US-Iran war updates: Iran’s president targets US as Donald Trump ramps up NATO tensions
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Fuel prices plunge in all capitals except Perth
Fuel prices for Australian capital cities have been revealed, current as of 8am AEDT, with prices plunging everywhere except Perth.
The Government says it will “take some time” before the fuel excise cut flows through to all regions, but the ACCC is watching the market closely to ensure Aussie consumers get the full saving.
Australia eyes emergency powers as winter energy crisis loom
The Government has warned Australia could face shortages of gas over winter as the Resources Minister says she’s considered using the gas trigger to keep gas on home soil.
Madeleine King has given notice she could exercise powers to force gas giants which typically prioritise international exports, to divert a larger share of their supply to the domestic market.
It marks the latest escalation of the Government’s response to implications from the US-Iran energy war and came hours after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave a national address on the crisis.
Ms King said in a statement on Thursday that there could be a deficit of 12 petajoules for the third quarter, and warned 10 petajoules of that shortage could occur as early as July.
The projection, based on the recently released ACCC Gas report, has prompted her to open a consultation period with gas giants across the next month .
She will request information over their supply before formally deciding to use the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism.
“As we head into the winter months, the government is taking action to be prepared to face challenges,” Minister King said.
“My decision to issue a notice of intent is a precautionary measure that gives me the flexibility to intervene if Australia is at risk of facing an energy shortfall.”
What we know about Trump’s imminent address to nation
Australia joins UK push to secure Strait of Hormuz route
Australia will join a British-led international coalition meeting for the first time on Thursday to discuss ways to secure the Strait of Hormuz, The Nightly can reveal.
The UK has dusted off its Coalition of the Willing template and will convene a call of foreign ministers, including Australia’s Penny Wong, on Thursday to explore ways to secure the Strait of Hormuz after a ceasefire.
It came as US President Donald Trump gave his strongest attacks on NATO, saying he was considering withdrawing from the security Alliance, something he would need Congressional approval to do formally.
Keir Starmer followed Anthony Albanese in making a prime ministerial address to the nation, warning of the energy price shocks the US and Israeli campaign on Iran has caused.
He said that the UK had united 35 nations around a joint statement expressing “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait.”
Iran’s president takes aim at US in chilling letter
Iran’s president says his nation will not bow to the US “criminals” after Donald Trump claimed they had requested a ceasefire to the conflict in the Middle East.
In an open letter to the people of the United States, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the war against Iran will continue to be costly for America and warned that their aggression will be seen as a stain in the history books.
“Today, the world stands at a crossroads. Continuing along the path of confrontation is more costly and futile than ever before,” the president wrote.
“All that remains of them are tarnished names in history, while Iran endures - resilient, dignified and proud.
“The choice between war and peace would shape the future of entire generations.”
A spokesperson for the president also released a statement via social media condemning the US attacks and said Iran will continue to fight in defence of their nation.
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