Listen to interviews, features and community stories from the SBS Radio Assyrian program, including news from Australia and around the world.

Iran prepares to officially announce the country's new supreme leader; the pope urges dialogue to end violence in the Middle East; Matildas miss out on top spot in their Asian Cup group, after a draw against South Korea.

In this program; Oliver Slewa talks about the right of employees to get paid for hours on training on a job; ALC feature about Iran war and energy crisis, and in Australia Explained, Public Housing in Australia explained

US warns war is deepening with Iran, after striking naval ship in International waters; France urges Israel not to send ground troops into Lebanon as thousands of residents flee; and in sport, Australia to join Winter Paralympics opening ceremony, rejecting boycott over Russia's inclusion...

Oil prices across the globe have surged to multi-year highs, as the war in Iran expands into a broader regional conflict. A prolonged war risks disrupting energy supply chains, particularly as key shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz are effectively closed. Analysts say impacts are already being felt - and that has implications for the global economic outlook and inflation

Israel vows to use greater and additional force against Iran and Lebanon; Australians warned against panic-buying petrol as oil prices soar; and in sport, the bravery of Iran's women's soccer team commended as they prepare to face the Matildas.

In this episode, Oliver Slewa discusses the rights of an employee who undertakes a training period at work, and whether they are entitled to be paid for the hours spent in training.

European nations announce an unprecedented nuclear deterrence plan; the Prime Minister to meet with visiting Canadian leader Mark Carney today; and in Formula One, next month's tournaments in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia under threat over safety concerns.

Iran's succession plan underway after the killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ; A group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it launched exploding drone attacks and in football, Sam Kerr scores the winning goal of the Matildas' Asian Cup opener against the Philippines.

Iranian-Australians are expressing mixed emotions over the US-Israeli strikes in Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While many hope his death will lead to a free Iran, others say they don't believe that Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have good intentions.

In this Program; Interview with Marie Oraham about Nimrod Simono Scholarship, Oliver Slewa talking about Rental Bond in NSW, a feature about 4th anniversary on Ukraine War

Police probe a wider network after a Sydney grandfather's alleged kidnapping and murder; A record 129 journalists killed worldwide last year; And in sport, New Zealand strengthen semi-final hopes with dominant T20 World Cup win over Sri Lanka

The EU pledges continued support for Ukraine with new sanctions; The Prime Minister returns to his official residence after a bomb scare and in sport, Sam Kerr eyes a home crowd advantage as the Matildas target a second Asian Cup title.

Federal government says planning is underway for Australia's first high-speed rail line; Ukrainians mark four years of war; and in sport, Multiple football matches postponed after violence in Mexico.

The Rabi Nimrod Simono Scholarship Awards is a significant annual event recognising outstanding HSC students. High-achieving students receive a monetary prize to support their tertiary education. Mary Oraham, a member of the scholarship committee, spoke to SBS Assyrian about the scholarship's purpose, emphasising its importance and the goals behind its establishment. This year's eleven recipients have achieved ATAR from 99.5 to 99.1

Oliver Slewa explains the rules governing rental bonds in New South Wales (NSW). What are the rights and obligations of both tenants and landlords? Where is the bond money held? And under what circumstances can an agent or landlord refuse to refund the tenant's bond?

Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war shows no sign of abating, with mounting casualties, continued strikes on civilian infrastructure and faltering ceasefire efforts. As global tributes mark the February 24 anniversary, calls are growing for stronger international action to apply pressure to Russia and bring an end to Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.

FBI leads investigation after Secret Service shoot an armed man at President Trump's Florida home; the man who risked his life to save others during the Bondi terror attack reflects on why he chose to act; and in football, Arsenal restore their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Eight skiers dead after an avalanche in California ; quarter of Australian workers can't name their super fund; and in sport, Ukraine says it will boycott the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games

In this program, Michelle Shamoell talking about Assyrian identity and name; a feature about the global demonstration about Iran; In Australia Explained, sunscreen and how to use it.

Concerns over an immigration debate as the Liberals mull a new policy; Eleven killed in new US strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats; and in sport, Australia to play Mexico in May ahead of the football World Cup.

