The strategic importance of Iran's Kharg Island oil export terminal and the possibility of US/Israeli military action against it
Consensus Summary
The articles discuss the strategic importance of Iran's Kharg Island, which handles around 90% of the country's crude oil exports. Kharg Island is a key economic asset for Iran, and there has been speculation that the US and Israel may consider military action to seize or destroy the island as a way to cripple Iran's economy. However, the articles note that such an action would likely cause a major spike in global oil prices, potentially up to $150 per barrel. While the US and Israel have so far refrained from directly attacking Kharg Island, there are differing reports on whether it has actually been targeted. Overall, the articles highlight the island's vital role in Iran's oil exports and the high-stakes geopolitical considerations surrounding any potential action against it.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Kharg Island handles around 90% of Iran's crude oil exports
- Kharg Island is located about 16 miles off the Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf
- Destroying or seizing Kharg Island would likely cause a large increase in global oil prices, potentially to $150 per barrel
- The US and Israel have so far refrained from directly attacking Kharg Island, though they have struck other Iranian oil infrastructure
- There has been speculation that the US administration is considering seizing or bombing Kharg Island as a way to cripple Iran's economy
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Kharg Island has vast loading jetties and can handle between 1.3m and 1.6m barrels of oil per day, though Iran increased volumes to 3m per day in mid-February
- There are 18m barrels of oil stored on Kharg Island as a backup
- Kharg Island is less than half the size of Manhattan and is not extensively fortified, making it potentially vulnerable to a US takeover operation
- Kharg Island has an ancient history of human activity dating back hundreds of years BC and has been a trading station for the Dutch East India Company
- Iran's largest oil producing fields, including Ahvaz, Marun and Gachsaran, are connected to Kharg Island via pipeline
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- Article 2 (SBS) states that the US has bombed targets on Kharg Island, while other articles indicate that the island has so far been spared from US/Israeli attacks.
Source Articles
How petrol price panic is unfolding across Asia
From closing schools to daily limits, the surging cost of oil prompts countries across Asia to take action to ensure fuel supply and keep prices in check.
Trump’s ever-changing rationale for war on Iran – how the story has shifted
Regime change, nuclear threat – or something else? US officials seem unable to land on one coherent reason for war Middle East crisis – follow live When the United States launched Operation Epic Fury last Saturday, the Trump administration had a major communications question to figure out: how to explain to the American public, Congress, and the world why it had just started a war with Iran. During war time, talking points and propaganda reflexively fly in every direction, but the Trump administ
Seth Meyers on Pete Hegseth: ‘The face of a man war-fighting with his colon’
Late-night hosts discussed reports that Hegseth’s defense department spent $15m on steak as the Trump administration escalates their vague war in Iran Late-night hosts dug into the Trump administration’s vague intentions for the war in Iran , the conflict’s oil-price effect and a Maga rally in Kentucky with Jake Paul. Continue reading...
What is the strait of Hormuz and can the US stop Iran from blocking it?
Energy prices have soared as Iranian strikes and reports of mines prevent ships from transiting the chokepoint Middle East crisis – live updates More than 1,000 cargo ships, mainly oil and gas tankers, have been blocked from transiting the strait of Hormuz by the Israeli-US war against Iran after Tehran closed the key maritime passage. Officials in the Trump administration have suggested ways to get ships moving again, but amid continued Iranian strikes on tankers, and reports that Iran has star
‘Iran is home’: Soccer players speak moments before dramatic departure from Sydney Airport
Journalist Amber Schultz spoke with members of the Iranian women’s soccer team as they boarded Malaysia Airlines flight MH140 out of Australia on Tuesday night.
Shrinking weapon stockpiles and regime-change uncertainty: doubts shadow US-Israel war on Iran
Report indicates that US intelligence officials question effectiveness of strikes to produce regime change in Iran US government reviews of the war in Iran show that the Trump administration may be ill-equipped for a regime-change war, according to reports. The Washington Post reported on Saturday morning that a classified intelligence review found that the war in Iran is unlikely to oust the Iranian establishment, despite the Trump administration’s desire to continue its attacks. Continue readi
What you need to know about Iran today, with Laura Tingle
The ABC's global affairs editor, Laura Tingle, is in Dubai and will provide daily updates on the Middle East war.
