SBS Assyrian

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.

National Day of Mourning observed to honour victims of the Bondi terror attack; Water safety in the spotlight after four shark attacks in 48 hours; and in basketball, former N-B-L player A-J Ogilvy has publicly revealed he is gay.

Donald Trump says he has a price for Greenland, saying the US needs the territory; a national day of mourning begins, for victims of the Bondi terror attack; and in sailing, a major change for one of the oldest international sporting events in the world.

Dr Michelle Shamoell will join the Assyrian program as a regular contributor, providing informed reports and in-depth analysis on issues affecting the community. In this interview, we will take a closer look at her academic background, research and fieldwork experience, and the insights she has gained through her professional work. She will also share her broader perspective on the social, cultural, and academic dynamics shaping the Assyrian community in Australia today.

In this program; Interview with Dr Michell Shamoel about joining SBS Assyrian as a contributor: Feature about the European contries in regards to Greenland; feature about the recent shark attacks in Sydney.

Anthony Albanese hails anti-hate speech and gun reform; Jewish groups welcome anti-hate laws, urge stronger action on racial vilification; and in cycling, Watson wins Tour Down Under prologue as Vine stays in contention.

European leaders have condemned threats levelled by the United States to impose new tariffs on countries who don't cooperate with U-S ambitions to take over Greenland. U-S President Donald Trump has continued with his plans to acquire control of the Arctic island, prompting warnings about the future of NATO and transatlantic ties.

A man is in a critical condition after the third shark attack at a Sydney beach in less than 48 hours. It follows attacks on Monday and Sunday, in which an 11 -year-old boy's surfboard was bitten by a shark and a 12-year-old boy was critically injured and remains in hospital.

20 beaches closed across Sydney after three shark attacks in just over 24 hours; European nations prepare to meet over the US plan to take over Greenland ; and in tennis, Novak Djokovic makes history with his 100th Australian Open win.

Parliament recalled to debate legislation prompted by the Bondi terror attack ; the United States welcomes a ceasefire deal ending fighting in Syria ; and in tennis, US Open champion Emma Raducanu advances to the second round of the Australian Open.

A Jewish group urges changes and a delay to the government's hate speech reform. at least five people killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip. and in sport, Morocco reaches the African Cup Final

Dr Daniel Sada, a respected general practitioner within the Assyrian community, spoke to SBS about the importance of new migrants and first-time parents ensuring their children are immunised against common viruses and diseases in line with the Australian National Immunisation Program

The U-S evacuate personnel from a mideast base as Trump mulls over military strikes on Iran ; Calls for Tasmania to support tougher gun laws at the federal level ; and in sport, Australia's Daniel Sanders ignores broken bones to battle on in the Dakar Rally.

The U-S evacuated personnel from a mideast base as Trump mulls over military strikes on Iran; calls for Tasmania to support tougher gun laws at the federal level ; and in sport, * Australia's Daniel Sanders ignores broken bones to battle on in the Dakar Rally.

In this program, the latest news, an interview with Homer Abramian about the situation in Iran, Dr Daniel Sada talks about children's immunisation and in Australia explained, How to cater for your dietary restrictions

Before the Islamic Revolution, Iran was steadily progressing toward becoming a modern, advanced nation under the Shah's development plans and was regarded as a major regional power. Historian and writer Homer Abramian explains how the policies and missteps of the Islamic regime reversed these gains, leading to Iran's economic decline and loss of regional influence. Homer also talks about his relationship with Prince Reza Bahlavi and his mother Queen Farah Bahlavi.

Kevin Rudd's resignation as US ambassador not related to run-ins with Donald Trump, the PM says; The Security Council holds an emergency session on civilian needs in Ukraine; and in sport, Cricketer Alyssa Healey speaks on her retirement.

Iranian state TV acknowledges "a lot of martyrs" after the U-N condemned the deaths from its crackdown on protests; Residents return to parts of Victoria ravaged in week-long bushfires; and in sport, Adelaide United denies allegations of homophobic treatment from Josh Cavallo.

The death toll rises in Iran as protests enter a third week ; One person confirmed dead in Victoria's bushfires ;and in tennis, a first-ever United Cup title for Poland.

Fire authorities warn Victoria set to endure extreme fire conditions amid an ongoing heatwave; The U-S says it's actively discussing buying Greenland; and in sport, Australia within sight of 4-1 Ashes series victory as the Sydney Test enters its final day.

In this program: Homer Abramian talking about the political situation in Iran; The global events that shaped the world in 2025; and, in Australia explained, your guide to camping in Australia.

