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TRANSCRIPT
- Iran issues fresh threats as the US sends more marines to the region
- Consumer regulator to allow fuel companies to coordinate on fuel supplies.
- Australia's elite rowers ramp up preparations for Los Angeles Games.
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Iranian officials have threatened to expand retaliatory attacks to include tourist sites around the world as the United States announces plans to deploy more warships and troops to the region.
After the news of fresh deployments, US President Donald Trump posted on social media that the US was considering winding down operations in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, in a statement read on Iranian state TV, Iran's top military spokesperson, General Abolfazl Shekarchi, issued new threats on 'parks' and 'tourist destinations' worldwide.
“The senior military spokesperson emphasised: ‘We are keeping a close watch on the cowardly officials and commanders, as well as the treacherous enemy pilots and soldiers. It will not be long before we drag you out of your hideouts and shelters with disgrace and humiliation, and make you pay for your hateful actions.’ Commander Shekarchi added: ‘From now on, based on the information we have on you, tourist resorts, recreational parks, and sightseeing centres around the world will no longer provide you with security.’
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Australia's competition regulator has granted fuel companies interim authorisation to discuss and coordinate on the supply of fuel, without risking a breach of competition laws.
With Iran retaliating against US-Israel attacks by closing the Strait of Hormuz, rising demand for fuel is placing increased pressure on supply chains.
However, fuel suppliers are not allowed to share information or reach an agreement on prices that will disadvantage Australian consumers.
Speaking on Nine's Today Show, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas says coordination on fuel supply is a logical move.
"We are seeing a fuel supply crisis affect not just the country and jurisdictions around the world and Australia is no exception. Having said that we are assured that all the supply the nations needs is very much here and continues to come here. But I think it makes sense to have a nationally coordinated response to ensure that information is being fed up and down the food chain."
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Political leaders in South Australia have cast their vote in the state election, which Labor is expected to easily win.
The vote has drawn national attention for its potentially historic impact on the two-party political system as opinion polls show One Nation outpacing the Liberal Party.
Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas queued for almost an hour with his wife and four children before rushing off for an appearance with the Prime Minister.
One Nation leader Cory Bernardi was among the record 34.5 per cent South Australians who cast their ballots at early voting centres, which opened a week ago.
Speaking to SBS outside a voting centre, this voter says his main concern in this election is affordability.
"Cost of living, yeah cost of living is the biggest one with everything that's going on in the world at the moment so that's got to be front of mind for a lot of politicians hopefully."
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Members of the Irish rap trio Kneecap and former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn are among a group of public figures joining an international aid convoy to Cuba.
Cuba has been under a US imposed fuel blockade for three months, plunging the island into crisis with extended power outages and widespread food and water shortages.
Organisers of the "Our America" aid convoy say over 500 people from 30 countries in Latin America, North America, Europe and Africa are bringing more than 20 tonnes of supplies to Cuba.
Sitting beside the Irish trio at a press conference, Mr Corbyn says UK and European leaders should stand up to the US.
“So, I think the response by Europe has been incredibly weak. There is nothing legal in international law about what the north Americans are doing towards Cuba, and I think Europe should stand up and be counted on this. So, Europe is involved by its non-participation in any attempt to break this blockade of Cuba, that is why we are sending a very strong message to our governments – recognise Cuba’s needs and break the blockade.”
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The CEO of image-sharing platform Pinterest is calling on world leaders to enact a social media ban for youth under 16.
Pointing to Australia's ban as a model, Bill Ready posted the statement as Google and Meta face allegations of fuelling a youth mental health crisis.
The CEO's position separates him from other major tech company leaders, who face growing pressure from regulators and politicians to change how children use their products.
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Following a disappointing campaign in Paris, Australia's top rowers are ramping up preparations for the Los Angeles Games at the national championships in Tasmania.
Spots to compete in the national selection regatta are on the line at Lake Barrington, with the country's best among more than 2000 rowers entered in the week-long event starting Monday.
Two-time Olympian Angus Dawson was part of the Paris effort, which was the team's worst performance since 1988 with a medal yield of just one bronze medal.
But the 25-year-old says changes made to the program following a post-Games review was beginning to have a positive impact.
