TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran announced yesterday that it had seized a foreign ship in the Gulf, the third such operation in less than a month at the heart of growing tension between Tehran and Washington. Iranian authorities have arrested seven crew members of the vessel that took them to the port of Bushehr, allegedly carrying a "smuggled fuel shipment."
"We hope Australia will be our partner on some of the most pressing foreign policy challenges," Pompeo told reporters in Sydney yesterday. In our time, such as stabilizing efforts in Syria, keeping Afghanistan free from terrorism, and confronting unjustified attacks by Iran on international shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz. "
Australian Defense Minister Linda Reynolds said any decision would depend on Australia's sovereign interests and no decision was taken. "The request by the United States is very dangerous, and that is why we are now putting this request very seriously. Any decision ».
The two sides expressed concern about the growing Chinese military influence in the South China Sea, where many countries are demanding the right to control it, but Australia has expressed caution about the escalation of confrontations.
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper also said the United States would consult with its allies in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region on the deployment of new weapons. While Australian Foreign Minister Maris Payne avoided responding to whether Australia would host such weapons, An important partner for Australia. "We are firmly committed to our comprehensive strategic partnership with China, which is still growing."