Middle East crisis live: US submarine sank Iranian warship, Hegseth says; Israel launches fresh strikes on Tehran
More than 80 people killed and 32 crew members rescued alive from the 180-crew frigate Iris DenaAnalysis: Trump administration still not settled on reasons for warTell us: how have you been affected by the conflict?Lebanese state media said that four people were killed and six more were wounded in an Israeli strike on a building in Baalbek in eastern Lebanon on Wednesday.“The initial toll is four killed and six wounded, and work is underway to rescue families from under the rubble,” Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said. Continue reading...
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Australia politics live: byelection for Sussan Ley’s Farrer seat to be held 9 May, speaker confirms as question time begins
Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLiberal senator says military assets should be used ‘if necessary’ to repatriate AustraliansThe shadow defence minister, James Paterson, says the Middle East is a “challenging” environment for commercial airlines to fly in, with airports in the region being struck by Iran.If those commercial options are not available, then every other option needs to be considered, including using ADF assets to repatriate Australians if that’s necessary.We have used military planes to evacuate Australians from conflict zones. And if that’s necessary in this instance, if it’s possible in this instance, then obviously the government will have our bipartisan support.But we also take this position with some regret, because the current conflict is another example of the failure of the international order, despite decades of UN security council resolutions, the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency in a succession of sanctions and diplomatic frameworks, Iran’s nuclear threat remains, and now United States and Israel have acted without engaging the UN or consulting with allies, including Canada.The question is: where to from here? Given we have a rapidly spreading conflict and growing threats to civilian life across the region, Canada reaffirms that international law binds all belligerents.The action that was taken, we weren’t consulted on it. There was not a process, a broader process for it. It would appear, prima facie … to be inconsistent with international law. Continue reading...
Live Updates: Senate Republicans Block War Powers Limits as Mideast Crisis Widens
The Defense Department released the name of a fifth American killed in an Iranian attack on Sunday, and released the name of another soldier believed to have died in the same incident. The State Department said a charter flight was returning to the U.S. with Americans wanting to leave the region.
China sets lowest GDP growth target for decades as it braces for economic slowdown
‘High-quality growth’ target of 4.5-5% outlined at Two Sessions as Chinese premier talks of complex situations at home and abroadWhat are China’s Two Sessions and why do they matter?China has set its target for GDP growth to a record low of 4.5-5%, the first time since 1991 that the figure has dropped below 5%, reflecting an economic strategy that is shifting away from export-led growth to a model that leaders hope will be more resilient to external shocks.Li Qiang, China’s premier, announced the target for 2026 in the opening session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s annual parliamentary gathering, which began on Thursday. Continue reading...
Iranian rockets intercepted over central Israel
Interceptors were seen lighting up the sky over central Israel as sirens blared in response to Iranian rockets.
China sets lowest economic growth target since 1991
It is also the first time the target has been lowered since it was cut to "around 5%" in 2023.
These American Service Members Died in the Iran Conflict
They were from states across the country, in a unit dedicated to resupplying troops. One was wrapping up his final deployment and hoped to open a martial arts studio.
Police told Kelly Wilkinson to ‘cool off’ and give estranged husband ‘a break’ days before he burned her to death, inquest hears
Wilkinson was turned away by police while seeking help four days before she was murdered, Queensland coroner’s court toldFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastKelly Wilkinson was turned away from Southport police station and told to “cool off, give Brian a break” while seeking help just four days before her estranged husband, Brian Earl Johnston, burned her to death in 2021, an inquest has heard.The allegation was made in an extraordinary 11th hour submission by the lawyer acting for her family as they applied to adjourn the coronial inquiry to hear additional evidence about the allegation. Continue reading...
White House pushes back against mounting questions over any US involvement in Iran school strike – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Trump news at a glance: Pentagon ‘taking a look’ at deadly strike on girls’ school in Iran as UN office demands answersSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxGen Caine said today that the US will “now begin to expand inland, striking progressively deeper into Iranian territory”, after forces were able to establish air superiority.“The throttle is coming up,” Caine said, “as opposed to ramping down”. Continue reading...
Iran’s succession question: Rouhani’s name resurfaces amid leadership void
Rouhani's legacy of pragmatism and moderation gains renewed relevance amid Iran's sensitive leadership transition phase.