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Iran's deputy foreign minister says there's no plan for a second round of negotiations with the US for now.He says the US has shown it's "not serious" about pursuing the diplomatic process and has accused Washington of committing "aggressive acts". It comes after Washington seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. Iran's highest operational command unit says the seizure is in violation of the two-week ceasefire.Washington says it attacked and seized the ship as it attempted to get past its blockade of Iranian ports.Authorities in Japan say a magnitude 7-point-5 earthquake has struck off the northeastern coast of the country. They're urging residents to stay away from coastal areas, where tsunami waves up to 3 metres high are expected. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says the government has set up an emergency task force and is urging citizens in the affected areas to evacuate to safety.and the Fair Work Commission has handed down a landmark order that will require large companies like Coles, Woolworths and Amazon to conduct reviews of fuel prices with their outsourced truck drivers and transport companies. The measure is the first of its kind under new laws brought into help transport operators dealing with the soaring price of fuel, amid the Middle East war. The Transport Workers Union says the order is "historic". Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Iranian state media is reporting that Tehran has launched drones against US military vessels.It comes after Iran's highest operational command unit described the seizing of an Iranian flagged cargo ship by US forces as a violation of the ceasefire... promising to retaliate.Washington says it attacked and seized the ship as it attempted to get past its blockade of Iranian ports.Further peace talks between the US and Iran are scheduled to take place later today but Iranian state media is reporting Tehran wont attend.The Fair Work Commission has handed down a landmark order that will require large companies like Coles, Woolworths and Amazon to conduct reviews of fuel prices with their outsourced truck drivers and transport companies.The measure is the first of its kind under new laws brought into help transport operators dealing with the soaring price of fuel, amid the Middle East war.The Transport Workers Union says the order is "historic".and former Australian Rules footballer Barry Cable has been found not guilty of abusing a girl in the 19-60s.The 82-year-old faced trial in the W-A District Court last month, accused of sexual offences against a child who was aged nine or 10 at the time.The alleged victim told the court Mr Cable abused her in his home.Judge Michael Bowden found the 82-year-old not guilty of all charges.If this story has raised concerns for you can call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Iranian state media is reporting Tehran has "no plans" to participate in upcoming peace talks with the US that were scheduled to take place in Pakistan.It comes after Washington seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman.Tehran has promised to retaliate arguing the seizure is in violation of the two week ceasefire.The US military says it fired several rounds at the vessel, disabling its engine, after it tried to get past an American blockade.US President Donald Trump says the ship is now in American custody.Meanwhile, the price of fresh food is set to rise as the war in the Middle East continues to disrupt Australia's supply of fuel and fertiliser.The effects of the shortages are being felt across the supply chain, with farmers paying significantly more to grow food.It's also now more expensive to transport perishable goods to the supermarket... directly feeding into higher prices.and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a Melbourne bus driver has been stood down after a boy was dragged several metres while hanging on the outside of a bus.Videos circulating on social media show the boy being dragged along the road, after his school bag was caught on the bus's doors while travelling through Wheelers Hill in the city's south-east.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Iran's top joint military command has accused the US of violating their two-week ceasefire by firing at an Iranian commercial ship in the Gulf of Oman.US President Donald Trump claims the Iranian-flagged ship ignored warnings from the U-S Navy.A US navy destroyer opened fire on the vessel that was reportedly travelling from China to Iran hitting the engine room of the cargo ship before American marines boarded it and took control.Tehran says it's an act of 'armed piracy' and its forces have attacked some U-S military ships with drones, in response.A gunman in the US state of Louisiana has killed eight children, including seven of his own.It's one of America's deadliest mass shootings in more than two years.Authorities have identified him as Shamar Elkins, he was shot and killed by police.He also wounded two women, who are in a critical condition.and former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been seen reporting to police for the first time since he was released on bail after being charged with the war crime of murder.The Victoria Cross recipient has been charged with five counts of the offence, with the alleged incidents said to have occurred in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.Roberts-Smith is yet to enter a plea but has said he intends to use his criminal trial to clear his name.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has expressed frustration over the latest developments in the war in the Middle East saying Australia's economy "is in lots of ways hostage" to decisions made in Washington and Tehran.The Albanese Government has revealed the National Disability Insurance Scheme will be the "most important" part of savings in the upcoming budget.The operators of the fire-ravaged Geelong oil refinery have charted a path back to nearly full production in the coming weeks.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

There is a mixed picture today on how the war in the Middle East is impacting Australians.Fuel prices are dropping but there are concerns over the cost of plastic packaging.The Albanese government is looking at savings when it comes to capital gains and the NDIS as it prepares its upcoming budget. Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Fresh food prices are set to soar in Australia due to ongoing pressure on the supply of fuel and fertiliser caused by the Middle East conflict.

