of MIAL, commented: “Freedom of navigation and the protection of the ships and seafarers responsible for international trade are ideals worthy of our attention as an island nation reliant upon them.”