Fired UK official describes pressure to clear Mandelson
A sacked UK official says he felt political pressure to approve Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US despite security concerns.
diplomacy
PM cuts short Asian fuel mission after refinery fire
Anthony Albanese will return to Australia early from overseas following a major blaze at one of the nation's two remaining fuel refineries.
Unions lobby to unlock fuel cap for workers who drive
Australia's peak union body is calling for fuel allowances for workers to be increased to help them meet rising costs at the bowser.
Iran war could end soon, Trump says, as US blocks ports
President Donald Trump is talking up the chances of the Iran war ending amid revived peace talks, while US forces continue their blockade of Iranian ports.
Brunei pledges to strengthen fuel supply to Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has wrapped up his visit to Brunei by sealing a deal with the country's sultan for fuel to flow to Australia.
Australia inks fresh fuel supply deal with Singapore
Australia's largest supplier of refined fuel will continue to provide petrol and diesel amid global uncertainty as part of a new agreement.
Taiwan opposition leader meets Xi in visit to China
China won't tolerate independence for Taiwan, President Xi Jinping has told the island's opposition leader Cheng Li-wun during her visit on a "peace mission".
Xi reaffirms ‘one China’ to Taiwan opposition leader
China won't tolerate independence for Taiwan, President Xi Jinping has told the island's opposition leader Cheng Li-wun during her visit on a "peace mission".
Kyiv, Moscow swap prisoners of war, ceasefire shaky
Kyiv and Moscow have swapped prisoners of war as a 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter began, with both sides making accusations of breaches.
Vance walking away from US-Iran talks without deal
Lengthy talks between the US and Iran have ended with neither side shifting on their terms for ending the war that's disrupted global fuel supplies.
Kyiv, Moscow swap prisoners of war, ceasefire shaky
Kyiv and Moscow have swapped prisoners of war as a 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter began, with both sides making accusations of breaches.
Trump threatens Strait of Hormuz blockade
President Donald Trump says the US Navy will immediately start a blockade to stop ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz.
Hungary PM Orban out after 16yrs in election earthquake
Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban, a close ally of both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, has lost power after 16 years in office.
Iran threatens ports as US set to impose blockade
A showdown looms as the US prepares for a blockade of all Iranian ports and Iran warns that no port in the region will be safe if American forces carry it out.
Albanese seeks out fuel supply deal in Singapore visit
The prime minister is hoping an agreement with Australia's largest provider of oil can be reached as the Middle East conflict causes global volatility.
Australia and Israel at odds over Lebanon ceasefire
Lebanon must be included in a temporary truce in the Middle East, Australia says, warning motorists will pay the price at the bowser if the conflict drags on.
Trump chided over ‘extraordinary’ Iran war threats
Australia has welcomed a ceasefire deal that will allow more oil to flow from the Middle East but has criticised the US president's threats against civilians.
More fuel to flow after deal but no price relief yet
An export deal will allow Australia's two refineries to bring in more fuel to regions hit hardest by petrol and diesel shortages.
Russia and Ukraine trade deadly strikes
Russian drone strikes on Ukraine have killed six people and wounded over 30 more, according to Ukrainian officials, while Russia reported four deaths.
Iran disputes US rescue of crew member from downed jet
A US airman, whose jet was downed, is injured but safe after he hid in the mountains before being rescued, Donald Trump says, in an account disputed by Iran.
Trump warns of impending strikes on Iran power plants
President Donald Trump has warned of impending strikes on Iran's power plants and bridge infrastructure after the rescue of a US airman.
A long Iran war could take support for Ukraine: Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is concerned that a prolonged US-Israeli war on Iran could erode America's support for Ukraine.
US, Iran weigh ceasefire plan as Trump deadline nears
US and Iran have received a ceasefire plan, as President Donald Trump threatens to unleash "hell" if Tehran doesn't make a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran warns US over ground attack as Marines deployed
Pakistan is hosting talks with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt on ending the US-Israeli war on Iran as Tehran warns the US against a ground attack.
Israel reports attack from Yemen as Iran war escalates
Pakistan is preparing to host talks aimed at ending the latest conflict engulfing the Middle East as Iran and Israel continue to trade strikes.
Russia’s Ust-Luga port damaged by more Ukrainian drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is seeking support from Gulf states for Ukraine's war against Russia and is offering air defence expertise.
Beef over EU deal boils over as security ties touted
A landmark free-trade deal with the European Union has riled meat farmers as the bloc's head stresses the continent's reliability in a time of instability.
Trump reschedules to meet Xi in China in May
A meeting between US President Donald Trump and China's head of state Xi Jinping will take place in mid-May, according to the White House.
Trump, Iran threaten energy targets as war escalates
Donald Trump has vowed to obliterate Iran's energy facilities if it doesn't open the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran says the waterway is open to all but "enemies".
New Ukraine-Russia POW exchange possible: Zelenskiy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is optimistic about further prisoner of war swaps between his country and Russia after talks with the US concluded.
EU leader touches down as PM hopes to land trade deal
The president of the European Commission has begun her three-day visit to Australia, as a long-awaited free-trade deal with the bloc appears set to be resolved.