Gay and bisexual men and transgender people in long-term monogamous relationships are now allowed to donate blood and platelets under new donation eligibility rules in Australia.

The Albanese Government is expressing its frustration over the latest flash point in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed, as it tries to deal with the economic fallout in Australia. The Federal Budget is just a month away, and more than 50 community organisations are urging the government to tax gas companies more.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

It remains unclear whether Iran will turn up for a second round of peace talks with the US later today.From today, Australian businesses in sectors like fuel, fertiliser and plastics hit by the flow on from the war can apply for new zero-interest loans.New blood donations rules are in place relaxing restrictions related to gay and bisexual men and transgender people.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

US President Donald Trump says the US Navy's opened fire on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship which tried to get through the Strait of Hormuz, as an American blockade of the shipping channel continues.The impacts are being felt hard in Australia and from today, $1 billion in zero-interest loans will be made available to some businesses impacted by the closure of the vital shipping passage.This comes as a coalition of Australian community organisations calls for the federal government to introduce a gas export tax, as the war leads to high demand for LNG.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Iran state media is reporting the regime has rejected taking part in a fresh round of negotiations to end the war in the Middle East, as the US fires on an Iranian cargo ship.The ABC's Four Corners program has investigated how some clinics are cashing in during a boom in ADHD diagnosis.Gay and bisexual men and transgender people in long-term monogamous relationships are now allowed to donate blood and platelets under new donation eligibility rules.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Iranian state media is rejecting claims from US President Donald Trump that a second round of peace talks are scheduled to take place in Pakistan tonight.British police say they're investigating possible Iranian links to three arson attacks on Jewish targets in London in a week. A 33-year-old man has faced court accused of dangerous driving causing death, after a man was hit and killed by a car outside a fan convention in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.The ABC's Four Corners program has found the rate of adults using ADHD medication across Australia is soaring, and there are some surprising hotspots. Organisers of pro-Palestine rallies in Brisbane have vowed to challenge Queensland's hate speech laws in court, after 22 people were arrested for allegedly chanting the phrase 'from the river to the sea'.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