Huge call on Iranian football team saga
Another Iranian player and a member of the delegation have been granted asylum in Australia after they did not join the rest of the team’s journey home.
Sense of urgency surrounds Iran women’s football team as safety fears grow | Jack Snape
There are mounting calls for Australia to take action before the team return to Iran but with no word from the players themselves the situation is fraught and uncertain Their forward was once suspended when her head scarf slipped off during a goal celebration. Their youngest player is just 18. Another once worked as a personal trainer overseas. These are the women of the Iran football team, who are at the centre of an international diplomatic incident, even as the US and Israel rain missiles dow
‘Blame mum and dad’: Fury over fuel crisis
Labor has been urged to “take responsibility” for reported shortages in a fiery clash over Australia’s fuel crisis.
Kharg Island hit in 'one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East'
The US military has bombed targets on Iran's Kharg Island, which handles almost all of Iran's crude exports, as US President Donald Trump vowed to hit Iran harder.
Firooza's heart-warming advice for Iranian footballers granted asylum
Having fled Afghanistan as an 18-year-old, international cricketer Firooza Amiri knows what it is like to be a sports refugee from a war-torn country.
Calls for Australia to ‘ration fuel immediately’
An expert claims the Iran war is getting “out of hand fast” - and that Australia could be lurching towards a nightmare situation within weeks.
Starmer must learn the lessons of war, and defend Britain against Donald Trump | Simon Tisdall
As the Iran disaster escalates, Starmer should treat the US president as someone whose actions threaten the lawful, democratic way of life everywhere Nine days in, the conduct of the unjustified, illegal US-Israel war against Iran grows ever-more disproportionate, dishonourable and deranged. The torpedoing of an Iranian navy ship off Sri Lanka by a US submarine demonstrated that for reckless Donald Trump, the whole world is his battlefield. Diplomacy, treacherously sabotaged by Washington, has b
Three merchant ships struck as tensions rise in Hormuz strait amid Iran war
Crew of Thai-registered bulk carrier forced to flee fire, as US says it has destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels Middle East crisis live – latest updates Three merchant ships have been struck in and around the strait of Hormuz, including a Thai registered bulk carrier that caught fire after leaving a port in the UAE, forcing crew members to evacuate for their safety. The Mayuree Naree was struck on Wednesday by “two projectiles of unknown origin”, its owners said, as it sailed about 11 nauti
Iran hit with 'most intense' day of strikes, Hegseth says
The US has been pounding Iran with its "most intense" day of strikes since the war began, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says.
Israel warns it will target Iran’s next supreme leader; outsourced call centre faces accusations; alarm over NSW child blood lead testing
Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Morning Mail here , and finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter Good morning. As black smoke chokes Tehran after a new wave of strikes, Israel has vowed to target anyone picked to be Iran’s new supreme leader amid indications Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s successor has been chosen. Workers have accused a call centre operator contracted to Services Australia of fabricating performance data, dismissing privacy breaches, penalisi
Video shows US Tomahawk missile hit base next to bombed Iranian school
Footage of attack on Minab compound adds to evidence indicating it was a US strike that killed scores of children Middle East crisis – live updates A video has shown a US Tomahawk missile hitting the Iranian naval base next to a primary school in Minab where more than 168 people, mostly children, were killed – adding to evidence that indicates the US was responsible for the school strike. The video, released by the Iranian news agency Mehr and geolocated to the site by the investigative collecti
Deeper oil crisis could add full percentage point to inflation, Treasury warns
Treasury has advised the government that if the oil price averages $US100 per barrel for three months, there would be a temporary 0.5 percentage point spike to headline inflation.
‘We make a lot of money’: Trump downplays rise in gas prices during Iran war
The US president says higher oil prices benefit the country as Iran war pushes petrol costs above $100 per barrel Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox Donald Trump on Thursday shrugged off the economic toll the war in Iran is taking on gas prices across the United States, writing on social media that “when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money”. The president’s comment came as the American Automobile Association reports that the average price for a gal
ASX wipeout as oil price surges; former MP not guilty of most rape charges; and an entry fee for the Twelve Apostles
Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Afternoon Update here , and start your day with our Morning Mail newsletter . Good afternoon. The Australian share market plunged on Monday as the Iran war drove oil prices above US$100 a barrel for the first time since 2022. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 was down 2.85% – about $90bn – as the market closed, marking the single biggest one-day drop since the announcement of Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs last year. Ex-Liberal MP Ro
Follow live: Five players from Iranian women's football team granted asylum in Australia
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed five members of Iran's women's football team have been given humanitarian visas.
