Morning News: Australia considers US request to assist in the Gulf

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has reiterated his request for U-S allies to help protect inetrnational shipping in the Gulf region.

An Iranian military boat patrols next to the Artavil oil tanker in the Persian Gulf Source: AAP

Mr Pompeo is calling for a U-S led coalition to ensure vessels can pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian forces seized several foreign tankers.

Australia is among the countries that have been asked to join the coaltion.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds says the U-S request is very complex.