Today
Why cornered Iran could decide to spark a Middle East war
An aggressive counterattack risks escalation. But giving in to US and Israeli demands is an unlikely alternative.
US moves warships as Trump warns of ‘brutal’ strikes
The US president held a national security meeting as Israel continued to launch airstrikes for a second day, escalating the crisis in the Middle East.
How Mossad plotted Israel’s attack from deep inside Iran
The targeting of leaders and sensitive sites relied on activating secret commando teams and other capabilities that had long lain dormant.
Netanyahu’s 6 reasons for hitting enfeebled Iran now
In attacking, the Israeli prime minister has short circuited the debate in Washington and started a possible new cycle of escalation.
Yesterday
Do not travel to Israel: DFAT updates travel warning
Australia warns residents not go to any part of Israel; No sign of breach at Iran’s nuclear sites, says UN; top Iranian generals, nuclear scientists killed after surprise strikes. Follow updates.
Israel wants to destroy the heart of Iran’s nuclear program
It may take days, or weeks, to assess how far Israel has set back Iran’s atomic capabilities.
Israel’s strikes are major snub to ‘global peacemaker’ Trump
Israel’s strikes on dozens of Iranian targets appear to rebuff the US president, who has repeatedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to target Tehran.
Oil prices rocket as Israel strikes unleash rally in energy stocks
Brent prices surged by the most since March 2022, rocketing shares in Woodside Energy 7 per cent higher amid fears of supply disruptions.
This is the only outcome markets should fear in Iran-Israel conflict
Markets have reacted predictably to the Israeli attacks on Iran: oil up, gold up, stocks down. But investors need to work through the scenarios of Iran’s response.
Middle East on edge after Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear program
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened “severe punishment” for Israel as Australians are warned not to travel to Israel.
Why Israel hit targets inside Iran and what might come next
Israel’s military struck Tehran and other targets, raising fears of a broader regional war. The US said it was not involved in the strikes.
This Month
‘Death trap’: Dozens killed in Gaza trying to get food aid
Israel’s military denies firing on civilians after more than 30 deaths among thousands who flocked to humanitarian hubs.
US slams Hamas response to Gaza ceasefire proposal
Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff blamed the militant group for the impasse, saying its reply “only takes us backward”.
May
‘Egregious actions’. UK, EU ramp up pressure on Israel over Gaza
Britain, France and Canada had issued a rare public reprimand of Israel, demanding it cease the renewed military offensive. London is also suspending FTA talks.
Israel to allow ‘basic’ food into Gaza as military expands operations
The decision will end an almost three-month blockade that has stopped aid and medicine entering the Palestinian territory.
Hamas says it has released American hostage as gesture to Trump
Edan Alexander had been held captive by Hamas for 19 months and his release is an overture towards Donald Trump as the US president heads to the Middle East.
Why $104m US fighter jets keep tumbling into the sea
A navy fighter jet plummeted into the Red Sea this week after failing to land on an aircraft carrier, marking the fourth major mishap involving the vessel.
‘The Last of Us’ flips the script and sets off in a new direction
The second season of the zombie hit has more focus on action sequences than the first, and feels closer to the game with its exploration of post-apocalyptic cities, looting and foraging for supplies.
March
For Trump, the strong do what they can, the weak suffer what they must
The US president’s hastiness to secure peace overlooks the often laborious work usually required for a long-term, stable and durable solution to a conflict.
Israel strikes Hezbollah targets after fire from within Lebanon
Israel vowed a forceful response to rocket fire from Lebanon on Saturday as a fragile four-month truce with Hezbollah showed new signs of strain.