Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the press on Saturday that the United States should work to end the war with Iran, following the Republican Party’s defeat in the U.S. midterm elections. He said the election results were "very significant" for leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, a forum he used to press Washington for diplomatic action.
Albanese linked the conflict to global economic strains, noting that inflation and blocked trade routes were hurting Australia and other nations. He added that the war had worsened Australia’s cost‑of‑living crisis and that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was crucial for international trade.
He said he would continue to advocate for de‑escalation in Washington and added that he had spoken directly to President Donald Trump about the need for a peaceful resolution. Albanese stressed that Australia would pursue diplomatic channels without adopting a forceful posture toward the United States.
"I have said it publicly and directly to Mr. Trump that it’s time for there to be a de‑escalation," Albanese said.
Last year, the U.S. and Israel launched a military offensive against Iran on February 28, and a ceasefire was reached in April. A memorandum of understanding was signed in June, but the conflict has yet to be fully resolved.
