Middle East

Conditions are not yet right for an Australian warship to be sent, but ‘planning’ talks are continuing with the US about a future naval deployment to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the defence minister says.

THE ECONOMIST: What looks like a 21st-century problem has deep, dark roots.

Donald Trump says the US initiative to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is being paused to see if an agreement with Iran can be finalised.

Donald Trump is misreading the Islamic Republic’s strategy, psychology and capability for adaptation.

The ceasefire was teetering as Iran and the US traded fire over the Strait of Hormuz and the United Arab Emirates reported attacks for the first time since the truce was declared nearly a month ago.

The blockade remains, the war began 65 days ago, and the President still has to deal with the question of Iran’s uranium.

Flights are being diverted, airspace is under pressure and explosions have been heard across the UAE as the Middle East conflict intensifies.

A drone strike has ignited a major UAE oil hub, with missiles intercepted overhead and fears rising of a wider Gulf escalation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a two-day ceasefire in Ukraine later this week, officials say, while Ukraine says its truce will start earlier.

A blunt warning from President Donald Trump over the Strait of Hormuz has raised fears of escalation as the US prepares to escort ships through the volatile waterway.

US President Donald Trump says he is unlikely to accept the latest peace deal from Tehran, saying Iran hasn't ‘paid a big enough price’ yet.

Israeli air strikes on southern Lebanon have killed at least seven people and wounded others.