Australian PM denies US request for new assistance regarding Strait of Hormuz

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday denied that the United States had requested additional assistance from Canberra for Pentagon operations around the Strait of Hormuz. “There is no new request at all. And even President (US) Donald Trump himself has said that he can handle it and has clearly conveyed that position. There is no change from Australia’s side,” Albanese told reporters at an oil refinery in Geelong damaged by fire. The statement came after Trump criticised US allies and NATO for allegedly providing insufficient support in operations related to Iran. Tehran has largely restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which around 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply passes, since the US-Israel war against Iran began on 28 February. The United States has also imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports since Monday. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles previously stated that Canberra is “very interested” in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open because disruptions in shipping affect global energy supplies. Australia has not confirmed reports of troop deployments to the Middle East, while officials said they would not comment on special forces movements.