35-Nation Summit on Strait of Hormuz to Include Australia

Australia is set to participate in a virtual meeting involving 35 nations to discuss measures aimed at restoring operations and ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz, as global markets continue to feel the impact of an oil supply shock.

The discussions will be led by the United Kingdom, which has been coordinating efforts among countries willing to support initiatives to reopen the crucial shipping route. Notably, the United States will not be part of the talks, following criticism from President Donald Trump directed at Western allies over their level of involvement in the conflict with Iran.

Australia will be represented by Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the meeting, which is scheduled to take place late tonight (Australian time). Other participating nations include France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.

Australia already maintains a military presence in the region, including a Boeing E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and around 85 personnel stationed in the UAE. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the government remains open to exploring how it can assist international efforts.

He noted that Australia is in ongoing discussions with partners such as the UK and France regarding potential contributions, while highlighting the current role of the Wedgetail aircraft in supporting Gulf nations, particularly the UAE.

Earlier, the UK and several partner countries issued a joint statement expressing readiness to cooperate in reopening the Strait and safeguarding oil shipments. Australia was among the countries that endorsed the statement.

However, both Australian officials and their international counterparts have indicated that any concrete action will likely depend on the establishment of a ceasefire in Iran.