Marles said Australia’s role in the operation would remain strictly defensive and stressed that the deployment was intended to complement diplomatic efforts and reduce the risk of further escalation.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned that prolonged instability in the Middle East was already affecting global energy prices and could weigh on Australia’s economy through inflationary and growth pressures.
The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf hosting American assets, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through mediation by Pakistan, though negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement.
US President Donald Trump later extended the truce without setting a deadline.
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