Penny Wong, Australia’s foreign minister, on Friday, October 9, in a conversation with Australia’s National Radio, in response to reports about attacks in Riyadh, expressed concern about the consequences of these attacks for oil prices and the cost of fuel in Australia.

Wong said: “This is very worrying. If the reports are confirmed, we will likely see upward pressure on oil prices; something that affects Australians’ costs for refueling.”

The Australian foreign minister, in response to a question about the war in Iran, said: “We all hope that this issue is resolved soon. For months, we have been calling for a reduction in tensions. We want the war to end and for negotiations between the United States and Iran to continue.”

Referencing statements by Donald Trump, the U.S. president, about the continuation of Washington’s negotiations with Tehran, she added: “This is a good development. However, the war continues.”

Wong also said: “Iran continues to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage; not only against the United States, but against the global economy. We want the strait to be reopened, because the consequences of this situation for energy markets are affecting the lives of Australians every day.”