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The head of the Gulf Cooperation Council has called on members of the UN Security Council to approve a draft resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi urged the Security Council to assume its full responsibility and take all necessary measures to protect maritime routes and ensure the safe continuation of international navigation.
Bahrain has proposed a draft resolution that would allow states to use force to assure free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, says action must be taken.
(Arabic then translated into English): "The Kingdom of Bahrain submitted a draft resolution to your esteemed Council on Iran's unlawful and unjustified attempt to control international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, placing before your esteemed Council a challenge that requires a decisive response to such actions that are irresponsible and illegitimate actions that threaten the interests of nations and peoples around the world. We are confident that this draft resolution is consistent with international law and with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees the right of transit passage through straits without obstruction - contrary to what Iran is doing today."
The Gulf Cooperation Council is alliance of six countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.
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Energy Minister Chris Bowen says Australia's fuel supply is secure for the moment.
More than 300 petrol stations have reported a shortage of at least one type of fuel on Thursday [[3 April]].
Mr Bowen says the government has taken a number of steps to ensure fuel security.
"We are seeing well over 50 ships on the way to Australia, with varying types of fuel. And the EFA - Export Finance Australia - is doing great work with refineries. We've passed that legislation just this week. They're already in advanced and detailed discussions with companies about supporting imports. We are pleased with the forward indicators of supply now all through April and into May."
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Under new US laws, Australian drugmakers that do not build new factories in America and cut their prices for US consumers will be hit with 100 per cent tariffs.
A tariff of 100 per cent applies to patented pharmaceuticals, with the rate dropping to 20 per cent for companies that build production facilities in the US - before Donald Trump's term as president ends in 2029.
Health Minister Mark Butler says the Australian government is assessing the potential impact of the newly announced US tariffs that were signed into law in the last 24 hours.
"We're going to work through the details of this latest announcement. Obviously, work with companies that might be impacted here in Australia, who have a tradition of exporting pharmaceuticals to America. We are obviously concerned about their businesses. And the jobs of people that they employ. I want to be clear though, that this will have no impact on medicine prices at Australian pharmacy counters. They are protected by the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)."
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Wesley Mission CEO, Reverend Stu Cameron says Easter is a time for Australians to pause and reconnect.
Christians are marking Easter with processions and reenactments around the world - including Australia.
Reverend Cameron says the story of Easter has relevance today.
"At the heart of the Easter story is the image of Jesus’ hands stretched out wide and nailed through to a cross. An instrument of barbaric Roman torture, through his sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, the cross has become instead a symbol and sigh of the unfathomable depths of God’s love, and most importantly, the means by which we can experience it. Jesus invites us to experience his resurrection life, life after life, forever. It is a gift to be received."
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Pope Leo the 14th has washed the feet of 12 priests, as part of a Holy Thursday tradition in the basilica of St John Lateran, where popes have performed it for decades.
The 70-year-old American pope is presiding over Holy Week celebrations for the first time since being elected pontiff in May 2025.
The week is the most sacred period of the year for Christians, but, this year, it has been overshadowed by the war in the Middle East.
During the Holy Thursday Mass, Pope Leo called for unity and peace.
(Italian then translated into English): "In a world torn apart by the powers that ravage it, within it arises a new people, not of victims, but of witnesses. In this dark hour of history, it has pleased God to send us to spread the fragrance of Christ where the stench of death reigns. Let us renew our 'yes' to this mission that calls for unity and brings peace."
The pontiff is due to preside over the Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum commemorating Christ’s Passion and crucifixion, and will carry the cross himself.
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The Pentagon has confirmed that US Army Chief of Staff General Randy George is retiring, effective immediately.
In a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell says the "Department of War is grateful for General George’s decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement".
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has moved quickly to reshape the department, firing top generals and admirals as he seeks to implement Donald Trump's national security agenda.
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Nepal has charged 32 people over a multi-million-dollar insurance scam involving fake helicopter rescues of trekkers.
Investigators said guides caused travellers to become ill by mixing baking soda into their food or serving contaminated meals to justify helicopter evacuations.
Six suspects were first detained in January.
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In cricket, Travis Head has helped Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first win of the Indian Premier League season- a 65-run triumph over the Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata.
Head made 46 off just 21 balls opening the batting, as the Sunrisers made 8 for 226 from their 20 overs batting first.
In reply, Kolkata could only manage 161.
Big-money buy, Aussie Cameron Green, making just two runs for the Knight Riders.
