Australia and the UK may face prolonged uncertainty over the future of the Aukus agreement, as a rapid assessment of the nuclear submarine deal by the new US administration is expected to extend far beyond its initially announced 30-day period.
The author of Britain’s Aukus review, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, confirmed that both countries would contribute to the Pentagon’s evaluation but cautioned that advising US President Donald Trump would take time. The assessment, led by Defense Undersecretary and Aukus skeptic Elbridge Colby, still has no clear start date despite being publicly disclosed a month ago.
Sources within the Labor Party acknowledge that the review may take months, while a Pentagon representative told *CuriosityNews* that no formal deadline had been set.
Speaking as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s envoy during a visit to Australia, Lovegrove emphasized that Aukus required sustained public support. He proposed that Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appoint representatives to advocate for the $360 billion agreement.
Lovegrove expressed doubts about the 30-day timeframe, stating it was reasonable for the new administration to evaluate the deal signed under former US President Joe Biden.
“There’s still some way to go,” he said. “We expect to provide input to the review, and consultations will include both British and Australian participants.”
“Aukus demands ongoing effort. It’s a major commitment that will evolve over time, as it should.”
Before visiting the Henderson naval base in Western Australia, which is preparing to service nuclear-powered submarines, Lovegrove highlighted the need for clear explanations to maintain public confidence in the long-term partnership.
“As someone remarked recently, ‘you don’t buy a high-performance car just to drive children to school.’ If we’re making such a significant investment, people need to understand why.”
An Australian defense official noted it was expected for the US to assess progress and seek enhancements. “Australian officials regularly engage with their US counterparts on Aukus matters and have been in discussions with Elbridge Colby since his Pentagon appointment. We anticipate continued collaboration,” the official said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong and US counterpart Marco Rubio, attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations talks in Malaysia this week, may also discuss the review. The two leaders met earlier this month.
Read next
Bolivia Probes Ex-President Evo Morales for Suspected Involvement in 2009 Killings
The Bolivian attorney general has initiated an investigation into former leftist president Evo Morales, citing allegations of his involvement in the murder and torture of European nationals in 2009.
In 2009, police conducted a raid on a Santa Cruz hotel, resulting in the deaths of Eduardo Rózsa Flores, a Bolivian-
Argentina Closes Iguazu Falls Temporarily Due to El Niño-Induced Water Surge
Heavy rainfall driven by a potent El Niño weather pattern temporarily led Argentinian authorities to close tourist access to the renowned Iguazu Falls. The closure occurred due to concerns that rising water levels might cause the river to overflow its banks.
On Monday, national park officials implemented this precautionary measure
Mysterious Drones Strike Two Vessels Near Bulgarian Coast – Europe Live
Morning Update: Two Ships Targeted by Drones Off Bulgarian Coast
This morning, two ships in the Black Sea near Bulgaria were struck by drones of unknown origin. The attack led to the sinking of one vessel and initiated emergency rescue operations, as reported by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Rescue