Afternoon Update: ADF aircraft and missiles sent to UAE; Littleproud quits as Nationals leader; and Kyle apologises to Jackie ‘O’
Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Afternoon Update here , and start your day with our Morning Mail newsletter . Good afternoon. Anthony Albanese has insisted Australia will not be deploying troops to the Middle East after announcing the defence force would send a specialist surveillance aircraft and stocks of air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates. David Littleproud resigns as leader of the National party, saying he’s ‘buggered’ Bundaberg residents told to ev
'Let them go': Chaos erupts as protesters surround Iran team bus on Gold Coast
Protesters surround the Iranian women's football team bus after their final match in the Asian Cup, as fears grow for their safety.
Iran’s female footballers faced an impossible choice, but we must not romanticise what they are going through | Shiva Mokri and Moones Mansoubi
For Iranian women in Australia, watching the courageous decision faced by the team has felt personal. But seeking refuge comes with grief and uncertainty When we watched the players of the Iranian women’s football team stand silently during the national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, it felt personal. For many viewers, it was simply noted as a political gesture. But for Iranians watching around the world, that silence carried a message that was instantly understood. It felt like a
Oil prices drop sharply after Trump moves to reassure markets over Iran war
US president describes conflict as ‘very complete’, but threatens further strikes after Iran says it won’t allow ‘one litre of oil’ to leave Middle East while war continues Middle East crisis live Oil prices have tumbled from four-year highs, capping an extraordinary 24 hours in global markets after Donald Trump suggested the US-Israel war on Iran could end “very soon”. Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged as high as $119.50 per barrel on Monday as the Middle East conflict intensifie
Australia news live: NSW anti-slavery commissioner questions handling of Iranian football squad’s departure; earthquake felt north of Canberra
Anti-slavery chief questions process before football squad returned to Iran; Queensland police say car found near flood zone. Follow updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Chalmers maintains country well-placed to deal with the ‘worst’ of the economic fallout from Middle East conflict Treasurer Jim Chalmers said this morning the government is not considering a cut to the fuel excise amid the turmoil in the Middle East, but maintained the country is well placed to we
Protesters try to block bus as Iranian women's football team depart Gold Coast hotel – video
Protesters have briefly blocked a bus taking the Iranian women's football team out of their Gold Coast hotel. The group of a few dozen physically sat in front of the vehicle to block it. They chanted 'save our girls' as the vehicle attempted to make its exit. Protesters say they believe the bus is heading to the Gold Coast airport. The Guardian saw at least one of the football players through the window in tears More Iran women's football team members expected to seek asylum in Australia 'They a
Afternoon Update: Canavan to lead Nationals; Iranian football squad member changes mind on asylum offer; and the world’s fattest parrot
Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Afternoon Update here , and start your day with our Morning Mail newsletter . Good afternoon. Matt Canavan has declared “we need more Australian everything” – including babies, farming and fossil fuel-powered barbecues – after being elected as leader of the National party. Iran war live updates: Regime issues threat against protesters; drone reportedly hits major US diplomatic facility in Iraq Australians hit by soaring petrol prices
Donald Trump refuses to rule out deploying ground troops in Iran
US president leaves open the possibility while ruling out having Kurdish forces in Iraq mount an invasion US-Israel war on Iran – follow live Donald Trump on Saturday left open the possibility of sending US troops into Iran in certain circumstances and suggested they would win a ground war, while at the same time ruling out the possibility of having Kurdish forces in Iraq mount an invasion to take control of Tehran. “I don’t think it’s an appropriate question,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Fo
ASX smashed as oil prices jump to $US99 a barrel
Oil prices have rocketed despite the largest emergency reserve release in history, sending Australian markets into sharp decline.
