Australia clarifies military stance, will not engage offensively against Iran amid Middle East tensions
Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, has clarified the nation’s military stance amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran’s recent military actions. During public statements, Wong emphasized that Australia will not engage in "offensive action against Iran" nor deploy ground troops into the country, instead outlining a potential defensive role. Wong explained that Australia has been approached for assistance in protecting nations affected by Iran's hostility, particularly from drone and missile attacks. "Many countries which are non-participants have been attacked by Iran through this. You would anticipate, as a consequence, that we have been asked for... [Continue Reading]
Australia news live: Wong flags military assistance in Middle East but no ‘offensive action’ against Iran; three teenagers charged with murder over alleged Melbourne stabbing
Follow today’s news headlines liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWong was asked about the Australian defence force personnel who were on the submarine that torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, killing at least 87 people, given her comments on Australia not being involved in offensive actions against Iran.The prime minister Anthony Albanese said earlier this week that Australian forces were in compliance with international law, and that “No Australian personnel have participated in any offensive action against Iran.”It is not new for Australian defence personnel to be engaged in... [Continue Reading]
Laden Iranian ships depart Chinese port tied to key military chemicals
Experts said the vessels are probably carrying a key precursor for rocket fuel, making it notable that Beijing let them sail while the U.S. and Iran are at war. [Continue Reading]
Lamine Yamal gives Barcelona hard-fought 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao
Yamal goal keeps the champions four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings. [Continue Reading]
Irony as offshore wind-farm survey solves 150yo coal supply-ship mystery
A renewable energy company's search for an offshore wind farm site leads divers to the wreckage of the City of Hobart, which sank nearly 150 years ago off Victoria's east coast. [Continue Reading]
Fire crews attend second RSL fire in Melbourne in three days
An RSL in Glen Waverley has been significantly damaged by fire in the second club blaze this week. [Continue Reading]
Trump oversees return of US troops killed in Iranian drone strike
US President Donald Trump attended the “dignified transfer” of six US Army soldiers killed in an Iranian drone strike. [Continue Reading]
Does Rome defeat mark beginning of end of Borthwick empire?
England's defeat by Italy has turned the spotlight on England's leadership, both on and off the pitch [Continue Reading]
New generation revives surfboat team three decades after tragedy
Thirty years after the death of a beloved member during training, Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club revives its women's surfboat team. [Continue Reading]
US embassy in Baghdad attacked as US-Israel war on Iran escalates
Iraq did not want to be dragged into war, but Iran and its aligned paramilitary forces are attacking US hubs there. [Continue Reading]
22-Year-Old Security Guard Killed While Assisting 14-Year-Old Boy at Mernda Railway Station in Melbourne
A tragic incident unfolded at Mernda Railway Station in Melbourne's outer north on Friday evening, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old man. The individual, identified as an off-duty security guard, was fatally attacked after intervening to assist a 14-year-old boy who was being assaulted, allegedly by four males attempting to rob him. The event commenced around 5:50 PM, exemplifying the risks faced by those who stand up against violence. According to police reports, the young man noticed the teenage boy in distress and acted quickly to guide him out of the station. However, as they exited, the group of... [Continue Reading]
Coalition ambitions but will seats stack up for Aontú?
Peadar Tóibín sees Aontú as a party of Government. RTÉ's Editor of Political Coverage Joe Mag Raollaigh looks what we learned from the party's Ard Fheis and how realistic their aims are. [Continue Reading]
King reflects on 'pressures of conflict' in Commonwealth message
King Charles hails the value of the Commonwealth in divided times in his annual message. [Continue Reading]
As US universities retreat from China partnerships, who is filling the academic void?
Nearly five decades ago, in 1978, a dozen or so professors from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) were on a mission to visit their American counterparts as well as research institutes and factories across the United States. The visit, said to be personally approved by then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, was designed to forge academic ties and led to sister-school agreements with four prestigious US universities, including the University of Michigan (UM). It was a pivotal moment in academic... [Continue Reading]
'Risk you take' - Rosenior explains Chelsea rotation
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior defends his heavy squad rotation after his side edged past 10‑man Wrexham to reach the FA Cup quarter‑finals. [Continue Reading]
Iran fires at Gulf neighbours as president’s apology draws criticism at home
Iran's president apologised on Saturday for attacks on "neighbouring countries" even as its missiles and drones continued to target US bases in Gulf Arab states and hardliners in Tehran asserted that the country's war strategy would not budge. Iran also traded blows with Israel, whose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pleged to pursue the war "with all our force" and to "eradicate the Iranian regime". [Continue Reading]
How far will the Iran war spillover?