War veteran Ben Roberts-Smith has issued his first statement since his bail release from a Sydney jail, vowing to fight five charges of the war crime of murder and clear his name.The Albanese Government has expressed its disappointment that the Strait of Hormuz is once again closed, marking a setback in efforts to get the crucial oil shipping passage back to normal. A comic convention in Melbourne has held a minute's silence for an attendee who died after being struck by a car.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says it is 'disappointing' to see the Strait of Hormuz closed again.The condition of a young man who was badly injured in a deadly car incident outside a fan convention at the Melbourne Showgrounds, has improved.A Queensland school has decided to stop posting recognisable photos of its students on official social media accounts because of increasing risks associated with AI.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Iran says it is closing the Strait of Hormuz again after just reopening it, causing more uncertainty in the key oil shipping passage that has been the centre of a fuel crisis hitting Australia and the world. The United Nations is urging Lebanese authorities to carry out an urgent investigation after a French UN peacekeeper was killed in an attack in the country's south.Police will today interview the driver involved in yesterday's deadly incident outside a fan convention at the Melbourne Showgrounds, in the city's north west.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Iran is threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz again if the United States continues to blockade its shipping and ports.It comes as US President Donald Trump says he's hopeful any differences with Iran will be worked out, and peace talks resume in coming days.Iran agreed to re-open the Strait to commercial traffic after a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was secured but the US says its own blockade will remain until a peace deal is reached with Iran.+++Meanwhile the Prime Minister says the government is ready to provide assistance to help secure the Strait of Hormuz once a permanent ceasefire is secured, after meeting with world leaders overnight.Anthony Albanese joined almost 50 leaders at a virtual summit, co-chaired by the UK and France, which discussed forming a multinational defensive mission to escort commercial ships through the chokepoint in the future.Mr Albanese says Australia has not committed to sending any military assets but stands ready to help.+++New Zealand's capital, Wellington has been hit by flash flooding after thunderstorms brought heavy rain to parts of the north island.Local media are reporting the wild weather has forced the evacuation of 24 homes.The nation's weather forecaster says a severe thunderstorm warning is in place for Wellington as well as a number of nearby towns.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia's role in helping to protect the Strait of Hormuz doesn't include sending military assets at this stage.Mr Albanese was among nearly 50 world leaders who attended a virtual summit overnight Friday to discuss a defensive mission to restore safe passage through the waterway. The Prime Minister says Australia did not commit to sending military assets in the meeting.+++Meanwhile US President Donald Trump says he's hopeful any differences with Iran will be quickly worked out and peace talks will continue over the coming days.It comes after Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic after a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was secured.Speaking to reporters, Mr Trump says he welcomes the move, but the US blockade of Iranian ships will remain in force.Mr Trump also claims Iran has agreed to work with America to secure the country's enriched uranium and send it to the United States.+++UNICEF says it's working to provide vital services to people in Lebanon, displaced by the war between Israel and Hezbollah.US President Donald Trump has declared Israel will not bomb Lebanon again but Israel's prime minister says the campaign against the militant group is not yet over.A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has now entered day two.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

The United States and Iran have agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic but both have imposed conditionsPresident Donald Trump says Iran and the US were helping each other to remove underwater mines.However, Iran said all shipping should use a designated laneway in the Strait while President Trump said the US Navy would not allow Iranian ships to travel through the Strait until there was a formal end to the war+++The re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz has been cautiously welcomed by world leaders meeting overnight to discuss a defensive mission to restore safe passage through the waterway.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among almost 50 leaders who attended the virtual summit, jointly chaired by the UK and France.The group discussed forming a multinational defensive mission to escort commercial ships through the strait, once a more permanent ceasefire holds.Twelve countries have already committed military assets but the Australian government has not said what it's offered or been asked to provide.+++Lebanon's President says the ten day ceasefire with Israel should move to a permanent agreement.US President Trump says he's prohibiting Israel from bombing Lebanon, saying "enough is enough".But there are reports one person was killed in an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon - despite the ceasefire.The I-D-F says it reserves the right to continue targeting Hezbollah.

Economists say the latest inflation figures are positive, but warn fuel price shocks are not yet reflected in the data showing Australia's CPI rose 3.7% in the year to February.One Nation is calling on the federal government to enact the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act which could include rationing and prioritising supply for essential services.And a 17-year-old Melbourne boy has been charged with collecting terrorism material, after an ISIS flag was allegedly sent to his address from overseas.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says he's pleased to see inflation slightly cool, but he expects a rise over the coming months because of the war in the Middle East.Jetstar is reducing some of its flights between Australia and New Zealand due to the rising cost of jet fuel.And residents along the central coast of Western Australia are preparing for tropical cyclone Narelle to strengthen to a category four system over the next few days. Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Inflation has eased slightly, down to 3.7% over the 12 months to February.The federal government has introduced new legislation to crack down on companies looking to use the Middle East conflict to rip off Australians.And a tanker carrying much needed fuel supplies to Tasmania has made its way up the River Derwent this morning. Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

With Australia and the European union now having inked a $10 billion free trade agreement after eight years of stalled negotiations, it's raised the question, what will is mean for Australian producers and products?