Australia to release nearly 20% of fuel stockpile as Bowen insists country ‘nowhere near’ running out
Energy minister cuts fuel companies’ minimum stock obligations to free up diesel and petrol, which will be directed to regional Australia Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Australia will begin releasing its stockpile of fuel after the government directed fuel companies to release nearly a fifth of reserve petrol and diesel supplies. The energy minister, Chris Bowen, acknowledged fuel supplies could face further pre
More soccer players refuse to return to Iran
There were dramatic scenes overnight as more soccer players sought asylum in Australia.
US weighs sending forces into Iran to secure nuclear stockpile, reports say
Tehran has enough material to make at least 10 nuclear warheads but extracting it would be very risky, say experts Middle East crisis – live updates The Trump administration is reportedly considering the deployment of special forces into Iran to secure its stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU), which experts say could be used to make at least 10 nuclear warheads. Preventing Iran from acquiring a bomb is one of Trump’s stated war aims, and the 440kg HEU stockpile represents the greatest nucl
Big problem with Trump’s Iran war promise
Donald Trump claims he can end the Iran war whenever he wants – he may be about to get a very rude awakening.
Live: Wall St sinks on war, oil and jobs fears, and ASX poised for sharp sell-off
With surging oil prices and weak US jobs figures sending Wall Street lower, the ASX is bracing for a brutal session today. Follow the day's events and insights from our business reporters on the ABC News live markets blog.
‘It’s amazing’: Iranian women soccer players break free, seek asylum in Australia
At least five Iranian female soccer players have made a daring escape from their team’s handlers to avoid being sent back to likely persecution.
If oil price shocks weren’t bad enough, Trump’s war could have other unintended consequences | Adam Hanieh
China consumes around 90% of Iran’s oil exports, so could be forced to rely on alternative suppliers – particularly Russia With the US-Israeli war against Iran in its second week, energy markets are in turmoil. On Thursday, the price of Brent Crude Oil topped $100 , only slightly lower than the $119 peak per barrel on Monday. These swings have focused attention on key energy choke points such as the strait of Hormuz , where about one-fifth of the world’s shipped oil and liquefied natural gas (LN
Trump news at a glance: president shrugs off highest gas prices in years
Trump claims US makes ‘a lot of money’ when oil prices go up, but rising costs could become political liability – key US politics stories from 12 March Donald Trump on Thursday shrugged off the economic toll the war in Iran is taking on gas prices across the US, writing on social media that “when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money”. The president’s comment came as the American Automobile Association reports that the average price for a gallon of gas hit $3.60, a week after the beginning of
China’s huge blow to Aus amid oil crunch
Australia’s biggest provider of jet fuel has cut exports, leaving the country’s airports with an uncertain future.
Scouring the countryside for 600L of fuel: Farmer Rob has 'never seen' anything like this
Farmers warn supply disruptions could threaten Australia's food production.
Follow live: Two more women from Iran's football team granted humanitarian visas
There are grave concerns for the remaining members of the national team, who departed Australia on a flight from Sydney on Tuesday evening.
Live: Market now tips RBA interest rate hike next week, Aussie dollar rallies
Comments from the RBA deputy sent rate hike expectations soaring. The Australian share market is likely to start its day higher, even as officials from the Trump administration give conflicting accounts on how "soon" the Middle East war will end. Follow live.
Britain and the US had a special bond. This war might have changed that
Many nations, including Australia, claim to have a special relationship with the United States. Britain, and some in Europe, are finding out that's no longer the case.
Borrowers told to 'brace themselves' as economists forecast rate hikes
Expectations the Reserve Bank will hike the cash rate next week are rising as leading economists shift their forecasts — and some say one increase may not be enough.
Live: France and allies preparing to escort ships through Strait of Hormuz
Iranian missiles are intercepted over Türkiye, Qatar and United Arab Emirates, as war in the Middle East continues. Follow live.
'She can't make a decision': Desperate plea amid fears Iranian players are being coerced
After five players were granted asylum, concerns are mounting over whether the remaining team members can safely seek protection.
Targeting mistake led to US missile strike on Iranian school: media reports
A US military investigation has determined that a US Tomahawk missile struck an Iranian elementary school because of a targeting mistake, the New York Times has reported.
Ukraine war briefing: Trump set to ease oil-related sanctions following Putin call
US president says sanctions will be removed until crisis sparked by US-Israel war on Iran eases, without giving further details. What we know on day 1,475 Continue reading...
