CANBERRA, Apr 13: Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, on Monday urged that the Strait of Hormuz remain accessible to all nations, emphasising that Canberra has received no request from the United States to participate in a blockade of the strategic waterway.
Albanese stressed the importance of renewed negotiations to resolve regional conflicts and called for full respect for international maritime law. Speaking to the media, he said:
“We’ve received no requests, and they’ve made this announcement overnight in a unilateral way. We haven’t been asked to participate.”
Pointing to global fuel supply concerns, Albanese added that Canberra is “committed to working with international partners to help keep fuel flowing at home.”
His remarks came after US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it would begin blockading maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports at 10 am Eastern Time (8:30 pm Indian Standard Time) “in accordance with the President’s proclamation,” CENTCOM stated on Monday.
The blockade will be applied impartially to vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports, including those along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Albanese highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in maintaining global fuel supplies and stabilizing domestic prices. “This week, I’ll meet with the leaders of Brunei and Malaysia, building on last week’s successful deal with Singapore,” he said, underlining Australia’s efforts to strengthen ties with key regional fuel suppliers.
“What we want to see is negotiations continue and resume. We want to see an end to this conflict. We want to see the Strait of Hormuz opened for all. We want to see freedom of navigation as required by international law as well,” Albanese added.
Prime Minister Albanese will travel to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 14 to 17 April 2026, as part of Australia’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with regional partners to ensure the steady flow of energy, fertiliser, and other essential goods.
In Brunei, Albanese will meet Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to discuss energy, food security, and trade in critical supplies. Brunei provides 9 per cent of Australia’s diesel imports and 11 per cent of fertiliser-grade urea, while Australia remains a key supplier of food and agricultural products to Brunei.
In Malaysia, he will meet the Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim to discuss fuel supply and other essential goods. Malaysia is Australia’s third-largest source of refined fuel and supplies 10 per cent of fertiliser-grade urea imports. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Penny Wong, will accompany Albanese on the visits.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Baqer Qalibaf, dismissed the blockade threat, urging Americans to “enjoy” current gas prices and suggesting they will soon be “nostalgic” for $4-$5 per gallon fuel. (UNI)
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