Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Iran briefing with Matthew Doran: Iran sets 24-hour deadline on threat of strikes against US tech companies.

Extract from ABC News

A satellite image of a data center in the desert.

Attacks on US-owned data centres in the region could disrupt services around the world. (Google, Airbus)

Family of Zomi Frankcom still waiting for answers two years after death at hands of IDF.

Extract from ABC News

A woman in a cap and T-shirt near a group of children standing in front of a wall.

Zomi Frankom was killed by an IDF strike two years ago. (Facebook)

In short:

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 1, marks two years since Australian woman Zomi Frankcom was killed, along with other aid workers, in an IDF strike in Gaza.

Her family is still waiting for a personal apology and compensation from the Israeli government, as well as the results of an investigation by the Israeli Military Advocate General.

What's next?

Israel's ambassador to Australia said during a National Press Club address today that he would "check" on the progress of the investigation.

Donald Trump slams 'very unhelpful' France, UK as tensions with allies intensify over Iran war.

Extract from ABC News

Donald Trump wearing a blue suit and tie gesturing with his right hand while standing at a US presidential lectern

Donald Trump told allies that were concerned about fuel shortages to "go get your own oil". (Reuters: Kevin Lamarque, file)

In short:

US President Donald Trump has told America's allies the "US won't be there to help you anymore" as he again criticised European nations for their refusal to provide more military support for the Iran war.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the coming days will be "decisive" and Iran should "cut a deal" with the US.

But Iran's Revolutionary Guard has threatened to target US tech companies in the region, telling their employees to stay home to save their lives.

Israeli death penalty law discriminatory and may constitute 'war crime', says UN.

 Extract from ABC News

Crowds of people clamouring around a bus waving.

Under the new law, Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks classified as "terrorism" will face the death penalty as a default sentence. (AP: Jehad Alshrafi)

In short: 

Senior UN figures have sharply criticised the Israeli parliament for a "cruel and discriminatory" death penalty bill. 

UN rights chief Volker Turk warned that the law was "patently inconsistent with Israel's international law obligations" and, if applied in the occupied Palestinian territory, it could constitute a war crime. 

He urged the Knesset to repeal the legislation. 

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Insiders profit as Iran war pressure points build on global economy.

Extract from ABC News

Analysis

By Ian Verrender

A satellite view in colour of the Strait of Hormuz.

More than a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies remain trapped in the Persian Gulf. (Supplied: Sentinel Hub)

What you need to know about Iran today, with Matthew Doran.

Extract from ABC News

An aerial image of an industrial plant and terminals that reach out into the Persian Gulf.

Kharg Island is among the sites threatened by Donald Trump.  (Reuters: Planet Labs PBC)