Canberra, April 14 -- Australia has reiterated its support for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with Defence Minister Richard Marles stating that Canberra is "deeply invested" in keeping the crucial waterway open.

Speaking to the ABC broadcaster, Marles said Australia is working with international partners, including France and the United Kingdom (UK), to support stability in the region.

"We need to see freedom of navigation, obviously, through the Strait of Hormuz," Marles told ABC. "We're deeply invested in having an open Strait of Hormuz and the global fuel supply chain return to normality."

His remarks came in response to a question on whether Australia supports the United States' blockade of Iranian ports in the...