Break in economic data keeps Middle East in focus
Traders will be hoping US President Donald Trump strikes a permanent deal with Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as the clock ticks on a fragile ceasefire.
unrest, conflicts and war
Ukraine strikes Russian refineries, Crimea oil depot
A series of recent strikes on Russia's oil logistics has reduced total daily oil shipments by about 880,000 barrels.
Pro-Palestine protesters arrested over banned chant
Police have arrested a number of demonstrators who chanted a banned pro-Palestine phrase, which is also used in a John Farnham classic.
‘Outraged’: UNICEF says Gaza water truck drivers killed
Two truck drivers who were delivering clean water to people in Gaza were killed by Israeli fire, the UN children's agency says.
Reopening of strait “very fragile”, PM says
Dozens of oil tankers are on their way to Australia through the Strait of Hormuz as an international mission gets under way to ensure the waterway remains open.
Ukraine strikes two Russian refineries, Baltic Sea port
Ukraine's troops have stepped up attacks on Russian oil depots and refineries - key sources of revenue for Moscow's war budget.
Iranian gunboats fire on tanker in Strait of Hormuz
The US and Iran are locked in a stand-off over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran reversing a move to reopen the waterway, firing on a ship attempting to pass.
Russian missiles hit Kyiv and other cities, three dead
Russian forces have attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv overnight, killing two people, and the southeastern city of Dnipro, killing one.
Calls to drop charges as anti-protest laws struck down
Prosecutors could be forced to withdraw charges against protesters brutalised by police after a court ruled limits imposed on attendees were unconstitutional.
breaking_news
crisis
economy (general)
energy and resource
peace negotiations
unrest, conflicts and war
waterway and maritime transport
Iran says Strait of Hormuz now open after Lebanon deal
Iran's foreign minister says the Strait of Hormuz is declared open for all commercial vessels for the remainder of a 10-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah.
Roberts-Smith released as ‘war crime’ details emerge
Australia's most decorated living soldier has been released from prison on bail as more details of his alleged war crimes are revealed.
Warning for borrowers as RBA frets over its credibility
The Reserve Bank is worried about 1970s-style runaway inflation if it loses credibility in fighting inflation, as analysts warn of up to five more rate hikes.
Russian strikes across Ukraine in worst attack of 2026
Russia has hammered civilian areas of Ukraine with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens more.
Aussie hits four-year high as banks, miners drag shares
The Australian dollar is trading at multi-year highs as signs of de-escalation support the global growth outlook, but the optimism has not extended to shares.
Russian missiles target civilians in Ukrainian capital
Russia has attacked Ukraine with hundreds of drones and missiles, targeting infrastructure as well as residential areas in the capital Kyiv.
Pressure over fuel, fertiliser as refinery burns
Fertiliser, fuel and a refinery fire at home are causing concern amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Hopes for Iran war deal grow but nuclear issues hanging
The US and Iran feel good about resuming talks to end the Middle East war, but differences remain over Iran's nuclear program.
Trump posts image of him and Jesus, Pope feud continues
Days after posting a picture of himself looking like Jesus, US President Donald Trump has posted a second picture of him being embraced by him.
Countries pledge billions to ease Sudan hunger crisis
An international conference has pledged billions of dollars of humanitarian aid to war-ravaged Sudan, promising the conflict has not been forgotten.
Children among 11 killed by Israel fire in Gaza: medics
A three-year-old boy and a 14-year-old teen are among 11 people that health officials say have been killed in separate Israeli attacks in Gaza.
Ukraine to produce drones in Norway, officials say
Norway will support the production of military drones in Ukraine while officials in Oslo will receive data in return, the leaders of the two countries say.
IMF cuts outlook, warns of potential global recession
An extreme scenario in which the Iran conflict lingers could push the global economy to the brink of recession, the International Monetary Fund says.
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.
Ukraine and Germany to team up to boost drone defences
Germany and Ukraine plan to jointly produce drones and other defence systems, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced on a visit to Berlin.
Trump deletes ‘Jesus’ post as feud with pope escalates
A now-deleted post on Donald Trump's Truth Social depicting him as Jesus-like came amid his escalating feud with Pope Leo, who has criticised the war in Iran.
Ukraine strikes Russian chemical plant after truce
Ukraine has targeted a Russian ammonia facility in Cherepovets, about 400km north of Moscow, in a long-range drone attack.
US, Iran may resume talks despite port blockade
Efforts are under way for a second round of US-Iran talks that might resume within days as the showdown in the Strait of Hormuz showdown endures.
international (foreign) trade
oil and gas - upstream activities
politics
unrest, conflicts and war
war
Australia won’t join Trump’s Strait of Hormuz blockade
Australia has not been asked to help stop ships travelling through the critical Middle East waterway and doesn't expect to be, the prime minister says.
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.
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.
defence
diplomacy
human rights
military equipment
peace negotiations
prisoners and detainees
unrest, conflicts and war
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.