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TRANSCRIPT
- Donald Trump criticises allies for resisting his call to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz
- Stronger regulation announced for migration agents
- Sydney Swans apologise to the Jewish community over a tribute to victims of the Bondi attack
President Donald Trump has criticised US allies who have not embraced his call to help protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, saying he wants to see more enthusiasm for the idea.
NATO, Australia, the UK and a number of other countries in Asia have said their not willing to take up Mr Trump's call to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr Trump says a number of countries that he did not name had committed to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for the global oil trade.
"Iran has always used (Strait of Hormuz) that as an economic weapon. And it's not going to be able to be used very long. Numerous countries have told me they're on the way. Some are very enthusiastic about it, and some aren't. Some are countries that we've helped for many, many years. And we've protected them from horrible outside sources. And they weren't that enthusiastic. And the level enthusiasm of enthusiasm, it matters to me."
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Iran's Foreign Ministry says it is proud of the five members of the Iranian women's football team for deciding to withdraw their applications for asylum in Australia.
Only two women from the team remain in Australia, after seven members of the team who had arrived in Australia for the Asian Cup were granted humanitarian visas.
No reasons were given for why the women returned to Iran, but advocates say pressure was applied over the safety of their loved ones.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement released on Sunday that the government gave the women every opportunity to consider the offer for protection, but recognised the government "cannot remove the context in which the players are making these incredibly difficult decisions."
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei says Iranian authorities are pleased with the decision taken by the women.
"We take pride in our women footballers, who did not fall for the hypocritical temptation of Australian officials."
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Israel's military says it has sent additional ground troops into Lebanon for what it calls a “limited and targeted operation against Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon".
Massive explosions were heard in Beirut, as Israel launched new attacks on the Lebanese capital before dawn.
There are fears that Israel is preparing a large-scale invasion in Lebanon.
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The Australian government has announced new legislation to strengthen the regulation of registered migration agents.
Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, says the government's "crackdown on dodgy registered migration agents is showing results".
The four new legislative instruments take effect from 1 April, and include an updated approved list of education providers who can deliver mandatory courses for registration, as well as enhanced professional development requirements for those already registered in the profession.
The migration agents office has also strengthened its regulatory focus, issuing a much higher number of sanctions against migration agents in response to conduct breaches.
Mr Hill added that anyone concerned about agent behaviour is encouraged to raise a complaint.
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South Koreans are celebrating the Oscars triumph of 'KPop Demon Hunters', which took home the award for Best Animated Feature, saying the milestone shows the global reach of Korean culture.
The fantasy flick follows a clash between good and evil, drawing heavily on Korean mythology, and it's pushed along by a pulsing K-pop soundtrack including this year's Best Original Song.
Much of the response has centred on the emotional acceptance speech from the Seoul-born filmmaker behind KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie Kang.
"Thank you to the Academy and to all the fans who got us here. And for those of you who look like me, I am so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this. But it is here. And that means that the next generations don't have to go longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere."
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To sport,
The Sydney Swans have apologised for their decision not to mention the Jewish community in a pre-game tribute to the Bondi terror attack victims during the AFL's opening round.
The original script was changed by the club removing the line "we stand with the Jewish community", which the club says was an error of judgement.
Club CEO Matthew Pavlich says the change was designed to recognise the Jewish community, community heroes and first responders.
"Having said that, we are very, very sorry that this issue has overshadowed what was a genuine attempt to show care and compassion towards the Jewish community and to honour those who lost their lives and all impacted, all people impacted, by the December 14 tragedy."
And that's the latest from the SBS Newsroom.
