The United States is struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, with allies concerned about being dragged into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-seizes-foreign-vessel-smuggling-fuel-state-media-240586">conflict with Iran</a>.

Tensions have risen in the Gulf since the United States decided in May 2018 to withdraw from a landmark accord to limit Iran's nuclear programme and began to reintroduce sanctions.

But even as a series of ships have been seized in the narrow maritime thoroughfare -- vital for the world's supply of crude -- European countries have been reticent about a US plan to send in military escorts.

On Sunday, Australia became the latest ally seeming to give the plan a wide berth.

Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds told the visiting US secretaries of state and defence that their "very serious" and "complex" request would be given "very serious consideration" -- but stopped short of offering a full response.

"We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region. And we strongly condemn the attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman," said Reynolds.

"But we will ultimately, as we always do, decide what is in our own sovereign interests," she told Mike Pompeo and the newly confirmed Pentagon chief Mark Esper who was on his maiden overseas trip.

"And we'll certainly discuss this issue during our ministerial consultations, but again, no decision has yet been made."

Washington floated the idea of a naval coalition in June, after multiple attacks on ships in the Gulf, which the United States had blamed on Iran -- but which Tehran denies.

The plan was to have each country provide a military escort for their ships, with the US military providing a security backstop, monitoring the zone of operations and providing command and control.

Pompeo adamant

Asked by a reporter about the lack of enthusiasm from Australia, Pompeo was characteristically combative and insisted he was "very confident that we will have a global coalition".

"There's lots of conversations taking place, amongst all the countries, as with Australia," he said.

Esper, meanwhile, said the United States had gotten "various degrees of response", adding "I think there'll be some announcements coming out in the coming days".

Referencing the prospect of European-only cooperation, Esper plaid down a bifurcation of effort.

"I think the purpose remains the same whether it's an operation conducted under the United States command and control, or conducted by somebody else, a European partnership.

"I think both fulfil the same purpose, a unity of effort with regard to ensuring freedom of navigation."

Paris, Berlin and London plan to coordinate and share information in the Gulf to reinforce maritime security, but without deploying additional assets, according to French Defence Minister Florence Parly.

"We are trying to organise ourselves as Europeans, but one thing is certain: our actions will have only one objective, to lower current tensions and defend our interests," she said.

Germany has distanced itself from a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, considering it could hinder European efforts to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran.

German government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said last week said the focus should be on "diplomacy and de-escalation" amid a spike in tensions between the UK and Iran.

Declaring the German government "reluctant" to get involved in the US plan she said that "participation in a US-led mission could complicate this issue, even as of course we share the goal of freedom of navigation."

Britain has responded to the seizure of a UK tanker in June by announcing it would escort British-flagged ships and send a second warship to the region.

The United States is struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran.

The United States is struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran. Tensions have risen in the Gulf since the United States decided in May 2018 to withdraw from a landmark accord to limit Iran's nuclear programme and began to reintroduce sanctions. But even as a series of ships have been seized in the narrow maritime thoroughfare -- vital for the world's supply of crude -- European countries have been reticent about a US plan to send in military escorts. On Sunday, Australia became the latest ally seeming to give the plan a wide berth. Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds told the visiting US secretaries of state and defence that their "very serious" and "complex" request would be given "very serious consideration" -- but stopped short of offering a full response. "We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region. And we strongly condemn the attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman," said Reynolds. "But we will ultimately, as we always do, decide what is in our own sovereign interests," she told Mike Pompeo and the newly confirmed Pentagon chief Mark Esper who was on his maiden overseas trip. "And we'll certainly discuss this issue during our ministerial consultations, but again, no decision has yet been made." Washington floated the idea of a naval coalition in June, after multiple attacks on ships in the Gulf, which the United States had blamed on Iran -- but which Tehran denies. The plan was to have each country provide a military escort for their ships, with the US military providing a security backstop, monitoring the zone of operations and providing command and control. Pompeo adamant Asked by a reporter about the lack of enthusiasm from Australia, Pompeo was characteristically combative and insisted he was "very confident that we will have a global coalition". "There's lots of conversations taking place, amongst all the countries, as with Australia," he said. Esper, meanwhile, said the United States had gotten "various degrees of response", adding "I think there'll be some announcements coming out in the coming days". Referencing the prospect of European-only cooperation, Esper plaid down a bifurcation of effort. "I think the purpose remains the same whether it's an operation conducted under the United States command and control, or conducted by somebody else, a European partnership. "I think both fulfil the same purpose, a unity of effort with regard to ensuring freedom of navigation." Paris, Berlin and London plan to coordinate and share information in the Gulf to reinforce maritime security, but without deploying additional assets, according to French Defence Minister Florence Parly. "We are trying to organise ourselves as Europeans, but one thing is certain: our actions will have only one objective, to lower current tensions and defend our interests," she said. Germany has distanced itself from a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, considering it could hinder European efforts to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran. German government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said last week said the focus should be on "diplomacy and de-escalation" amid a spike in tensions between the UK and Iran. Declaring the German government "reluctant" to get involved in the US plan she said that "participation in a US-led mission could complicate this issue, even as of course we share the goal of freedom of navigation." Britain has responded to the seizure of a UK tanker in June by announcing it would escort British-flagged ships and send a second warship to the region.

