Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has described reports of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz as "disappointing." In a statement on April 19, 2026, Marles emphasized that "every diplomatic angle" should be used to secure a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing Middle East conflict. He did not express outright support for unilateral military action in response to the closure.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments, with about one-fifth of the world's oil passing through it. The reported closure follows heightened regional tensions. Verification of the exact status and enforcement of the closure is ongoing through international maritime authorities.
Marles's comments align with the Australian government's public stance of advocating for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to the conflict. The government has repeatedly called for the protection of international shipping lanes and regional stability.
