Penny Wong refuses to say if any Australian crew onboard US submarine that sank Iranian warship

The Australian government is declining to confirm or deny if any Australian personnel were aboard a US submarine that reportedly sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, resulting in 87 deaths. Over 50 Australian sailors and officers are currently integrated within the US attack submarine fleet. This placement is part of a training program designed to prepare Australia for operating its own nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus security pact. The government's silence comes amidst scrutiny regarding the potential involvement of Australian personnel in the incident. The reason for the government's refusal to comment remains unspecified.