Josephine Asher with the top stories...US President Donald Trump insists negotiations with Iran about ending the war are happening 'right now'.He also says Washington has received a very big present from Iran, worth a 'tremendous amount of money'.Mr Trump is declining to say what it is, but says it's related to gas and oil. It comes as US media report the Pentagon is expected to deploy an additional three thousand troops to the Middle East.The federal government has introduced new legislation to double penalties for petrol companies that it says rip off Australian motorists.Under the proposed laws .. fines for suppliers and service stations caught engaging in false or misleading conduct and cartel behaviour will rise to $100 million per offence.The bill will be debated in the lower house tomorrow, with Labor calling on the Liberals and Nationals to back the legislation.And Northern Territory authorities warn the Katherine River could hit major flood levels again by this afternoon ... as the town continues to feel the effects of ex-tropical cyclone Narelle.The storm has now re-formed off WA's north and is expected to re-intensify to a category three before tracking south.Emergency services are urging Katherine residents to stay alert and avoid driving in flood waters.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have published a video, mocking Donald Trump referencing his former television show 'The Apprentice'.

Brisbane has upped the ante in its wrestle with Sydney and Melbourne, opening a new theatre in a bid to lure big shows and big crowds.

NSW Police say they've arrested an additional two people over the kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian.The 85-year-old was kidnapped from his Sydney home in February, in what police have described as a case of mistaken identity.His remains were located more than ten days later.Police arrested and charged two men over the kidnapping and murder ... and have now arrested an additional two people, a 23-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman.Donald Trump says Iran has given the US a 'very significant prize' related to oil and gas.The President didn't say what the gift was, only that it was related to the Strait of Hormuz and worth a lot of money.Mr Trump yesterday claimed peace talks were taking place, which Iranian officials said was fake news and an attempt to manipulate oil prices.It comes amid US media reports that the Pentagon will order three-thousand troops from an elite parachute force to the Middle East today.And. Tropical Cyclone Narelle has re-formed off WA's north and residents along the state's coast are being warned to stay on high alert.The system was upgraded to a cyclone while tracking away from the Kimberley coast overnight.The Bureau of Meteorology expects it to intensify to category three strength today, before turning south.Perth and the state's South West could be significantly impacted this weekend.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

The United States is reportedly planning to send thousands more soldiers to the Middle East to support operations against Iran.The Pentagon is expected to order three thousand troops to the region today, according to multiple US media reports.They would join 7,500 marines and sailors en route to the region.Meanwhile, President Donald Trump says the US is negotiating with Iran.Tropical-Cyclone Narelle has re-formed off the WA coast.It was upgraded to a cyclone as it tracked away from the Kimberley coast, and forecasters expect it to intensify as it moves further south.The Bureau of Meteorology expects it to reach category three strength late today or early Thursday, before turning south towards the coast later this week.Perth and the state's south west could be significantly impacted, with heavy rain expected across much of WA's south, including the Wheatbelt, across the weekend.And hundreds of petrol stations across the country have run out of diesel or petrol — while many are reporting an increase in motorists driving off without paying.The government is lowering diesel standards in a bid to keep it flowing — as businesses count the cost of rising prices.Waste collectors are operating at a loss because of high diesel prices, and warn services cannot be sustained at current prices.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC Top Stories podcast.

Israeli says a woman has been killed and two others injured in the country's north after an afternoon of rocket and drone fire from Lebanon.Hezbollah has been vowing to mount a defence of Lebanon, after Israel's defence minister Israel Katz announced intentions to occupy the south of the country.Iran has also hit Tel Aviv in Israel, sheering off the side of an apartment building.Meanwhile, US media is reporting the Pentagon is expected to deploy an additional three thousand troops to the Middle East.Fuel retailers say reports of petrol drive-offs and agression towards workers are on the rise, as prices surge due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Prices at the bowser have sky-rocketed in recent weeks, due to the war choking supply chains.The Australian Association of Convenience Stores says its members have reported an increase of nearly thirty-per-cent in people not paying for their fuel.The bureau of meteorology is forecasting the Katherine river could reach the major flood level of 17.5 metres this afternoon.Residents in the top end Northern Territory town are being told to keep their sandbags in place and monitor warnings.Adelaide River residents were also warned of possible water outages late last night.Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle has moved into the Indian Ocean off Western Australia's north coast, where it's expected to redevelop into a Category Two system.And… one of the experts from Australian reality television show, 'Married at First Sight', Mel Schilling, has died, aged 54.The public figure was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 20-23, and announced her terminal diagnosis earlier this month, saying the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC Top Stories podcast.