Australia ‘didn’t help us’, Trump says of US effort in Iran
The US president, Donald Trump, has criticised Australia for what he described as a lack of assistance during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Speaking at a media conference, Trump maintained a firm stance against Iran, stating he believes the US military is performing “unbelievably well” in the Middle East. He also issued a warning that Iran could be “taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night”.
He expressed ongoing frustration with NATO, referring to the alliance as a “paper tiger” that the US “didn’t need”.
“They haven’t helped at all,” he said, adding:
“It’s not just Nato. You know who else didn’t help us? South Korea didn’t help us. You know who else didn’t help us? Australia didn’t help us. You know who else didn’t help us? Japan.”
Attorney general says Australia should continue to call for de-escalation in Iran amid Trump critiques
Attorney General Michelle Rowland was questioned about Trump’s remarks during an interview on RN Breakfast this morning.
She reaffirmed Australia’s position, emphasizing the need for “an urgent de-escalation of this conflict”, and noted:
“Australians and innocent people right around the world and in the region are being impacted by events that they didn’t cause, but it is having lasting impacts. It’s having impacts on our supply chains and causing real anxiety for Australians.”
Rowland stated that the most effective course for Australia is to persist in advocating for de-escalation, noting that Trump’s inflammatory comments are not unprecedented.
“I think ultimately the United States will need to answer for itself.”
Nick Visser is now taking over the coverage.
'Increasing' chance Tropical Cyclone Maila will hit Queensland at weekend
Tropical Cyclone Maila is forecast to approach the coast of far north Queensland this weekend, approximately three weeks after the same region was severely impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s update last night.
At 10.45pm last night, Maila was located roughly halfway between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
“Maila is expected to remain well away from the Queensland coast during the next few days, but confidence is increasing in Maila moving towards the far north Queensland coast later in the week, potentially crossing the coast on the weekend.”
The cyclone is currently classified as a category three system, with sustained winds near the centre reaching 150 km/h and wind gusts up to 205 km/h.
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories, and later Nick Visser will provide further updates.
Road safety advocates have emphasized the need for improved integration of road safety education within school curriculums, following a deadly Easter period during which at least 14 people lost their lives on Australian roads. Data indicates that road fatalities in Australia increased by 4.4% in the year leading up to February.
Tropical Cyclone Maila poses a potential threat to the far north Queensland coast this weekend, following closely after Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle’s impact on the same area three weeks prior, as reported by the Bureau of Meteorology last night.