Fire warnings issued as heatwave set to bring Black Summer–level conditions; Venezuela says death toll from U-S operation has risen to at least 56... and in motorsports, Australian Daniel Sanders retains overall lead in Dakar Rally motorcycle category.

Homer Abramian, is an expert on Iranian history and culture. He analyses the country's demographics and the factors behind the uprising, dismissing concerns about national disintegration or the fragmentation of its ethnic communities.

The former Venezuelan President pleads not guilty to so-called 'narco-terrorism' charges; Alleged Bondi shooter moved to Goulburn supermax prison; and in tennis, Novak Djokovic withdraws from next week's Adelaide International.

From the war in Gaza to the conflict in Ukraine, from Gen Z–led demonstrations around the world to US-imposed tariffs on imported goods and from the war in Sudan to the election of Pope Leo XIV, these events defined the global news landscape in 2025.

Venezuelan exiles are hopeful after President Maduro's removal by the U.S.; leaders of Denmark and Greenland tell President Trump to stop the annexation threats; and in sports, Novak Djokovic walks away from the Professional Tennis Players' Association he co-founded.

In this year-end feature, we look back at major events including the Australian Federal Election, Australia's bid to host COP30, the tariff imposed on Australia by Donald Trump, the Pacific Nations Conference, the introduction of social media bans for children under 16, and many more significant developments.

Major platforms face millions in fines as Australia enforces social media ban; Israel's parliament takes a step toward ratifying a U-S proposed peace plan for Gaza; and in cricket, Pat Cummins could return to the Ashes for the second test this afternoon...

In this program, Oliver Slewa discusses the International Day of People with Disability, Homer Abramian explains how the Assyrian civilisation was first uncovered in 1842, and experts in Australia talk about how parents should approach the upcoming social media ban for children under 16.

The White House in lockdown after two National Guard soldiers shot dead; Revelations about Russia's input in the U-S brokered plan to end war in Ukraine; and in golf, Min Woo Lee in a strong position to compete at the Australian PGA Championship this weekend.

The death toll from deadly storms in Asia surpass 1,300; Call for answers as investigation announced into the deadly fire in Hong Kong; and in cricket, Usman Khawaja ruled out of the second Ashes Test.

This is part of a lecture presented by historian Homer Abramian explainining on how, for the first time in recorded history, excavators such as Émile Botta and Austen Henry Layard uncovered the ruins of the Assyrian Empire in the mid-1800s. Their discoveries eventually led to the decipherment of cuneiform, opening the door for the world to learn about the ancient Assyrians.

The International Day of People with Disability, observed each year on December 3, is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and celebrating the achievements of people with disabilities. Oliver Slewa explains the significance of this important event.

13 people arrested in Hong Kong over apartment fires; The federal government releases a national AI plan, and in sport, Usman Khawaja's fitness for the second Ashes Test in doubt.

Calls to tackle vaccine hesitancy amid falling immunisation rates in Australia; Australian funding for Pacific countries to tackle rising HIV rates welcomed; and in Formula One, Oscar Piastri's reaction after a costly setback at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Suite of environment reforms to pass through parliament; a woman dead and a man in hospital after a shark attack on a remote New South Wales beach; and in sport, The Olympic torch has been lit in ancient Olympia.

In this program, Australia Explained: The Codes of Dressing, NACA features about the G20 summit end. the controversy about the BOM's expensive new website. SBS learn English episode #99, Saying no to Alcohol.

Ukraine's President seeks a meeting with Donald Trump; Monthly inflation data in Australia to be released for the first time; and in cricket, Australia to face Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup group.

The criminal cases against two prominent Donald Trump critics dismissed; Power outages after storms and hail in southeast Queensland; and in golf, Min Woo Lee says he is mentally and physically prepared to play his best at the Australian PGA Championship.

The Bureau of Meteorology's (BoM) controversial website redesign carries a staggering 96 million dollar price tag. The cost blowout has drawn sharp criticism from both government ministers and the opposition. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt has expressed deep concern over the massive expenditure, while Nationals Leader David Littleproud warns the public that the exorbitant cost will further erode trust in the agency.

World leaders have hailed the first G20 summit in Africa as a victory for multilateralism, even as they addressed challenges of climate change, inequality and war, against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical rivalries. The notable absence of President Donald Trump has raised questions the role of the United States, in a changing world order

The federal government defends the COP31 hosting arrangement; Opposition leader Sussan Ley [[Susan Lee]] under pressure; and in sport, in Formula One, Oscar Piastri has reacted to his disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The Prime Minister in South Africa for G20 as Penny Wong arrives in India for bilateral talks; The UN Security Council endorses Trump's peace plan for Gaza; and in sport, a football tournament to spread hope in Gaza.