If there was ever a moment for Australia’s shift to renewables and EVs, this is it
Yes, Australia needs fuel. But the Middle East war also shows the necessity of setting ourselves up for the future Want to get this in your inbox when it publishes? Sign up for the Clear Air Australia newsletter here It’s been three years since the Albanese government received a report by the Office of National Intelligence looking at how the climate crisis is likely to fuel national security threats, but we still don’t know what the report says. It was deemed classified – too sensitive, apparen
Morning Mail: five Iranian footballers granted humanitarian visas, Hanson secured solar rebate, Wallabies get boost
Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Morning Mail here , and finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter Morning everyone. Five members of the Iranian women’s football team have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia, with the federal government offering assistance to other players. The economic impact of the Middle East crisis deepens, while bombing continues across the region. Pauline Hanson accessed a taxpayer-funded rebate scheme to install solar power
FIFA, AFC accused of failing their human rights obligations with Iranian players
Pressure is growing on FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to help the members of the Iranian women's football team returning home, and their families, and to learn lessons ahead of the men's World Cup.
US intelligence sees direct attacks by Iran on oil tankers as greater risk than mines
Strait of Hormuz, key transit passage for global oil trade, has been effectively shut down by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox US intelligence reporting sees direct attacks by Iran as the greatest threat to oil tankers going through the strait of Hormuz, the key transit passage for the global oil trade that has been effectively shut down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran.
Millions seized by Hungary from Ukrainian state bank employees
Hungary has seized around $115 million and gold from a Ukrainian bank transfer and temporarily detained seven Ukrainians, as Budapest pressures Kyiv to restart oil shipments from Russia.
Trump says US forces destroyed military targets on Iranian island handling oil exports
President says forces ‘obliterated’ military targets on Kharg Island and warned its oil infrastructure could be next Middle East crisis – live updates Donald Trump said Friday that US forces have “obliterated” military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island and warned that the oil infrastructure there could be next. “For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” Trump wrote on social media. “However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere wit
So Badenoch, Farage and Blair think the Iran war is a great idea? Hmm … | John Crace
Kemi may be all in favour, but at least economic realpolitik is forcing her to take a slightly different tack There have been any number of opportunities for people to decide they wanted no part of America’s war with Iran. The first was after the US had launched its first wave of strikes. To be fair, this was the moment Keir Starmer and most of the UK reckoned enough was enough and that our involvement would be limited to defensive strikes only. You couldn’t really fault the logic. Did the UK re
Live: Fresh wave of US-Israeli attacks after Trump warns Iran will be 'hit very hard'
Donald Trump says the US and Israel will hit Iran "very hard" after Tehran rejected his demand for surrender. Follow live.
Stock markets plunge after oil surges over $100 a barrel, wiping out hopes of UK interest rate cut – business live
Shares slide and government bond yields jump, as oil price jump to four-year high threatens new inflationary spike Iran war drives oil prices above $100 a barrel for first time since 2022 Research show that poorer people are hit hardest by surging oil prices. As our economics editor Heather Stewart wrote yesterday: Recent research published by economists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst identified energy, along with food and agriculture as among the commodities that had “a disproportio
Trump news at a glance: Hegseth attacks media over war coverage as Trump calls Iran leaders ‘scumbags’
Defense secretary offers alternative TV headlines to reporters to more favourably reflect US military campaign in Iran – key US politics stories from 13 March 2026 Pete Hegseth has used a press conference at the Pentagon to criticize journalists over their coverage of the war in Iran, at one point proposing alternative TV headlines. The US defense secretary claimed Iran had been left without a functioning air force, navy or missile defense network after 13 days of strikes, and said the combined
Trump says Iran war over 'very soon' after Hegseth warns 'just the beginning'
US President Donald Trump has said the war in Iran could be over "very soon", but has still not offered a definitive end date for the conflict.
‘Asleep at the wheel’: Blast over fuel crisis
Energy minister Chris Bowen has been accused of being “asleep at the wheel” as Australians in some areas face “unacceptable” fuel shortages.
