Australia defended its efforts on Friday, March 27th to assist the United States and other allies in the Middle East, following criticism from the American president who described Canberra’s contribution as “not great.”
Donald Trump urged allied countries like South Korea, Japan, and Australia to deploy warships to secure crucial oil supply routes that pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
While many countries declined, the American president criticized Australia for its presumed lack of support.
“Australia has not been great. I was a little bit surprised by Australia,” he said on Thursday, March 26th during a White House government meeting.
“Australia was not consulted”
“No request made to Australia has been refused,” responded Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the press in Canberra on Friday.
“I also want to point out that Australia was not consulted before this action was taken. I understand that, this concerns the United States,” he added.
Anthony Albanese assured that his country was in contact with Gulf states attacked by Iran and had provided a surveillance plane to assist in defending the United Arab Emirates, where many Australians reside.
The United States is Australia’s primary security ally. Both countries, along with the United Kingdom, are also part of the Aukus pact aimed at building more nuclear submarines to counter China.
“We want de-escalation and we understand that this war has a significant global economic impact,” stated Anthony Albanese, noting that Australia has a “aversion” to the Iranian regime.
Original article published on BFMTV.com
