Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected criticism from US President Donald Trump, confirming that no formal request for military aid in the Middle East has been received from Washington.
The disagreement surfaced as a 10-day ceasefire was established between Israel and Lebanon, reports The Guardian.
In remarks made in Washington, Trump voiced his displeasure with Australia’s lack of military contribution towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
“I’m not happy with Australia because they were not there when we asked them to be there,” the US president remarked, specifically citing the situation regarding the Strait.
Responding to the comments on Friday, Albanese stated that there had been no change in the status of US requests for regional assistance.
“There’s been no new requests at all and indeed President Trump has himself said that he has got this, and he has made that position clear,” the Prime Minister told reporters, according to the Australian Associated Press.
Albanese underscored the importance of the United States as Australia’s primary ally, noting that his priority remains to “engage constructively” with the American administration.
