Albanese noted, however, that Australia had dispatched an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to the Middle East following a request from Gulf nations.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hit back at United States President Donald Trump after the latter accused Australia of failing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, saying: “You said you can handle it alone.”
His response follows a fresh wave of criticism from the United States, a key ally.
While addressing reporters in Washington after Lebanon and Israel established a 10-day ceasefire agreement, Trump claimed Australia did not supply military assistance to aid in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
“I am not satisfied with Australia because they were not present when we required their support,” he remarked.
Trump added: “They were absent concerning Hormuz. Thus, I am not satisfied. I am not satisfied with them.”
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Reacting to the allegation, Albanese stated that the US President had previously declared to the world that he could manage the situation independently.
According to the Australian Associated Press, the PM also underscored that there have been no direct requests from the US for military support in the Middle East.
Addressing reporters on Friday, he said: “There have been no new requests whatsoever and, in fact, President Trump himself has indicated that he has this situation under control; he has made that position clear. There has been no change.
“My duty is to engage constructively with the US administration. That is our strategy.”
Albanese noted, however, that Australia had dispatched an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to the Middle East following a request from Gulf nations for protection against missile attacks.
