Trump still considering US direct involvement in Iran/Israel war | Morning Bulletin 19 June 2025

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In this bulletin; U.S. President Donald Trump is considering getting directly involved in Israel's war with Iran, Thousands mark the closure of Australia's first formal truth telling process, in Victoria, and in N-RL, Queensland defeats New South Wales in the second State of Origin game.


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Donald Trump has declined to comment on whether the U.S. is planning to get directly involved in striking Iran's nuclear sites - a move he earlier indicated he is actively considering.

It comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanks Mr Trump for the indirect support the U-S offers in defending Israel's skies.

Mr Netanyahu says Israel is striking Iran with "tremendous force".

“We have embarked on this operation to eliminate two existing threats to the State of Israel: the nuclear threat and the ballistic missile threat. We are moving step by step towards eliminating these threats. We control the skies over Tehran. We are striking the Ayatollahs' regime with tremendous force. We are striking the nuclear weapons, the missiles, the headquarters, the symbols of the regime.”

Earlier, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened what he calls "irreparable damage" if the United States military intervenes in its conflict with Israel.

The U.S. has sent more military aircraft and warships to the region in recent days as Mr Trump demands what he called an "unconditional surrender" from Iran.



Thousands gathered on Wednesday (18 June) at Victoria's Parliament House to greet the state's truth telling commissioner Travis Lovett as he completed his 508km walk across the state.

More than 12,000 people joined the Aboriginal leader along the 25-day Walk for Truth from Portland in the state's West to Melbourne.

The walk marked the closure of Australia's first formal truth-telling process, the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

The four-year long Aboriginal-led inquiry will formally conclude on the 30th of June, and the thousands of hours of evidence collected from Aboriginal Victorians will contribute to an official public record.

A comprehensive reform report outlining the commission's recommendations and a road map for change will also be released.

Levi Power, a member of the First People's Assembly of Victoria says it's a significant chance for change.

"We must have these truths told to guide these decisions and to guide our journey forward, not only for this first treaty but going into the future as well."



Three Australian men have been arrested by Indonesian police over a fatal shooting that caused one death and injured another person in Bali.

Melbourne man Zivan Radmanovic was shot dead on Saturday morning, while Sanar Ghanim was injured.

Indonesia Police says one man was arrested at the border in connection with the shooting.

Another two left the country, but were brought back to Indonesia with the support of INTERPOL.



Erin Patterson's defence team has urged the jury not to allow hindsight to distort their judgement of the accused triple murderer's case.

Ms Patterson is accused of murdering three of her relatives by serving them a beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms at her Gippsland home in July 2023.

Ms Patterson concedes death cap mushrooms were in the meal, but maintains it was a terrible accident.

In the second day of his closing address, Ms Patterson's lawyer Colin Mandy stressed his client is not on trial for being a liar, arguing the prosecution's assertions rely on speculation.

Mr Mandy's closing address continues today (Thursday, June 19).



To sports now, and ...

Queensland has won the second State of Origin 26 to 24 - setting up a series decider to be held at Accor Stadium in Sydney on July 9.

The game has breathed life back into a series that had appeared destined to be won by New South Wales after their dominant 6 to 18 win in game one.

Prior to last night's second round, Maroons' assistant coach Josh Hannay said the team was out for revenge.

"All the guys got their motivation right tonight. They want to play for their own pride. We are embarrassed and humble by our Game One performance, as we always talk about in this environment, you want to play for the jersey, play for the state, you want to play for our people, these games are high stakes, it is high stakes football at guest. The reality is this is a must win for us. There's no tomorrow if we don't get it right tonight. So that's a lot on the line."

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Trump still considering US direct involvement in Iran/Israel war | Morning Bulletin 19 June 2025 | SBS News