Middle East

The US State Department will host a second round of talks between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday, as it tries to broker a deal that would remove a major stumbling block in peace talks with Iran.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has warned modern warfare tactics seen in Ukraine and the Middle East are reshaping the battlefield.

An Iranian official says Pakistan is making positive efforts to end a US blockade of Iranian ports and ensure Iran's participation in talks in Islamabad.

Talks between Israel and Lebanon will resume in Washington DC, US and Israeli officials say.

The US military last week extended its blockade on vessels coming in and out of Iranian ports to the waters of the wider world, declaring that it would pursue any ship aiding Iran, regardless of location.

Donald Trump said his Navy stopped an Iranian cargo ship by “blowing a hole” in it.

US President Donald Trump says the military has taken control of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship by blowing ‌a hole in its engine room.

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.

Global fuel supply uncertainty has intensified after the Strait of Hormuz shut again, with Richard Marles warning tensions could disrupt energy markets.

A French soldier in a United Nations mission in Lebanon has been killed, with the Hezbollah militia likely responsible, French President Emmanuel Macron says.

Iranian authorities have reversed a decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reports say two Indian-flagged ships ‌came under fire in the waterway.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has extended temporary fuel quality changes to September as global supply pressures continue to create uncertainty.

Anthony Albanese has responded to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the economic impact of the conflict will continue to be felt worldwide.