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Welcome to SBS News in Easy English. I'm Greg Dyett.
European leaders are expected to discuss the finer points of a peace deal between the US and Iran at meetings in France today and tomorrow.
The Group of Seven European nations have already expressed support for an end to the conflict in the Middle East, but repeated their priority that Iran not be able to acquire a nuclear weapon.
At a media appearance with French President Emmanuel Macron, United States President Trump says the deal has already been signed, ahead of the official signing ceremony with Iran in Switzerland this Friday.
"And the Strait is already partially opened. As you know, they're doing a little hunting for some mines which they've already found. But ships are already starting and on Friday it will be completely opened."
Iran's foreign minister says the nation is not pursuing a toll for naval passage through the Strait of Hormuz, but would not be drawn on further details of the negotiations.
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A new report reveals a record number of Australians died from drug-induced causes in 2024.
Unintentional drug related deaths climbed beyond two thousand people in a single year for the first time in Australian history.
Analysis by the Penington Institute, a non-profit organisation established to reduce drug-related harm, found the number represents a 10 per cent jump in a single year.
Penington Institute CEO John Ryan says nation can no longer afford to ignore what has become one of Australia’s most urgent public health emergencies.
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After months of war in the Middle East driving inflation, the government is waiting to see the impact of a peace deal on the economy.
The Reserve Bank is expected to hold interest rates at 4.35 per cent when it meets today, but economists forecast potential further rate rises later this year.
Inflation remains above the RBA's target band, between 2 and 3 per cent.
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All eight people on board a military plane that crashed in California are feared dead.
A US B-52 bomber crashed shortly after take-off while embarking on a test mission from Edwards Air Force Base.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised the UK for following Australia in banning under 16 year-olds from social media platforms.
The British ban was informed by the early results of the ban in Australia, but the UK version will go further in a bid to reduce harm to young people engaging with social media.
Youtube, Snapchat and Meta - the company which owns Facebook and Instagram - have condemned the announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, warning it will have adverse impacts on youth.
As well as a ban on major social media sites, the UK prime minister says he will take action against gaming and livestreaming services which allow children to talk to strangers.
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To sport now and in football,
Belgium has drawn with Egypt in its first outing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The sides had an entertaining game, with both sides a chance for a win at Seattle Stadium.
And Saudi Arabia and Uruguay have drawn 1-all at a game in Miami.
I'm Greg Dyett and that's SBS News in Easy English.
