Last night, I joined more than 40 countries on a ministerial call on the Strait of Hormuz as part of Australia's support for international efforts to ensure critical waterways are not held hostage by the Iranian regime.
I thank UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper for convening the meeting with representatives from every continent, as well as key international organisations including the International Maritime Organization and the European Union.
Iran's de facto closure of the Strait, coupled with its attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, is causing unprecedented energy supply shocks and impacting oil and fuel prices.
Iran is deliberately inflicting economic pain on communities worldwide, including the Indo-Pacific, with the costs borne disproportionately by the most vulnerable.
Australia joined partners in condemning the Iranian regime's weaponisation of the Strait of Hormuz.
Ministers urged Iran to act in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which reaffirmed that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected, particularly around critical maritime routes.
The focus of last night's meeting was diplomatic and civilian initiatives countries could pursue to make the Strait of Hormuz accessible and safe. Ministers agreed on the importance of continued coordination and collective action.
Australia is not taking offensive action against Iran and we are not deploying troops on the ground in Iran.
The Australian Government continues to support de-escalation and the resolution of this conflict.
The longer this war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be.
