Australia Declines US Naval Coalition in Middle East

0:00Welcome to Sydney News Today, two minutes of news that matter to Sydney. Australia has decided not to send any warships to the Middle East, even as U.S. President Donald Trump calls on allies to join a naval coalition, protecting oil tankers in the strait of Hormuz. The Australian Navy faces a shrinking fleet, down to just nine surface combatants by the end of this year from 11-2 years ago. The oldest ANZAC class frigate, HMAS Arunta, is set for retirement soon, with no replacement until 2029. This leaves the Navy with limited options, as two out of every three vessels are often unavailable for maintenance. Transport Minister Catherine King confirmed no request came from the U.S., but Australia would decline anyway, prioritizing the Indo-Pacific region over. The vital waterway that handles 20% of global oil trade. Experts like Jennifer Parker from the University of New South Wales say Australia simply lacks enough ships to help allies right now. Europe has pressured countries including Britain, China, Japan and Gulf neighbors to contribute,

1:04warning of consequences like straining NATO ties, or delaying his China trip. Tension spiked after Iranian drone and missile attacks sparked a U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, collapsing tanker traffic through the strait and driving up worldwide oil prices. Britain is mulling the request, but responses from others remain lukewarm. Both major Australian parties now backstaying out. With opposition defense spokesman James Patterson stressing national interests and the focus on, are, own region amid any potential U.S. ask. D&N is brought to you by our sponsor link in the description. No earbuds, no headbands, no awkward sleeping positions, just a pillow that plays your