US-Israel Iran war updates: Australia slammed as ‘absent’ from Hormuz pact as Virgin Australia sets fare hike

The Strait of Hormuz carries about a quarter of the world’s oil supply, with Asian nations already feeling the pressure as disruptions ripple through the region.

Several governments have introduced measures to cut energy use.

In the Philippines, workers are required to work from home at least one day a week, while Thailand has encouraged lighter, casual office wear to reduce reliance on air conditioning.

Vietnam is urging citizens to work remotely where possible, and Sri Lanka has gone further introducing a weekly public holiday, effectively creating a four-day work week.

An Iranian football star has been dropped from the national squad after a social media post sparked backlash, Reuters reports.

The player is accused of showing disloyalty to the regime after sharing and later deleting An Instagram post featuring Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

In the caption, he described the meeting as an “honour” with one of the world’s most successful leaders.

The reported fallout comes amid rising tensions between Iran and neighbouring Gulf states following recent US and Israeli military action.

The decision is expected to rule him out of the upcoming World Cup.

The Coalition has taken a swipe at the Albanese Government, accusing it of being “glaringly absent” from a multi-nation statement pledging to get shipping moving in the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong told US counterpart Marco Rubio that Australia would continue “diplomatic efforts” to ensure continued fuel and diesel shipments after the Albanese Government failed to sign a joint letter pledging to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada jointly signed the Thursday statement in which the US allies expressed “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through” the integral strait.

“We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning,” the statement read.

Australia, however, was not a signatory of the statement.

Shaodw defence minister James Paterson told The Australian that the Federal Government had been ‘glaringly absent’ on the pact.

“With petrol and diesel prices at record highs and experts warning of potential shortages of other critical goods like fertilisers and petro-chemicals, Australia’s national interest is clear.

“We call on the Albanese Government to urgently provide clarity on Australia’s position and engagement with our international partners in response to these developments.”

Hundreds of air raid sirens have reportedly sounded across northern Israel, warning residents to take shelter as fresh missile threats emerge - according to Al Jazeera.

Officials believe further launches are incoming from Iran, with alerts triggered across multiple areas amid the escalating conflict.

US allies have decleared they are ready to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, urging Iran to immeditaely stop threats, attacks and any attempts to disrupt shipping.

Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada said Iran’s actions posed a threat to global security and called for a halt on attacks to civillian infrastructure, including oil and gas sites.

Their support comes after US President Donald Trump critisised NATO allies for not supporting efforts to protect the key waterway.

It remains unclear what any support would involve, with Italy’s Defense Minister stressing it would not be a “war mission.”

A Queensland man has been charged after shocking footage emerged of him allegedly ramming a bus carrying the Iranian women’s soccer team.

The alleged incident took place on March 10 as the women’s team made their way to the Gold Coast Airport following the Asian Women’s Cup.

Vision from the scene shared by Iranian state television shows a gold ute adorned with both an Australian flag as well as an Iranian Sun and Lion flag erratically driving beside the team’s bus before colliding with it.

Queensland Police have confirmed to The Nightly that the driver has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle and one count of evasion.

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Australia’s resources sector is alarmed at reports the Prime Minister’s department is quietly exploring options for a new gas export levy and further reforms to the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT).

The proposals would capture “windfall profits” from Australian gas giants who are profiting off the global supply crunch prompted by the suspension of Middle East gas shipments due to the US-Israel-Iran war.

“Energy producers should not benefit from high international prices at the expense of domestic customers,” a leaked document published by the ABC stated.

A windfall tax on exported gas profits has long been called for by unions, economists, Greens and crossbenchers but has been vehemently opposed by the sector.

The Ministry of Defence have reported that they have intercepted and destroyed 20 drones sent from Iran overnight.

It comes after a drone hit an oil refinery on the Red Sea on Thursday as well as causing multiple fires in Kuwait.

According to data released on the defense website, there have been 503 drone strikes aimed at Saudi Arabia since February 28.

The Human Rights Activists New Agency (HRANA) has reported 3,186 people have been killed since war erupted on February 28.

Of those, 1,394 are believed to be civillians - including at least 210 children - while 1,153 have been classified as military personnel.

A further 639 deaths have not yet been determined.

Virgin Australia says it will increase airfares as rising fuel prices and broader industry costs put pressure on the airline.

A spokesperson said the situation in the Middle East has significantly driven up fuel costs, forcing the airline to make “necessary fare adjustments”.

Fuel prices have roughly doubled in the past month, with aviation fuel now one of the airlines biggest expenses.

The airline told The West Australian that cost pressures across the board are continuing to rise above inflation.

“Costs across the aviation sector continue to rise, now significantly exacerbated by the situation in the Middle East. We are making necessary fare adjustments to reflect these cost pressures.”

Despite the increases, Virgin says it remains committed to keeping fares as affordable as possible while responding to a volatile operating enviroment.