Australia today dispatched its Anzac HMAS Toowoomba-class destroyer to the Strait of Hormuz to carry out a six-month mission.

Australian Defense Minister Linda Reynolds said the ship could be adjusted to operational status upon arrival. "The mission of the ship can be to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, against piracy, against drugs or against terrorism. The ship has been carefully trained to carry out these missions," the Minister said. Reynolds said, adding that Australia will assess the specific situation and assign appropriate tasks when the ship arrives at its destination.

"A great deal of our oil is transported through it, so keeping the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring freedom of navigation for all commercial vessels is extremely important, not only for Australia but also for Australia. world, "she emphasized.

Australia's move came after Iran last week fired missiles against two military bases with US troops stationed in Iraq in retaliation for Washington's killing of General Qassem Soleimani. The US responded with economic sanctions against Iran instead of military action.

The risk of a military confrontation has diminished when US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said President Donald Trump was willing to discuss "new paths" with Iranian leaders without preconditions.