Canberra, June 15 (IANS) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday welcomed the peace deal between the US and Iran and issued a call for both sides to show continued restraint.
In a joint statement with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, Albanese said that the Australian government is “pleased” that the agreement includes steps towards re-opening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring freedom of navigation, reports Xinhua news agency.
“Australia has long called for de-escalation and an end to the conflict, including in Lebanon. As we have said, the longer this war goes on, the greater the impact will be,” they said.
“Continued restraint and constructive engagement will be essential to prevent further escalation and secure a lasting agreement.”
They said that Australia will continue to promote peace, stability and security in the Middle East and that the government would do everything possible to protect Australians from the “worst impacts” of the conflict.
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Iran had completed a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US naval blockade, marking what he described as a major breakthrough after months of conflict that rattled global energy markets and raised fears of a wider regional war.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump said in a post on social media.
The announcement came as international attention remained focused on the narrow waterway through which a substantial portion of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes. The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of tensions between Washington and Tehran for months, with disruptions to shipping contributing to volatility in global energy prices.
–IANS
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