US-Iran war updates: Trump ‘get your own oil’ warning as Strait of Hormuz crisis drives global fuel volatility
LIVE UPDATES: Fuel excise cuts have begun, but motorists may wait for savings as Donald Trump’s ‘get your own oil’ warning adds to global supply fears amid the US-Iran conflict.
Read more below to follow our live updates.
Madeline Cove and Andrew Greene are reporting live.
‘Nothing they can do about it’: Hegseth warns crucial days ahead
The next few days in the Middle East conflict will be decisive, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has told a briefing, saying there have been major desertions from the Iranian armed forces.
“We have more and more options, and they have less ... in only one month we set the terms, the upcoming days will be decisive,” Mr Hegseth said.
“Iran knows that, and there’s almost nothing they can militarily do about it.”
Hegseth, citing intelligence, said the strikes were damaging the morale of the Iranian military.
This, he said, was triggering widespread desertions, key personnel shortages and causing frustration amongst senior leaders.
Frantic search as journalist kidnapped in Iraq
A female US journalist has been kidnapped in Baghdad, and authorities are searching the city for her, two police officials say.
The Iraqi interior ministry confirmed the abduction of a female journalist but did not disclose her citizenship.
The ministry said one suspect was arrested and efforts were ongoing to free the journalist.
Police officials who declined to be named later identified the victim as Shelly Kittleson.
Middle East news site Al-Monitor said Kittleson is a US freelance journalist based in Rome who has covered several wars in the region and contributed articles to the outlet.
A US State Department official said the United States is tracking reports of the kidnapping but declined to provide further details, citing privacy and other considerations.
Fuel excise cut begins, but motorists won’t see cheaper petrol immediately
The Albanese government’s halving of fuel excise comes into effect today, but motorists are being warned that savings will take several days to flow through to the bowser.
Under the temporary tax change announced this week, excise is being reduced by 26.3 cents per litre, but many stations won’t have cheaper fuel until they replenish their stock.
When a similar excise cut took place in 2022, the consumer watchdog reported that savings lagged 1-2 weeks at busy metropolitan outlets, and a few weeks more at more regional locations.
Earlier this week, the Treasurer said motorists could expect to save around $19 on a 65-litre tank once the excise cut is applied.
‘Learn how to fight for yourself’: Trump unleashes on allies
US President Donald Trump has lashed out at allies reluctant to join the escalating war with Iran, telling them to “go get your own oil” as the conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz drive global fuel price fears.
In a fiery social media post, Mr Trump criticised partners including the United Kingdom and France for refusing to play a greater military role, writing: “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the USA won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
