Australia has not received any requests to assist in patrolling the Strait of Hormuz and will not send its warships to ensure shipping safety in the region, said Catherine King, Australian Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

The minister said on ABC radio that Australia would send a warplane to the United Arab Emirates to assist its defense, but would not send ships from its national navy to the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that countries that import oil through the Strait of Hormuz should participate in ensuring its shipping security by sending their warships there. He noted that this step could be in the interests of the UK, China, South Korea, France, Japan, and several other countries.