US President Donald Trump has posted a message on social media saying he is open to the idea of regime change in Iran.
In the statement, he says if the current leadership in Iran is unable to, in his words, "make Iran great again," regime change should be an option.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed the objective of the US's strike against Iran - over the weekend - was to destroy the country's nuclear capabilities - and there was no goal to overthrow Iran's government.
Meanwhile, independent senator for Vermont Bernie Sanders has criticised American involvement in the Israel and Iran conflict, telling a rally in Fort Worth Texas that the bombing decision is grossly unconstitutional.
"The United States Congress - against my vote - went to war in Iraq (in 2003). And we became in a terrible regional civil war there. No weapons of mass destruction were ever found. That war was based on a lie - a lie which cost us 4,500 young Americans."
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The Prime Minister has backed US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, while also urging a de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
In his first public remarks since the US strikes, Anthony Albanese has said Australia supports the US action because Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
He has urged Iran to refrain from retaliation and instead rejoin negotiations.
Mr Albanese has also defended his decision to hold off on directly commenting on the US strikes until more than 24 hours after the American bombing mission.
"Well, we aren't a central player in this conflict. That is just a fact. I made comments about this in three countries over recent days. We're calling for a de-escalation. And obviously, we're opposed to any action against Australians or indeed against anyone else. What we want to see - as President Trump has said - is peace. Going forward there is an opportunity for that to occur."
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The number of Australians who have registered for help to leave the Middle East region has jumped to about 2900 in Iran and 1300 in Israel.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia has suspended bus evacuations from Israel after the US strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, but is making preparations for potential evacuations if air space in Israel re-opens.
Australia has also has sent two defence planes to the Middle East in non-combat roles to assist civilian evacuations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Senator Wong say Australia’s security agency ASIO is constantly monitoring terror threat levels - and at this stage, there has been no change in any travel advice.
"There are always risk - not only from escalation in the region, but also potential risks more broadly. I have indicated publicly that I have asked my department to consider whether - if there is any alteration to travel advice more generally."
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Health groups across rural Australia are urging the federal government to implement a new plan for maternity care in rural locations.
The National Rural Maternity Consensus Framework has been released today (23 June) by the groups, along with the the Rural Health Commissioners Office.
The new framework sets out a plan for investment in maternity services co-designed with locals, including First Nations communities, along with a focus on continuity of care before, during and after birth.
A 2024 rural health inquiry found in New South Wales alone, a number of rural maternity units, including Bathurst, Lithgow and Kempsey, are on the brink of closing down due to immense pressure, staff shortages, and limited resources.
Rural Doctors Association President, Dr Raymond Lewandowski, says new strategies are needed to ensure families in country Australia receive equitable care.
"You're entitled to healthcare, no matter where you live. There are lots of reasons they're closing. But some of them again is model. You can't take the model from Canberra, Sydney... We do have models right now - and one of the models is called rural generalist training. But also access to the emergency services and hospital-based care using a generalist approach, as opposed to a specialist approach. Because there is not the volume in rural, regional areas."
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In tennis news...
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz has beaten powerful Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-5 6-7 6-2 to claim his second Queen's Club title ahead of his Wimbledon defence.
The win means the Spanish star, who triumphed at Queen's a few weeks before claiming his first Wimbledon title in 2023, has extended his winning streak to 18 matches.
Lehecka made his own position as a rising force clear, going toe-to-toe with the five-times Grand Slam champion and edging the second-set tie-break with clinical skill.
But Alcaraz forged 4-1 ahead in the decider, pushing his way to what he has described as a special victory.
"For the second time, you know, in my career, winning here at Queen’s, it is a week that I didn’t have expectations at all, honestly. I came here just to feel more comfortable on grass, just getting used to it and I ended up lifting the trophy. It’s a special moment for me and for my team."
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