Middle East tensions
Australians on sub that sank Iranian warship in Indian Ocean
Two Australian sailors were aboard the US nuclear-powered sub that sank an Iranian frigate, amid reports US-backed Kurdish rebels are ready for a ground assault against Iranian troops.
- Michael Koziol and Andrew Probyn
Latest
- Analysis
- Middle East at war
The Iran energy nightmare is becoming a reality
Energy analysts modelling a war involving Iran have long feared two developments. Now both are unfolding at once.
- The Economist
- Analysis
- Middle East at war
A seven-page proposal was on the table. Then Trump learnt a tantalising fact
For months before Saturday’s strike on Iran, politicians and analysts argued about the country’s nuclear capability. Trump cut through them.
- Michael Koziol
Melbourne drivers face petrol price pain as Iran crisis jolts oil markets
Severely restricted global supplies of crude oil could affect motorists should the conflict drag on in the Middle East.
- Nick Toscano and Mike Foley
- Opinion
- Middle East at war
Dire straits: The oil industry is facing its worst nightmare
The US-Israeli assault on Iran has brought into sharp focus a critical choke point for global shipping.
- Stephen Bartholomeusz
- Explainer
- USA
‘Arrogant powers’: How the era of the ayatollahs began
Iran’s leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in a strike by the US and Israel. Here’s how he and his predecessor came to power – and held on to it.
- Angus Holland
‘It’s a war’: US Democrats demand ‘immediate’ Congress vote on Iran strikes
Democrats have accused President Donald Trump of usurping the legislative branch’s power to declare war.
- Michael Koziol
- Analysis
- Middle East at war
Trump and Netanyahu have decided on war, putting their alliance above any other
The US president and the Israeli prime minister do not need any support from other nations to destroy Iranian military targets, but their decision highlights the rift between Western leaders over this use of overwhelming military force.
- David Crowe
- Analysis
- Middle East at war
In the most consequential moment of his presidency, Trump reveals his end game
Trump was never going to leave his second, final term without a definitive resolution to the Iranian question.
- Michael Koziol
- Analysis
- Middle East
Trump has six options that will decide the future of Iran
The US president has developed a taste for fast and decisive military action – but his options for taking on Iran are vastly more complicated and fraught with danger.
- Adrian Blomfield and Kieran Kelly