Middle East crisis live: Trump claims Iran war will be over ‘very soon’ but Tehran says it will determine when
US president says war is ‘very complete’ and threatens worse strikes if passage of oil via strait of Hormuz is blocked; IRGC says it will not let out ‘one litre of oil’ Oil prices drop sharply after Trump moves to reassure markets Trump says Iran war is ‘very complete, pretty much’ as economic toll rises Continue reading...
Prepper reveals what to stock up on now
YouTube survivalist tells how to quietly build 30-day food buffers as global oil crisis threatens to make normal life “way less stable.”
Morning Mail: Iran vows to fight on, capital gains tax benefit in wealthy suburbs, drone surveillance fears
Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Morning Mail here , and finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter Morning everyone. A message issued in the name of Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to fight on and continue blocking oil supplies, while Donald Trump risked a Marie Antoinette moment by saying that America makes money when oil prices go up. Iraq has pleaded with Australia to repatriate suspected Islamic State fighters released from priso
Live: ASX to fall, following drop on Wall St
The ASX 200 is set to drop, following a negative afternoon on Wall Street. Follow the day's events and insights from our business reporters on the ABC News live markets blog.
Live: Seventh US soldier dies as Trump says Iran's new leader won't last without his approval
The war in the Middle East continues into its second week as Israel continues its strikes on Iran and Gulf nations. Follow live.
‘Enemy of the state’: Grim call on Iran footballers
A former Socceroo captain and top human rights advocate has painted a grim picture for Iran’s women’s football team after their protest.
Amid rationing and shortage fears, here's what Australia's fuel supply looks like in charts
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has released 20 per cent of the nation's fuel reserves as experts warn rationing could be on the cards.
‘Trump lied’: Fury as US confirms horror strike
An internal Pentagon report has confirmed the US struck a girls school killing 175 despite Donald Trump pinning the blame on Iran.
The Guardian view on the cost of Trump’s war on Iran: the world’s poor will pay most dearly | Editorial
The economic fallout of the US-Israeli assault and Tehran’s retaliation is spreading fast, and pushing the most vulnerable towards disaster Soaring prices at the pump , the scrapping of mortgage deals , and the prospect of higher prices for everything from food to smartphones . The US-Israeli attack on Iran , and Tehran’s retaliation, has rocked the global economy. Consumers are already feeling the pain of the biggest energy supply shock in history, and Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojta
‘It’s amazing’: Iranian women soccer players break free, seek asylum in Australia
At least five Iranian female soccer players have made a daring escape from their team’s handlers to avoid being sent back to likely persecution.
Why motorists are turning on each other at this Sydney servo
Fed-up residents who live near the only Sydney petrol station still offering fuel for under $2 have lifted the lid on a feral act taking place as motorists get desperate.
Trump calls Iran leaders ‘deranged scumbags’ as Middle East violence spirals
Tehran residents report relentless bombing with US and Israeli planes launching wave of attacks Middle East crisis – live updates Donald Trump has said Iran will be hit “very hard” in the coming days, describing leaders of the regime as “deranged scumbags” who it was a “great honor” to kill, as Tehran residents reported relentless bombing and violence continued to spiral across the Middle East. The US president’s comments, which signaled an intensification of the US-Israeli campaign, came as Isr
Aussie sharemarket slides on oil price fears
Australian shares fell during Friday’s trading as oil price fears overshadowed strong gains from one of the market’s largest sectors.
Trump shouldn’t ease Russia sanctions – they are choking its economy | Phillip Inman
As the US waives its ban on India buying Putin’s oil for 30 days, Europe must bolster its own measures, such as stopping the flow of luxury cars Donald Trump handed Vladimir Putin a financial lifeline last week when he waived a ban on India buying Russian oil for 30 days. Trump found himself in a furious row last year with Narendra Modi over his country’s oil deals with Moscow, only for fences to be partly mended when India’s biggest importer later capitulated . Continue reading...
