Canberra, March 16 (NationPress) Australia has decided against deploying navy vessels to safeguard oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, as stated by a high-ranking government official on Monday.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, who is part of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Cabinet, remarked that Australia is adequately equipped to handle the economic crisis stemming from the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. Therefore, no warship will be dispatched to the area, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio.

King noted that as of Monday, Australia’s fuel reserves included 37 days of petrol, 30 days of diesel, and 29 days of jet fuel. This follows the government's adjustment of minimum stockholding requirements and a temporary change in fuel quality standards allowing for elevated sulfur levels.

"We’re well-prepared here in this country to weather the economic crisis that is occurring as a result of the Middle East," she emphasized.

This past Saturday, the federal government issued a warning advising its citizens against traveling through Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Previously, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had released travel alerts for these countries via its Smartraveller service; however, the recent guidance urged Australians to avoid transiting through these regions even if they do not intend to exit the airport.

The department cautioned that the conflict is likely to intensify, and flight schedules could change or be suspended with little notice, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

In related discussions, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump conferred about the situation in the Middle East and the disruptions to global shipping caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

During their conversation on Sunday evening, Starmer highlighted the necessity of reopening this vital waterway to restore normal shipping routes and alleviate escalating global costs, as stated by 10 Downing Street.

Both leaders concurred on the importance of maintaining close communication regarding regional developments.

Previously, British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband indicated that resolving the ongoing conflict is the "most effective and definitive means" to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil is transported. He warned that the current situation is detrimental to the global economy.

"The surge in oil and gas prices we are witnessing is a direct result of the closure of the Strait," Miliband remarked to British media, adding that Britain is eager to collaborate with allies to facilitate the reopening of this strategic route.

On Saturday, Trump mentioned via social media that "many countries" would be sending warships to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open, though he did not provide further details.

On February 28, a joint military operation by Israel and the United States targeted Tehran and other cities in Iran, resulting in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military officials, and over 1,300 civilians. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone strikes directed at Israeli and US bases and assets throughout the region.