Australia grapples with escalating tensions surrounding Iran, including the expulsion of its ambassador following directed anti-Semitic attacks, navigating its complex relationship between Iran and Israel, and deepening defense ties with the US amid strategic uncertainties.

• Between Iran and Israel, Australia is caught in a vice. Albanese must tread carefully — Crikey -
• Aussie Iranian community under attack after expulsion — Michael West -
• Australia ‘had to act’ on Iran’s hand in Jewish attacks — Michael West -

• Iranian ambassador on the way out after shock expulsion — Michael West -
• Australian minister comes face-to-face with JD Vance — Michael West -
• Too little, too late. Iran guard first declared terrorists in 2023 — Michael West -

Hopes for further Reserve Bank interest rate cuts are diminishing after an unexpected inflation spike driven by surging power bills, though some anticipate these "quirks" may not deter future rate adjustments.

• Inflation ‘quirks’ unlikely to spook Reserve Bank board — Michael West -
• Rate cut hopes dim as power bill shock sparks inflation — Michael West -
• Unexpected inflation spike dampens rate cut hopes — Michael West -

Qantas celebrates soaring profits and a major jet order while also facing a significant fine and union disputes, as Woolworths experiences a significant share drop and market share loss to Coles, and Flight Centre anticipates continued travel market turbulence.

• Qantas orders another 20 jets as profit takes off — Michael West -
• Workers, union line up for share of $90m Qantas fine — Michael West -
• Shoppers check out of Woolies as Coles registers gains — Michael West -

• Flight Centre expects travel turbulence to continue — Michael West -
• Not so great value: Woolworths disappoints, shares drop — Michael West -

Politicians face accusations of inflaming public fears over crime rates amid ongoing manhunts for police killers and critical skill shortages for the energy transition, alongside a high-stakes whistleblower sentencing and controversies in local governance and health safety.

• Politicians accused of inflaming fears over crime rates — Michael West -
• Tradie trouble: Australia lags in energy upskilling job — Michael West -
• State mourns as manhunt continues for cop killer — Michael West -

• Jail risk as judge rules on tax office whistleblower — Michael West -
• Coroner confirms sedation risks in circumcision death of WA toddler — Independent Australia -
• Tom Tate cancels democracy to avoid Cableway questions — Independent Australia -

Asian stock markets remain steady as investors watch US Federal Reserve independence closely, while President Trump's doubled tariffs on Indian goods have officially come into effect, escalating global trade tensions.

• Trump’s double down on Indian tariffs takes effect — Michael West -
• Asia stocks steady, investors wary on Fed independence — Michael West -