"The NZDF will continue to monitor maritime movements the Pacific region as part of our routine operations," a statement said.Īn Australian Defence spokesperson confirmed the Iranian vessels had been monitored by them while operating in the region. "Defence has been aware of two Iranian warships operating in the Indo-Pacific for some time." "As part of Australia's broader whole-of-government maritime border protection efforts, Defence routinely monitors maritime traffic in the vicinity of our exclusive economic zone and maritime approaches," the spokesperson said. In February last year, two Chinese warships that had also sailed past Indonesia entered Australia's EEZ in the Arafura Sea before heading out towards the Pacific Ocean via the Torres Strait. Unlike the Chinese vessels, which aimed a high-powered laser at an RAAF surveillance plane, the Iranian warships headed towards the Philippine Sea after leaving Indonesia rather than continue eastward through Australian waters. "At no time has either Iranian vessel entered Australia's exclusive economic zone, nor have they transited through the Torres Strait and there has been no communication with them," a Defence spokesperson confirmed.
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