In this episode, Michelle Shamoel (PhD: Anthropology and Social Science) speaks about identity, language, and names, and what they mean for Assyrian families today. She explains how Assyrians have protected their identity for thousands of years through culture, language, and strong community ties. Dr Shamoel encourages parents and young people to value their heritage, reminding listeners that speaking the language and keeping traditional names are powerful ways to honour the past while strengthening future generations.

Politicians from government and the opposition say they will not assist Australians trying to return from Syria; Israeli prosecutors plan to charge settler over killing of Palestinian activist; and in football, League One side Mansfield Town to host 14-time winners Arsenal in the FA Cup.

From Munich to Melbourne, hundreds of thousands have turned out to oppose Iran's clerical leadership in the wake of a brutal crackdown on protesters inside the country. While opinions differ over who should takeover the current regime, protesters all voiced their desire for an Iran free from oppression.

The fedeal opposition claims a fresh approach on immigration will heal divisions in the community; Russia takes more territory from Ukraine, just days before more peace talks ; and in cricket, India wins another politically-charged World Cup match against Pakistan.

International Radio Day is celebrated annually on February 13th. This international observance was established by UNESCO in 2011 and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. SBS Assyrian spoke to two former SBS Assyrian producers and broadcasters, Dinkha Warda and Philip Darmo, who started the Assyrian program from 1976 until 1991. Both reflected on the role that SBS Assyrian played in helping Assyrian migrants settle in their new country and on how the radio helped people connect and tell their stories.

The Greens accuse the government of trying to justify a forceful response against anti-Herzog protesters; British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refuses calls from within his own ranks to quit; and in cricket, Australia say they're prepared if they have to play with two specialist spin bowlers at the Twenty20 World Cup

Assyrian Aid Relief–Australia is hosting its periodic afternoon tea to raise funds for heaters in classrooms at Assyrian schools in northern Iraq. President Shushan Tower told SBS this is the first time the event has been held in the afternoon, instead of the traditional morning tea.

In this program, Dr Michelle Shamoell talks about trauma; Hermiz Shahen talks about the Assyrian New Year festival and Shushan Tower, talking about the activities of Assyrian Aid Relief Projects

Hermiz Shahen, President of the Assyrian National Council, spoke to SBS about the latest preparations for the Assyrian New Year 6776 celebrations, set to take place at Fairfield Showground. Mr Shahen confirmed that numerous dignitaries from Federal, State and Local governments are expected to attend the event, which will be held on Sunday, 29 March 2026.

Visions and Opinions is a new segment presented by Dr Michelle Shamoell (PhD), focusing on key issues affecting the Assyrian community. Each episode examines a specific topic, exploring its underlying causes and discussing potential strategies for support and healing. In this segment, we address the issue of trauma, which affects many Assyrians, and consider its origins as well as approaches toward recovery.

A Danish app born out of Donald Trump's Greenland rhetoric is turning everyday grocery shopping into a quiet act of protest. As shoppers scan products to see where their money really goes, technology, politics and consumer choice collide, revealing how global tensions can play out not in parliaments or protests, but in supermarket aisles.

Government launches first-ever stand-alone domestic, family and sexual violence plan for First Nations women and children;Palestinians in Occupied West Bank warn expanding Israeli settlements could weaken hopes of a two-state solution;and in sport, Ukrainian athlete looks to wear helmet paying tribute to fellow athletes killed in Russian attacks.

The Israeli President arrives in Sydney, with protesters to march in defiance of a police order; A landslide win at the polls for Japan's ruling government; and in N-R-L news, Broncos prop Payne Haas to move to the Rabbitohs at the end of the year.

Following the latest interest rate rise, the Federal Government is facing renewed pressure from unions and economists to reform the 50 per cent Capital Gains Tax ((CGT)) discount, which critics label a "tax avoidance scheme" favouring the wealthiest Australians. While the Treasurer maintains a focus on housing supply, proponents of the reform argue that winding back these concessions could reclaim $20 billion in annual revenue and ease the cost-of-living crisis for the nation's workforce.

