Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has urged the federal government to directly contact US President Donald Trump and offer support as the conflict involving Iran continues to disrupt global fuel supplies. Speaking on Sky News, Abbott said he believed any previous Australian leader would have already called the White House.
Abbott argued that the only way to end the conflict safely would be the destruction of what he described as Iran’s “war machine,” insisting it was “not too late” for Australia to step forward. He said the United States “deserves” and “needs” Australia’s help to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
He also warned that any peace deal allowing Iran to continue charging transport vessels passing through the strait would amount to a “subsidy for terrorism,” claiming it would leave Australian industries facing “extortionate” fuel costs.
President Trump has publicly expressed disappointment that Australia has not contributed to the conflict, saying he was “a little surprised” by the lack of support. Former Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo, however, said he did not believe Trump’s comments would damage bilateral relations. Pezzullo noted that the US had not asked Australia for assistance before the conflict began, adding that Washington had not built a coalition.
Pezzullo said the President appeared to be compiling a “long list of grievances” against countries he believes have not helped, adding that Australia was “just one on a list.” He also suggested Australia could still do more, despite the lack of an initial request from the US.
+ There are no comments
Add yours