Today
Trump urges Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalise ties after Iran war
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveils new fuel security powers amid a deepening supply crunch; an Iranian strike wounds US troops and damages aircraft at a Saudi base; Follow live updates.
‘It will affect everything’: This was the week the war hit home
The war is no longer distant. From farms to supermarkets, the shock is spreading through the economy, and Australia could be pushed towards recession if it drags on.
Yesterday
Australia warns travellers of strikes on Dubai hotel; US deploys ‘drone speedboats’
DFAT has urged travellers to seek shelter over possible strikes on a Dubai hotel; Drone speedboats have been deployed into the Middle East; Anthony Albanese says six tankers of fuel en route; direct talks with Malaysia for supply ongoing. Follow live.
After Trump’s rebuke, Washington insider backs Albanese’s war effort
The US president hit out at Australia’s war effort, as he again extended a deadline for Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants.
This Month
Pentagon reportedly plans ‘final blow’ in Iran; Trump threatens more bombings
The US is reportedly preparing options for a dramatic military escalation in Iran; Israel says it has killed the head of the IRGC navy. Follow live updates.
‘Needless secrecy’: Government resolves to be upfront over fuel crisis
National cabinet will meet next Monday to discuss the crisis, amid some internal frustration over the government’s tone and messaging to date.
‘Really escalating now’: Lobster prices to rise before Easter
Fuel insecurity is driving up prices for lobster fishers and prompting some West Australian farmers to delay seeding ahead of the first autumn rain.
Investors to splash $23b on battered ASX as BHP, CBA pay out
Australia’s biggest companies are paying out billions in dividends over the next fortnight that could turbocharge a rebound in the sharemarket.
This PE boss thinks Iran war fallout will shake out ‘zombie’ rivals
Per Franzen, CEO of Swedish private markets group EQT, says he’s on the hunt to snap up assets left behind by thousands of firms he expects to falter.
I escaped from Iran. But I keep reliving the horror
America and Israel were only supposed to hit the Revolutionary Guards but they’re hitting everyone. I don’t think anyone will rise up now.
Australia blocks entry for 7000 Iranian visa holders
Tony Burke says thousands of Iranians who hold temporary visas will be no longer be allowed to enter the country as the US-Iran war drags into a fourth week.
Pentagon ramps up defence supplies; Iran says it will target US aircraft carrier
The IRGC has made a mockery of the US 15-point plan in a video response; US deploying thousands of paratroopers to Middle East in coming days. Follow live.
Hip pocket pain comes for shoppers – and for supermarket giants
Woolworths and Coles had hoped a year under fire – amid accusations of price gouging – would give way to easier times. A wave of price increases won’t help.
Stand up to whinging gas giants
Readers’ letters on a controversial drawing in The Australian Financial Review, gas tax, replacing Jacinta Allan, and self-managed superannuation funds.
War will keep inflation ‘higher for longer’: Chalmers
New data from the period before the Iran conflict broke out shows headline inflation in Australia remained high and outside the Reserve Bank’s target range.
We must avoid future fuel supply disruptions by planning now
The continuing economic impact of the energy crisis is unclear, but we should develop and implement a strategy to deal with the world as it is likely to be.
Missile strike on Tel Aviv; airlines cancel more flights
An oil supertanker has crossed the Strait of Hormuz; Flight cancellations continue; Power lines in Kuwait damaged and blackouts ensue; Victorian teachers go on strike.
Consumer confidence hits historic low ahead of May budget
The worst confidence result in more than 50 years has economists concerned about Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ ability to sell an ambitious tax plan in the budget.
Petrol price spike side effect: trains are fuller, roads are not
In Sydney, road usage is down and train and Metro trips up as commuters seek a cheaper ride. State governments are so far resisting more drastic solutions.
‘Brace for swings on every tweet’: Investors bamboozled by peace talks
Stocks were supposed to soar on Tuesday. Instead, the ASX finished up just 0.2 per cent as jittery traders await Donald Trump’s next move.
