Overview

• An initial Pentagon statement said there was no meeting and called the Marles–Hegseth interaction a "happenstance encounter," before a later statement said the White House exchange was coordinated in advance.
• Marles’ office posted photos and a readout saying he had the opportunity to engage with Pete Hegseth and JD Vance, without describing the contact as a formal meeting.
• Sources familiar with the exchange said the discussion lasted about 10 minutes, suggesting a brief conversation rather than a formal sit‑down.
• A planned Washington press conference was cancelled and Marles left without taking questions from reporters.
• Greens and Coalition figures criticised the episode as Marles sought to reinforce the AUKUS partnership during a Pentagon review, while he held separate meetings with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.