TRANSCRIPT
- Iran vows a response after the US bombs its nuclear facilities
- The Coalition criticises the government's response to developments in the Middle East
- The Eels defeat the Titans to move away from the bottom of the NRL ladder
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US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth says the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities are not about regime change in Iran.
Mr Hegseth says the strikes have devastated Iran's nuclear program, with what's called Operation Midnight Hammer involving more than 125 aircraft and more than a dozen bunker buster bombs.
The UN's nuclear watchdog says it has yet to assess the full extent of the damage at the Fordo underground site, while Iran's foreign minister says the country's nuclear knowledge "can't be destroyed by bombing".
Mr Hegseth says the US strikes had the aim of dismantling Iran's nuclear program.
"This mission was not and has not been about regime change. The President authorised a precision operation to neutralise the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program and the collective self-defence of our troops and our ally Israel."
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Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has condemned the US strikes on three key nuclear sites and says Iran will defend its people, territory, and sovereignty by all means necessary.
The US bombing targeting three nuclear sites in Iran marks the first act of direct military involvement by the US in the rapidly escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in protest in Tehran, after the US carried out strikes on Iran.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour says the actions of the US and Israel, have only brought Iranians closer together.
"However, thanks to God, we have seen that with the bombings and as the days go by, the people's solidarity increases. This is a divine blessing. There is truly an exemplary cohesion in the country right now across all sectors and walks of life, and we see this favourably."
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The Coalition has criticised the federal government's response to US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, as it throws its support behind the Trump administration's action.
On Sunday, a government spokesperson described Iran's nuclear program as a threat to international peace and security but stopped short of endorsing the US attacks.
Instead, the government called for de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue, while noting Mr Trump has said it's now time for peace.
Opposition Home Affairs spokesperson Andrew Hastie says the government response has not gone far enough.
"Look, I think they've been far too ambiguous. United States is a close ally. United States has a key role in re-establishing order and peace in the Middle East. And Iran, by contrast, is a regime that sponsors terrorism. It sponsored Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. It has taken actions against Israel. "
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Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has addressed a rally in Melbourne, calling for her father, the former president Rodrigo Duterte, to be released from detention in the Netherlands.
Mr Duterte is facing a string of charges at the International Criminal Court, after being dramatically arrested over his alleged role in extrajudicial killings during his presidency.
Ms Duterte's presence prompted a counter protest, and calls for her to face justice herself, having been impeached by the Philippines House of Representatives in February.
SBS understands Ms Duterte isn't visiting Australia in any official capacity, but she says she did request a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
"But, unfortunately, she is unable to meet me on Monday, so I will not be visiting Australian government officials for this visit, but I do hope that I can meet them in my next visit, in the future, inshallah."
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In the NRL, Isaiah Iongi has helped Parramatta overcome the absence of their two biggest stars to post a 36-20 defeat against the Gold Coast Titans in western Sydney.
Mitch Moses was out with a calf strain, and Dylan Brown was down with suspension, but fullback longi laid on three tries to make the difference.
The win sees the Eels move away from the bottom of the NRL ladder, now ranked 15th ahead of the Rabbitohs and Titans.
Eels coach Jason Ryles says the result is a huge confidence boost for the team.
"I think the win in general does wonders for our confidence. And regardless of who is on the field, our mentality is whoever puts that jersey on with a badge on it is responsible to serve it regardless of who goes out there. Whoever puts that jersey on - perform well. We're able to get the result. So, it does everyone confidence, regardless of who is on the field."
