America’s war effort in Iran is leaving Australia exposed in its own backyard as the United States redirects enormous military capacity to the Gulf region, Australia’s highest ranking military officer warned.
Australian Defence Force Chief Admiral David Johnston spoke about the critical need for Australian forces to maintain a strong presence close to home during the Iran war.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Australia warned America’s war effort leaving us exposed
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
“The United States has moved enormous military capacity into the Gulf region at the moment, including a lot of capacity out of the Indo Pacific,” Admiral Johnston said in a briefing.
“This is an important time for us to be present in the Indo Pacific.
“China’s recent military deployments in our region demonstrate its increasing military capabilities and capacity.”
A RAAF E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING Credit: DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAPIMAGEChief of the Australian Defence Force Admiral David Johnston. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING Credit: MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE
The Admiral says of Australia’s E-7 surveillance aircraft operating out of the United Arab Emirates: “We make sure that everything that has come off that aircraft is related to a defensive mission that we’re performing.”
This means it is not assisting US attacks on Iran.
The warning comes as President Trump posted that all US military resources in the Middle East will remain there until he is satisfied that Iran is following the ceasefire.
Well-known Aussies speak on Ben Roberts-Smith arrest
3 min read
Penny Wong gives update on fuel price pain: ‘Long way to go’
2 min read