As the war between Iran, Israel and the US enters week 2, concerns rise over a potential regional spillover. [Continue Reading]
Beerensteyn brace sinks gutsy Ireland in Utrecht
There was more pain for a typically gritty Republic of Ireland on Saturday night as they fell to a 2-1 World Cup qualifier defeat in the Netherlands. [Continue Reading]
Trump joins families of six slain US service members at Dover air force base
US president attends ‘dignified transfer’ of remains of soldiers killed in Kuwait drone strike wearing ‘USA’ golf capDonald Trump on Saturday joined the families of six US soldiers killed in the war in the Middle East during a dignified transfer ritual at Dover air force base.A “dignified transfer” is when the remains of US service members killed in action are returned to the US. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Man killed by falling debris after drone hits Dubai’s 23 Marina tower
Authorities confirmed that the facade of the high-rise building in the city's Al-Barsha district had been damaged following after air defence systems responded to an Iranian air strike [Continue Reading]
Paul Chan must deliver the fiscal discipline Hong Kong needs
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po delivered his latest budget on February 25. Over the past decade, under his stewardship, Hong Kong has weathered multiple economic shocks and recently returned to a respectable growth rate of 3.5 per cent. Yet the tasks ahead are formidable: addressing a structural fiscal deficit in the city’s capital account while ensuring sufficient resources for future growth, all against an increasingly volatile and dangerous global backdrop. Article 107 of Hong Kong’s... [Continue Reading]
Katherine experiences worst flooding in 28 years as residents wake to survey damage
Residents in Katherine have woken up to assess the damage to their homes and businesses after the town experienced its worst flooding since 1998. [Continue Reading]
Is she a farmer or still just the farmer's wife?
After 30 years of "patchy progress", women in agriculture are striving for more recognition and understanding of their crucial role on the land. [Continue Reading]
How to watch and follow the Matildas vs South Korea at the Women's Asian Cup
The Matildas must win their final Women's Asian Cup group game against South Korea in Sydney tonight to top their group and earn an easier passage through the knockout stage. [Continue Reading]
Israel hits Iran oil facility, as PM Netanyahu warns of ‘many surprises’
The Iran war exploded further late Saturday as pillars of flame rose above an oil storage facility in Tehran and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised “many surprises” for the next phase of the week-old conflict. Iranian state media confirmed the strike as video footage showed the horizon glowing against the night sky. Israel’s military confirmed new strikes that shook neighbourhoods in Tehran’s east and south but did not immediately comment on targets. It appeared to be the first... [Continue Reading]
In War’s First Week, a Punishing Military Campaign With No Coherent Endgame
The U.S. and Israel have pounded Iran’s leadership and undercut its defense capabilities, but President Trump has offered wildly different explanations for what he hopes to achieve. [Continue Reading]
At least 10 killed in Ukraine's Kharkiv as Russian missile hits apartment building
Two children are among at least 10 people dead after a Russian missile hit a five-story residential building in Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv. [Continue Reading]
Chelsea overcome 10-man Wrexham in extra-time thriller
Chelsea come from behind twice to scupper 10-man Wrexham's hopes of a giant-killing in a thrilling FA Cup fifth-round tie. [Continue Reading]
Florida Bar denies investigation into Trump lawyer Lindsey Halligan
The statement from the Florida Bar appears to contradict a letter it issued in February, suggesting a probe. [Continue Reading]
In 64 years of wedding photos, one detail remains the same
What started out as a wartime necessity was passed down from generation to generation, becoming a family relic now on display in the National Library. [Continue Reading]
Russian missile strike on Kharkiv apartment block kills at least 10, including two children, and causes significant destruction
A devastating Russian missile strike has hit a residential apartment block in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, among them two children. The assault occurred on a Friday and brought down an entire entrance section of the five-storey building, causing significant destruction and trapping numerous residents beneath the rubble. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for an international response to what he termed as "targeting civilian and energy infrastructure" by Russian forces. Authorities reported that among those killed were a primary school teacher and her son, a second-grade student, alongside a 13-year-old girl... [Continue Reading]
Thousands Protest in London Against Airstrikes in Iran and US-Israel Military Actions
