Australian defence force personnel are to be deployed to help guard the passage of oil tankers in the passage dubbed the most dangerous place on earth.
While the government maintains there is an international right for free movement, an expert on International Law is questioning the legal basis for Australia's involvement.
Professor Don Rothwell believes Iran will react negatively to Australia's presence -- and fears it may push back.
Australia already has a number of ongoing defence commitments in the Middle East, with dedicated operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and other undisclosed locations.
With this latest operation, Australia will now have more than 2,000 personnel in the region.
