Listen to Australian and world news and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
TRANSCRIPT
- Fears over global fuel shortages as Iran warns prices will more than double...
- The UN Security Council demands Iran stop attacking Gulf nations
- High hopes for Aussie Steph Kyraciou as 31 Australians tee off at the Women's Australian Open...
There are concerns Iran has laid sea mines through the world's biggest oil shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, as it seeks to choke global oil supply.
The US reporting it has intercepted 28 Iranian mine-laying ships.
Iran continues launching missiles and drones at Israel, US military bases and infrastructure across the Gulf.
Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari says instability in the region will inevitably push global energy prices dramatically higher.
"You will not be able to keep oil and energy prices artificially low. As we have already warned, if the war spreads across the region, expect oil to reach $200 per barrel. Oil prices follow the level of security in the region and the source of that insecurity is you."
G7 countries have agreed to the largest release of emergency oil supplies in history, as Iran threatens the price of oil will more than double.
The Iranian regime says oil will cost $200 US dollars a barrel, up from its current price of $90 dollars a barrel.
The consequences, including fuel supply shortages and economic ramifications will be significant, triggering the release of 400 million barrels of oil managed by the the International Energy Agency,
French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted the G7 leaders meeting, says this release represents 20 days of oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
"In parallel with this, we will take all necessary measures to encourage maximum production from everyone producing during this period and to address the consequences of this war, which, I remind you, for oil and gas, means that about 20% of our capacities are blocked or off the market during this time."
The United Nations Security Council is demanding Iran stop its attacks on nations not involved in its conflict with the US and Israel, citing a violation of international law.
A draft resolution on the issue, was voted 13 to zero and has been supported by more than 130 member states of the UN's most powerful body.
China and Russia, key allies of Iran, did not participate in the vote, allowing it to pass without their vetos to block the motion.
Bahrain’s UN Ambassador Jamal Alrowaiei, says the agency must act to protect its members.
"This unprovoked aggression is a heinous crime. All our air force and air defence, due to their high readiness, have been successfully and collectively intercepting more than 954 Iranian missiles, more than 2,500 drones and 17 aircrafts since 28 February. They continue to intercept them as we speak now.”
The Prime Minister is being urged to convince a key advisor to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion not to quit his role.
Special Advisor to the Royal Commission, Dennis Richardson has formally resigned from his position, sparking concerns over the ultimate outcome of the investigation.
Mr Richardson has contributed specialist advise centred on intelligence operations in the wake of the Bondi beach massacre in December.
Coalition Senator James Paterson says Anthony Albanese must try to retain his services.
"He has already conducted significant work to the interim report which is due to be released next month. And so it is particularly concerning that he is not going to be involved. The Jewish community had to beg the Prime Minister to hold this Royal Commission. Now that he has finally relented and agreed to call it, he must ensure it is a success."
Indigenous advocates and politicians are calling for buffel grass to be listed as a weed of national significance, to pave the way for exploration of control methods to stop it overtaking native species.
The Australian native species council reports the invasive weed has taken over 26 per cent of landmass and has the ability to take over 70 per cent.
Native Species Council ambassador and Wiradjuri man Richard Swain says agriculture is the only beneficiary of the weed spreading.
"It is a weed that is a boon for the cattle industry, and a bust for Country. It is a bust for tourism, health, firefighting and these people here need to have their voice and speak for their country, because this is happening and been happening for a long time. "
To sport now and in golf,
31 Australians have teed off today in the Women's Australian Open in Adelaide.
Steph Kyriacou has high expectations for the tournament, hoping to end Australia's 12 year winning drought at the event.
Kyriacou says golfing in front of a home crowd at Adelaide's Kooyonga Golf Club will be easier because of the support and encouragement from spectators.
Just three Australians - Karrie Webb, Jane Crafter and Jan Stephenson - have won their national open in the past.
