Australia Says Will Join France, UK Mission in Hormuz

Australia will join a "strictly defensive" mission led by France and the UK to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Wednesday.

Australia will contribute a Wedgetail E-7A surveillance aircraft, already deployed in the region to protect the United Arab Emirates from Iranian drone attacks, Marles said after a meeting of 40 countries.

"Australia stands ready to support an independent and strictly defensive Multinational Military Mission, led by the UK and France, once it is established," Marles said in a statement.

A multinational military mission is designed to complement diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts, while "demonstrating a tangible commitment to the security of international trade," he said.