Australia Rules Out Navy Deployment to Strait of Hormuz

‘We know how incredibly important that is but that’s not something we’ve been asked or we’re contributing to,’ said Transport Minister Catherine King.

Smoke rising from the Thai bulk carrier “Mayuree Naree” near the Strait of Hormuz after an attack by Iran's IRGC on March 11, 2026. Handout/Royal Thai Navy/AFP via Getty Images

Australia will not deploy a naval vessel to the Strait of Hormuz despite growing international pressure to help secure the strategic shipping route amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Transport Minister Catherine King said the Albanese government had been clear about its current role in the region and confirmed Australia would not be sending a warship to the Gulf.