LOC10:30
07:30 GMT
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (KUNA) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that his country would join a coalition led by the US to secure maritime navigation in the Arabian Gulf amidst the ongoing tension in the region.
Morrison said it was in Australia's interest to ensure oil tankers could move freely, adding that this move was in support of US-led efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for shipping.
Morrison pointed out that the recent disruption to shipping in the region was a threat to Australia's national interests.
Australia has been considering joining the US-led military effort, which also includes the United Kingdom and Bahrain, for weeks.
Tension in the region increased when the UK seized an Iranian oil tanker off Gibraltar, prompting Iran to retaliate by seizing a British tanker in the Arabian Gulf.(end).
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