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in London this afternoon to protest against ongoing airstrikes in Iran, calling for an end to military actions by the United States and Israel. The protest took place outside the US embassy in Nine Elms, where a significant turnout of around 5,000 participants expressed their dissent, highlighting the rising tensions in the region and their opposition to what they perceive as unjustified warfare. The protesters began their march from Millbank Tower, a prominent site near Westminster, carrying signs with messages such as “Stop Trump’s Wars,” “Stop the War on Iran,” “Stop Arming Israel,” and “No War... [Continue Reading]
EastEnders star promises ‘high stakes’ as Mark’s situation explodes
Stephen promises drama [Continue Reading]
'Childhood on the line' - the reality for young carers
"Young carers are invisible in our society and yet they perform a very important role," according to Dr Philip Jaffé who attended the first ever Young Carers Conference in Ireland today. [Continue Reading]
Doctors try to save girl as father was killed in Gaza Israeli attack
Doctors in Gaza try to save a girl who sustained injuries in an Israeli attack that hit her and killed her father. [Continue Reading]
Eroded beaches restored while family waits to return home a year after cyclone
It's been 12 months since a tropical cyclone hit south-east Queensland. Here's how people have recovered a year on. [Continue Reading]
Matildas hope other Asian nations don't have to keep fighting for the basics
There was a time when the Matildas had to fight and scrap for pay, recognition, and respect. They hope the Women's Asian Cup can change things for other nations. [Continue Reading]
Iran vows more attacks in Gulf despite president’s apology
Gulf nations on Saturday reported new missile and drone attacks, while Iran vowed to press on with its strikes against neighbouring countries. Loud explosions were heard in Dubai, the Qatari capital Doha and Bahrain, while attacks were later reported in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, where the national oil company announced a “precautionary” cut to production. The attacks came despite Iran’s president earlier apologising to Gulf countries for prior strikes, saying they would no longer... [Continue Reading]
When DOGE Unleashed ChatGPT on the Humanities
Documents show how A.I. was used to cancel most previously approved grants by the National Endowment for the Humanities as the agency embraced President Trump’s agenda. [Continue Reading]
Pigeon stops play - unflappable Gimenez removes intruder
A pigeon briefly stopped play during Atletico Madrid's 3-2 win over Real Sociedad - with unflappable defender Jose Gimenez plucking the bird off the pitch and taking it to safety. [Continue Reading]
Calls to clear name of woman hanged for poisoning 'abusive' husband
Elizabeth Woolcock is recognised as the only women ever to be hanged in SA. But researchers believe she was sent to the gallows in 1873 an innocent woman. [Continue Reading]
Three charged after Good Samaritan's murder at Melbourne railway station
Two teenagers and a man have been charged after a 22-year-old died from stab wounds in Mernda on Friday night. Police are waiting to interview a fourth person about the death. [Continue Reading]
Thousands protest against strikes on Iran at US Embassy in London
Thousands marched to the diplomatic mission in Nine Elms, many carrying Iranian and Palestinian flags as well as pictures of the former supreme leader Ali Khamenei. [Continue Reading]
Runners at Los Angeles Marathon Can Get a Finisher Medal After Only 18 Miles
The decision to award medals to runners who do not complete the entire 26.2-mile race comes as temperatures are set to reach into the 80s on Sunday. Some marathoners disagreed with the change. [Continue Reading]
Aussies hoping Healy bats one last time in Test farewell
Alyssa Healy is being encouraged to promote herself up the batting order, as the Australia captain prepares for the final act of her international career. [Continue Reading]
Video: Satellite images reveal damage to several Iranian military bases
Satellite imagery reveals extensive damage at several Iranian military sites following a wave of airstrikes. [Continue Reading]
Thousands march on US embassy in London calling for end of strikes in Iran
Speaking outside the embassy, Your Party MP Zarah Sultana told protesters: ‘we will not be ignored again’Thousands of protesters calling for the end of US and Israeli strikes on Iran have marched to the US embassy in central London.Groups including the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), Stop The War, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Muslim Association of Britain, the Palestinian Forum in Britain and Friends Of Al-Aqsa led the march to the embassy on Saturday afternoon, after gathering on Millbank, near Westminster. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Cuba says electricity plant successfully repaired after large blackout
A US pressure campaign, including an oil blockade, has strained the Caribbean country's ageing energy infrastructure. [Continue Reading]
Unlikely team of volunteers beats the odds to reopen community pool
While council pools across Victoria face threats of closure, residents of a rural town beat the odds to save theirs. Now they have to prove a community-run model can work. [Continue Reading]
