Middle East

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.

Iran reportedly wants to postpone discussions about its nuclear program for a later date, while prioritising an agreement with the US on the Strait of Hormuz.

The Prime Minister says Australia will have ‘private’ discussions with the United States about whether to contribute military personnel to an international coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. 

Defence Secretary tells Congress committee the Trump administration can continue the Iran war despite a Vietnam-era law that requires Congress’s approval after 60 days of fighting.

THE ECONOMIST: Markets are disconnected from reality and we are heading for the biggest global oil-supply shock in history, energy experts warn.

Iran and the United States are locked in a face-off over the future of negotiations, with President Donald Trump and the leadership in Tehran each confident they can outlast the other.