In this program: Interview with Anwar Atto about the Assyrian college start of term; Feature about rise in interest rate and in Australia explained, how does IVF work in Australia.

Protests still planned despite restrictions ahead of Israeli president's visit; First day of a new round of negotiations over the war in Ukraine hailed as 'productiveand in sport, Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham named as the Australian flag-bearers for the Winter Olympics.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has ended a two-year hiatus by raising interest rates, sparking a fierce political debate over whether government spending or private demand is fuelling persistent inflation. While the Treasurer defends the budget and points to external pressures, the Opposition and the Greens argue that current policy settings are punishing everyday Australians and ignoring alternative economic levers'

Protest plans continue as police extend restrictions ahead of the Israeli president's Sydney visit; Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien is continuing a tax-and-spend critique of the Labor government. ; and in football, Arsenal goes through to the English League Cup final.

Rate hike forecasted as Reserve Bank set to meet today; The US reduces tariffs on India following trade deal; and in sport, Soccer great Cristiano Ronaldo locked in dispute with Al-Nassr owners.

Mr Anwar Atto is one of the founders of the Assyrian Language College, established in 2016 and specifically designed for students aged 18 and over. In this interview, Mr Atto reflects on the college's 10-year journey, the challenges faced along the way, and the efforts made to overcome obstacles and ensure the program's success and continuity.

Iran's Supreme Leader is warning the United States that any attack on Iran could trigger regional conflict, as US naval presence in the region strengthens. As tensions mount over Iran's protest crackdown and a possible nuclear deal, the United States President says his plans hinge on the success or failure of a deal.

Fresh police search for Dezi Freeman at Mount Buffalo National Park; Pro-Palestine activists vow to make Israeli President uncomfortable during Australia visit; and in soccer Mary Fowler makes triumphant return as Manchester City thrash Chelsea 5–1.

The United States has sent what President Donald Trump has described as an armada of naval and military assets into the Middle East, placing American forces on heightened alert as tensions with Iran escalate. The move comes as protests spread across Iran, internet access is cut for millions, and a sharp exchange of threats and warnings unfolds between Washington and Tehran on social media and through diplomatic channels.

The US says it will apply pressure on Hamas to disarm as next phase of ceasefire reached; two cases of deadly Nipah virus confirmed in India;and in boxing, Tyson Fury to return to the ring in April.

In this program: Highlights from the HSC Achievers Awards organised by the Iraqi Australian University Graduates Forum. Carmen Lazar speaks about the 2026 Census and employment opportunities that support and assist the community, followed by Australia Explained, outlining how the Australian transport system works.

SBS Assyrian attended the 2025 HSC High Achievers ceremony, organised by the Iraqi Australian University Graduate Forum. The event recognised the outstanding accomplishments of more than 20 high-performing HSC students and university graduates. We spoke with the three top HSC award recipients, as well as the Forum's founder, Dr Ahmad AlRubaie, about their achievements and the importance of academic excellence.

Records are broken by Australia's heatwave; The Doomsday Clock inches closer to midnght ; and in cycling, the hot weather causes the cancellation of two iconic cycle races

Carmen Lazar from the Assyrian Resource Centre spoke about the 2026 Census and highlighted the opportunity for community members to register as Census Field Officers. She explained that Field Officers will work door to door, assisting newly arrived members of the community to complete the Census form accurately and correctly.

Extreme heat forecast for Victoria, with warnings over fires burning out of control; Forensic testing is underway on a potential bomb, thrown into a crowd in Perth; and in sport, The Australian Olympic team has arrived in Milan for the Winter Games.

Rallies around the country, as debate rages over the date of Australia Day; a record snow storm plunges 20 US states into emergency, with 7 deaths recorded; and in cycling, Tour Down Under winner Jay Vine talks about the kangaroo crash that almost derailed the race...

The U-S President has attacked his European allies at the World Economic Forum in Davos [[DAV-oss]] for their ongoing refusal to let the United States takeover Greenland. His 70-minute speech also took broad aim at the continent for other things Donald Trump believes Europe is doing ‘wrong'. his remarks had been widely anticipated amid ongoing tensions over the Arctic Island.