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TRANSCRIPT:
- The fate of Iran's Supreme Leader unclear, with reports of his assassination
- An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council held over Iran
- The Matildas face the Philippines tonight in their opening Women's Asian Cup game
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have been killed, saying there were many signs he is no longer alive, but stopped short of confirmation.
Two Israeli TV networks report that the Ayatollah's body was recovered from the rubble of his compound in Tehran, citing an Israeli official; adding that photos of the body were reportedly shown to Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump.
Mr Netanyahu says Mr Khamenei’s compound had been destroyed and he urged Iranians to finish the job.
"There are many signs that this tyrant is also no longer. This morning we eliminated senior officials in the Ayatollah's regime, Revolutionary Guards commanders, senior figures in the nuclear program - and we will continue. In the next few days, we will hit thousands more targets of the terror regime."
Iranian state television had earlier indicated Mr Khamenei would speak, but no address was broadcast by late Saturday.
However, Iranian state media, citing a source close to Mr Khamenei’s office, says the leader of the revolution is alive and firmly commanding the field.
The US and Israel have launched coordinated strikes on Iran’s leadership and nuclear infrastructure, prompting Iran to condemn the attacks and launch retaliatory strikes.
**
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres says the impact on civilians is concerning amid concerns of a broader Middle East conflict after the US and Israel launched co-ordinated strikes against Iran.
Speaking at a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Iran, Mr Guterres says an immediate end to hostilities is needed to stop the rapidly unfolding impacts.
"About 20 cities across Iran have reportedly been attacked. Iran's airspace has been closed and the country is under a near total blackout. The attacks have reportedly caused significant civilian casualties. According to Iranian media, an airstrike killed 85 people and injured many more at a girls school in Minab."
**
Australians in Iran are being advised to leave as soon as possible, as multiple regional air spaces are closed and some of the world's largest airlines halt operations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised Australians not to travel to countries in the region, including Iran, Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Meanwhile Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has suspended all flight operations to and from Dubai, and Qatar Airways has followed suit, suspending all flights to and from Doha, with flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth all forced to return to Australia.
Dubai Airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, says it has suffered damage from Iranian missile attacks - and four staff have been injured in what they have called an incident.
**
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia had no part in the coordinated strikes by Israel and the US on Iran.
She says Australia supports the US acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.
"We stand with the people of Iran in fighting against an oppressive regime. Ultimately, Iran's future must be determined by the people of Iran. In relation to Australian involvement, obviously, we did not participate in the strikes. And you would not expect us to participate."
Meanwhile, government leaders have been called to a snap meeting over the strikes.
The gathering of Australia's national security committee will involve Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other senior government ministers.
**
What was expected to be a dry end to summer is proving to be anything but, as Central Australia's big wet drifts southeast.
The system is not letting up, with severe weather warnings across western reaches of Victoria and New South Wales, and much of South Australia.
Widespread rain, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and possible riverine flooding have been forecast across those regions into Sunday.
Adelaide residents have been told to expect falls of up to 50mm today.
**
In football, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has dismissed any fitness concerns surrounding Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross ahead of the team's opening match for the Women's Asian Cup.
The Matildas' are aiming to win the Asian Cup for a second time, after Australia's first victory in 2010.
The players face the Philippines in Perth.
Montemurro says things are going well with Cooney-Cross and she is taking rest before the 12-nation tournament begins later today.
The Matildas take on Iran on the Gold Coast on Thursday before backing up against South Korea in Sydney three days later.
