Middle East

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday morning that US forces would maintain a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz ‘for as long as it takes.’

The worries around the energy supply shock stoking inflation and the cost of living sent the S&P/ASX 200 down 1.7 per cent over the week.

Australian commentary on the Middle East is too often rooted in vague language about peace, de-escalation and restraint, with little attention paid to what actually drives conflict. 

In reality, Iran has not been toppled. Power is now in the hands of an entrenched, hard-line military, and the broad influence of the clerics is waning.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says the country's ambassador to the United States will seek a ceasefire extension in talks with Israel in Washington DC.

A single directive from US President Donald Trump has raised the risk of open conflict in a waterway that powers the global economy.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has become a barometer of how the US-Israeli war on Iran is affecting the global economy.

The clock is ticking on the US’s war powers statute, which sets a 60-day limit on any president using military force without congressional authorisation.

Israel's attacks on southern Lebanon continue as both sides prepare to discuss an extension to their so-called ceasefire.

Tougher fuel restrictions are not on the agenda as national political leaders meet to discuss the petrol and diesel crisis.

The EU officials approved the massive loan to Ukraine shortly after a pipeline bringing Russian oil to Hungary was reopened.

In Australia petrol is a bit pricier but trucks keep trucking and planes continue to fly. This comforting picture belies how close we remain to the edge.

Australia has secured four extra shiploads of diesel via BP and Viva, further strengthening expected supplies through the end of May and early June.