US request for an Australian Warship.

The United States has formally requested Australia to deploy a naval warship to the Middle East in response to recent attacks carried out by Iranian-backed rebels. The request follows concerns of the Israel-Hamas conflict spreading across the region, heightened by Yemen’s Houthi Militia launching missile and drone attacks targeting southern Israel and commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Confirming the request, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasized Australia’s existing involvement in maritime security in the region. The request came after the U.N. General Assembly’s non-binding resolution for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Australia supporting the resolution along with 151 other countries.

Houthi rebels, sponsored by Iran, claimed responsibility for an attack on a Norwegian oil tanker, warning of targeting any ships traveling to or from Israel. The U.S. Defence Department reported three commercial ships being attacked by rebels in international waters, leading to the downing of a U.S. destroyer by missiles.

Labor MP Josh Burns acknowledged the complexity of the situation, pointing out Iran’s use of proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah to destabilize the region. Liberal Senator Jane Hume expressed Australia’s readiness to stand by its allies in the Middle East, particularly supporting Israel.

Australia, along with New Zealand and Canada, has called for urgent international efforts toward a sustainable ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a joint statement expressing concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and urging Hamas to release its hostages. The statement mourned the loss of innocent lives on both sides of the conflict.