Iran offers a seven-day deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz; One hundred and fifteen new charges in a Sydney childcare abuse investigation; and in sport, the final countdown is on for the AFL Grand Final at the MCG.
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TRANSCRIPT:
- Iran offers a seven-day deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
- One hundred and fifteen new charges in a Sydney childcare abuse investigation
- The final countdown is on for the AFL Grand Final at the MCG
Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks with the United States within a week.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran would do so if Washington lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales and observes a ceasefire that includes Lebanon.
Speaking after a UN Security Council meeting in New York, Mr Araghchi says the seven-day timeline would begin as soon as the US accepts the plan.
"If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened and normal maritime passage restored within seven days. The choice now rests with the United States. Iran does not accept coercion, threat or intimidation, and Iran will not surrender its sovereign rights under pressure."
A US official says Washington is holding constructive discussions with Iran through mediators, including on nuclear issues.
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The United States is pushing for fresh peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, with the United Arab Emirates floated as a possible venue.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Washington wants a three-way meeting involving Ukraine, Russia and the US.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says talks remain possible, but Moscow will weigh its response to recent Ukrainian attacks.
"All the avenues aimed at so-called reconciliation, as well as proposals to resume the talks - they are all on the table, all of this is possible. However, given everything they have done, we will think carefully about what we need to do in response."
The diplomatic push comes as fighting intensifies, with Russia claiming it shot down nearly 600 Ukrainian drones, while Russian strikes killed seven people in Kyiv.
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A warning: This story contains references to child abuse.
A former Sydney childcare worker accused of abusing 158 children is now facing 444 charges.
The AFP has laid another 115 charges against 35-year-old Hamish Tait.
They include 105 counts of producing child abuse material and one count of carrying out a sexual act with a child under 10.
Police say the alleged offending spans 16 years.
Tait remains in custody and is due back in Parramatta Local Court on the 8th of October.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
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Australian trucking operators are warning soaring diesel prices are pushing some family businesses to breaking point.
Industry leaders say second and third-generation operators are putting trucks up for auction as costs climb.
Diesel prices in capital cities jumped almost 19 cents a litre over the past week, averaging $2.86 a litre.
The transport industry is now calling on the federal government to bring back a cut to fuel excise.
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US television networks have resumed White House pool coverage after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore access to three news outlets.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico had been barred from White House grounds after President Donald Trump accused them of spreading fake news.
A judge found the ban was likely unconstitutional and ordered their press passes restored for 14 days.
The legal battle is continuing.
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In sport, the final countdown is on, with around 100,000 fans expected to pack the MCG for this afternoon’s AFL Grand Final between the Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions.
Fans from both sides are confident.
"The real blue collar team from Perth will finally get the glory they deserve."
"They've done it before, they know what to do, Lachie's back, it's all good."
Kylie Minogue will headline the pre-game entertainment before first bounce at 2:30pm AEST this afternoon.
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And also in sport, the Sydney Roosters are through to the NRL Grand Final after beating the Dolphins 36 to 20 in Brisbane.
More than 52,000 fans packed Suncorp Stadium, with the Roosters ending the Dolphins’ impressive finals run in just their fourth NRL season.
The match also marked Daly Cherry-Evans’ final appearance at Suncorp Stadium before he heads to the Super League.
"I just don't want to miss a quick opportunity to say thank you to everyone in this stadium. Queensland's a very special part of my footy career and my life. So thanks very much for everyone for your support over the years."
The Roosters will face the winner of tomorrow's preliminary final between Penrith and Newcastle.