US struggles to build willing coalition amid Hormuz tensions

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced his new 22-member Cabinet which includes a record seven women.

The new Cabinet will be sworn in on Wednesday.

The ruling conservative coalition, led by Prime Minister Morrison, defied exit polls to deliver a shock defeat to the opposition Labor Party, forcing its leader Bill Shorten to resign.

Morrison announced Linda Reynolds to be the Defence Minister while Bridget McKenzie will become Australia's first-ever female Agriculture Minister.

"I have high expectations of my ministry and clear goals for each of their roles," Morrison was quoted as saying by media reports from Canberra.

"This will include congestion-busting on regulatory and bureaucratic roadblocks, making better use of technology and better-integrating service delivery across portfolios," he said.

Peter Dutton will remain in Home Affairs and Senator Arthur Sinodinos will be the new Ambassador to the United States, succeeding Joe Hockey when his finishes his term.

Sussan Ley was announced the environment minister, replacing Melissa Price.

He will also recommend Mitch Fifield to become Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations, with Paul Fletcher to take over his communications portfolio.

"They will both be exceptional representatives and our countries interests abroad will be well served in that role," Morrison said.

David Littleproud will now focus on the natural disaster and emergency management portfolio.

Ken Wyatt becomes the first Aboriginal person to hold the Indigenous Affairs portfolio.

"Incredibly honoured to be the first Aboriginal Minister for Indigenous Australians," Wyatt tweeted.

"Committed to working and walking together with our elders, families and communities to ensure the greatness of our many nations is reflected in the greatness of our Australian nation, now and forever".

Attorney-General Christian Porter will become the Leader of the House while frontbenchers continuing in their roles include Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, Health Minister Greg Hunt and Education Minister Dan Tehan.&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced his new 22-member Cabinet which includes a record seven women. The new Cabinet will be sworn in on Wednesday.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced his new 22-member Cabinet which includes a record seven women. The new Cabinet will be sworn in on Wednesday. The ruling conservative coalition, led by Prime Minister Morrison, defied exit polls to deliver a shock defeat to the opposition Labor Party, forcing its leader Bill Shorten to resign. Morrison announced Linda Reynolds to be the Defence Minister while Bridget McKenzie will become Australia's first-ever female Agriculture Minister. "I have high expectations of my ministry and clear goals for each of their roles," Morrison was quoted as saying by media reports from Canberra. "This will include congestion-busting on regulatory and bureaucratic roadblocks, making better use of technology and better-integrating service delivery across portfolios," he said. Peter Dutton will remain in Home Affairs and Senator Arthur Sinodinos will be the new Ambassador to the United States, succeeding Joe Hockey when his finishes his term. Sussan Ley was announced the environment minister, replacing Melissa Price. He will also recommend Mitch Fifield to become Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations, with Paul Fletcher to take over his communications portfolio. "They will both be exceptional representatives and our countries interests abroad will be well served in that role," Morrison said. David Littleproud will now focus on the natural disaster and emergency management portfolio. Ken Wyatt becomes the first Aboriginal person to hold the Indigenous Affairs portfolio. "Incredibly honoured to be the first Aboriginal Minister for Indigenous Australians," Wyatt tweeted. "Committed to working and walking together with our elders, families and communities to ensure the greatness of our many nations is reflected in the greatness of our Australian nation, now and forever". Attorney-General Christian Porter will become the Leader of the House while frontbenchers continuing in their roles include Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, Health Minister Greg Hunt and Education Minister Dan Tehan.

Australian PM Scott Morrison's new Cabinet includes a record seven women

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US struggles to build willing coalition amid Hormuz tensions

Australian PM Scott Morrison's new Cabinet includes a record seven women