Iran’s decision to deploy a warship to the Red Sea following the US Navy’s sinking of three Houthi boats has raised international tensions, and again raised thee question or not Australia should be involved.

The Federal Government decided against plans to send Royal Australian navy ships to the region in December, yet the increased involvement of Iran and other countries involved in ongoing conflict in the Middle East has forced a major reassessment from a number of countries.

But Curtin University National Security and Strategic Studies Associate Professor Alexey Muraviev told Sean Cowan any calls to send more ships is “paradoxical” to international agreements.

“We’re an island continent that is entirely dependent on uninterrupted maritime traffic, so of course we have a necessary interest. But this is also why we have developed such robust agreements and relationships with countries like the US,” Professor Muraviev said.

Press PLAY to hear more about tensions in the Red Sea