Pete Hegseth says ‘there will be more casualties’ in US war with Iran
Comments from defense secretary come as number of US service members killed in conflict has climbed to seven Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, has said “there will be more casualties” in the US military from the Trump administration’s war in Iran after officials confirmed on Sunday that the number of US service members killed had climbed to seven . Hegseth made the statement during an appearance Sunday night on C
Iran is becoming more defiant in face of US-Israeli onslaught
Tehran spurns Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and insists on guarantees it will not be attacked again Iran has spurned two messages from Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, seeking a ceasefire as its leaders sense it is not losing the war and the US president is at the minimum feeling the political pressure. The foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has further said a unilateral declaration from Trump that the US had won the war would not bring an end to the conflict. The implication is that even
Labor’s huge move amid fuel crunch
The minister charged with looking after Australia’s fuel supplies has unleashed on people exploiting the fuel crunch gripping parts of the country.
The US-Israeli strategy failed to defeat Iran quickly – now they are moving to plan B | Paul Rogers
It’s called the Dahiya doctrine – and the IDF and US air force are using it to destroy domestic support in Iran Paul Rogers is emeritus professor of peace studies at Bradford University and author of Losing Control: International Security in the 21st Century Given the wall-to-wall coverage of the US and its war on Iran, it looks very much like Trump is the key player. He is not. The United States may have far more military power than Israel, but the key player is Benjamin Netanyahu. Moreover, th
Fears Iran will milk return of player for propaganda, pressure on teammates
The other six women were whisked away to a different secure location after the young player called the Iranian embassy to come and collect her in Brisbane.
Four US bombers land at RAF base in UK after warning of surge in strikes on Iran
B-1 Lancers arrive at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after Starmer allows US to use UK as a base for ‘defensive’ action Middle East crisis – live updates Four US bombers have landed at an RAF base in Britain to carry out “specific defensive operations” to stop Iran firing missiles into the Middle East, the Ministry of Defence has said. The B-1 Lancers, which are 45 metres (146ft) long and capable of carrying 24 cruise missiles, arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, one on Friday evening a
WA regional petrol stations begin rationing fuel as Iran war hits home
Petrol stations in some WA towns begin restricting petrol sales to emergency services only, as impacts from the Iran war hit the state.
Seven-day deadline in Aussie supply crisis
Australians have been warned it is only a matter of days before the pinch of the ongoing fuel crisis amid the conflict in the Middle East will be acutely felt at home.
Former Iranian diplomat was granted asylum in Australia after defecting
Mohammad Pournajaf, Tehran’s former charge d’affaires in Canberra, sought protection in 2023, government source confirms Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast One of Iran’s former top diplomats in Australia has defected from the theocratic regime, with the revelations only coming to light this week after six members of the Iranian women’s football squad were granted protection . London-based news outlet Iran Internatio
‘High-risk, high-reward’: Island key to Donald Trump’s Iran war endgame
The control of a single island in the Persian Gulf could be US President Donald Trump’s endgame to the Iran war.
Small town's only petrol station runs out of fuel
The only petrol station in a small New South Wales town has run out of fuel amid ongoing oil supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East.
Iranian women's football players have asylum in Australia, but what now? – podcast
After days of speculation, five players from the Iranian women’s football team were formally granted protection in Australia by home affairs minister Tony Burke early on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, the rest of the team remains under surveillance by minders as they travel to the airport and potentially back to Iran. Women’s football journalist Samantha Lewis speaks to Nour Haydar about what went on behind the scenes to keep the women in Australia, whether more players could do so too and what hap
Iran war live updates: Regime issues threat against protesters; US ‘destroyed’ mine laying ships near strait of Hormuz
Iran’s police chief says protesters will be treated as ‘enemies’ and that security forces remain stationed in the streets How have you been affected by the latest Middle East events? A drone struck a major US diplomatic facility in Iraq on Tuesday in suspected retaliation by pro-Tehran militias over the US-Israeli war on Iran, the Washington Post reported, citing an unidentified security official and an internal US state department alert. The strike hit the diplomatic support centre, a logistica
Iran war punctures Trump’s ‘drill, baby, drill’ promise on US gas prices, experts say
Fossil fuel supply is more vulnerable to global shocks than renewable power sources and efforts to boost efficiencies Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox Donald Trump’s war on Iran has triggered shocks in fossil fuel markets, exposing the perils of an agenda that prioritizes “drill, baby, drill” while sabotaging renewable power and energy efficiency in the US, experts and advocates say. The US-Israeli war on Iran has already led to hundreds of deaths, cr
Afternoon Update: Australia to release nearly 20% of fuel stockpile; Bluesfest cancelled; and Hollywood’s unsettling new look
Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Afternoon Update here , and start your day with our Morning Mail newsletter . Good afternoon. The Albanese government has made its second move on the nation’s fuel supply in as many days amid a doubling in demand for petrol and diesel across Australia. Byron Bay Bluesfest cancelled at short notice as organisers cite poor ticket sales Former Iranian diplomat was granted asylum in Australia after defecting Rent pause for flooded Aborigi
Iranian players seen pulling a teammate into a bus as they leave Gold Coast hotel
Supporters say they think the team will travel to Coolangatta Airport before flying to Sydney for an international flight out of Australia.
