With a nuclear deal set to expire, ongoing tensions in the region and an uncertain US presidential election, there may soon be an increase in hostilities in the Gulf region.
On July 21, 2019, Iranian Revolutionary Guards patrolled near the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero, anchored off the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.
Hasan Shirvani/AFP
The assassination of the Iranian general could have lasting effects on energy markets. Which countries could benefit from it and which could be negatively affected?
Jeffrey Fields, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Some of the major events in US-Iran relations highlight the differences between the nations’ views, but others presented real opportunities for reconciliation.
Iranian soldiers take part in National Persian Gulf Day in the Strait of Hormuz.
Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images
During his week in the United States, the PM tied himself to Trump to a remarkable degree. Though, the Washington days were better than later appearances, which saw Morrison open the China debate.
“He was much loved by the Australian community. He was a character - a political character - in an era when you tend to get white bread politicians,” says Michelle Grattan on Tim Fischer.
Alan Porritt/AAP
Michelle Grattan reflects on Tim Fischer’s personal and political legacy, and discusses the kind of leader Scott Morrison is with the anniversary of his prime ministership approaching on Saturday.
Australia currently has about 2,250 military personnel deployed on operations.
AAP/Dept of Defence/ABIS Bonny Gassner
Australia has committed to joining the US and the UK in a mission to protect oil ships in the Strait of Hormuz. But why is the Strait the source of so much tension between the US and Iran?
Australia will commit a frigate, an aircraft and some headquarters staff to a US-led operation in the Strait of Hormuz.
AAP/Marc Tewksbury
As Australia commits to joining a coalition in the Strait of Hormuz, preventing escalation of any conflict should be the primary concern of all players.
Australia will be making a “modest, meaningful and time-limited contribution” to the US-led coalition in the Strait of Hormuz.
MOD/CROWN
Scott Morrison has announced a long-expected commitment to join the US-led coalition in the Strait of Hormuz, expressing concerns over incidents in the Strait: “It is a threat to our economy”.
With the experience of hastily joining the US-lead invasion of Iraq in 2003 still fresh, the federal government must ensure it has a clear view of the limits of any new commitment.
The government is working with the United States and Britain on details for an Australian role in helping safeguard shipping passages in the Middle East.
Stefan Postles
Scott Morrison has flagged the government is working with the United States and Britain on details for an Australian role in helping safeguard shipping passages in the Middle East.
Seized: the Stena Impero in the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.
Hasan Shirvania/EPA