‘Genuine debate’: RBA makes grim rates call
One of the big four banks has made a huge interest rate call, as the RBA’s deputy governor raises expectations of back–to-back hikes grow.
Trump news at a glance: war on Iran is either ‘very complete’ or just starting, depending on who is talking
President and his Pentagon chief offer mixed messages as strikes on Iran continue – key US politics stories from 9 March at a glance How much longer will US strikes on Iran continue? Getting a clear answer from the Trump administration has been difficult – getting a consistent one, even more so. According to Donald Trump, “ the war is very complete ”. At least that’s what he told CBS News in a call on Monday. Continue reading...
‘No clear goal’: lack of Iran war plan has unleashed chaos and could stymie US military for decades, say critics
White House contends with reality of shoddy preparations for war and unclear conditions for victory Middle East crisis – live updates Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email As US and Israeli jets descended to deliver the opening salvos of the war in Iran, Donald Trump ’s back-of-the-envelope plan for regime change in Tehran was about to run into the reality of the largest US intervention in the Middle East since the start of the Iraq war in 2003. That reality came quickly. Continue re
New intelligence claims Iranian regime ‘not on the verge of collapse’
A new intelligence report has dealt a major blow for Donald Trump, who began the war insisting it would be over in a matter of weeks.
'Australia, wake up': Desperation grows for Iran's footballers as they prepare to leave the country
There is an increasing sense of urgency among members of the Iranian Australian community who are desperate to hear from the women's team before they leave Australia, and fear for their safety if they return to Iran.
How a bid for freedom by Iran’s women footballers went deep into extra time
The furore over not singing their anthem at the Asian Cup was only the start of the drama as players weighed up a chance to seek asylum amid uncertainty about their fate back home Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Rarely has a first touch carried so much consequence. As the Philippines’ second goal sailed untouched into the back of the net, sealing their victory, the clock started ticking for their opponents: the Iranian women’s team were now out of the Asia Cup tourna
'What about us?' Iranians waiting years to receive asylum in Australia
Iranian refugees in Australia welcome Iran's footballers being granted asylum, but question why others remain stuck on a years' long waitlist for permanent residency.
Two more Iranian football squad members granted humanitarian visas in Australia, minister confirms
Tony Burke says one player and one support member reunited with five players women’s team granted humanitarian visas this week A total of seven members of the Iranian women’s football team have now sought asylum in Australia, home affairs minister Tony Burke has confirmed. He confirmed an additional two people had sought asylum before the rest of the Iranian team departed Sydney on a flight to Malaysia on Tuesday night, one player and one support member. Burke said the pair were offered humanita
Politics live: Tony Burke says Australia has ‘signed off’ on visa requests for five Iranian footballers; EU to sign defence partnership with Australia
Home affairs minister in Queensland after dramatic night in which five female players were granted asylum. Follow updates live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast ‘Joy and relief’: Burke describes meeting the five Iranian women Burke says there was joy and relief when he spoke to the five women last night to organise their humanitarian visas. I don’t want to begin to imagine how difficult that decision is for each of the individual women, but certainly last night, it was
Latest cross-verified stories
Sydney Swans players linked to sexual assault allegations and club sanctions
Australia vs Bangladesh Test series in 2026, featuring historic upsets and batting struggles
Ukraine targets Wildberries warehouses and Russian infrastructure with drone strikes amid escalating war
Meta trial over social media addiction in children begins in California
Prince Harry and others ordered to pay legal costs to Daily Mail publisher after losing privacy lawsuit
Mass bird deaths linked to H5 bird flu in Australia’s southern states
Browse all stories from March 2026 in the archive.