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SYDNEY — The Australian government announced on Thursday a six-month ban on visitors holding Iranian passports, citing heightened risks that temporary visa holders may refuse or be unable to return home amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Department of Home Affairs said the ban applies to individuals seeking to enter Australia for tourism or work purposes, with some exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis, such as parents of Australian citizens. “The conflict in Iran has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unwilling to leave Australia when their visa expires,” the department said in a statement. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized that visitor visas issued prior to the conflict would likely not be approved now. “The decision to settle permanently in Australia should be made in a planned manner by the government, not a random consequence of who books a holiday,” he said. Australia is home to over 85,000 people born in Iran, with significant diaspora communities in Sydney and Melbourne. Tensions between the two countries escalated earlier this month when Australia granted asylum to seven members of an Iranian women’s soccer team visiting the country. The players were branded “traitors” in Iran after refusing to sing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match — a protest against the Islamic Republic. Five of the seven individuals later withdrew their asylum applications, amid concerns that their families may have faced pressure or threats from Iranian authorities.

Australia Bans Iranian Visitors Amid Middle East Conflict, Citing Visa Risks

SYDNEY — The Australian government announced on Thursday a six-month ban on visitors holding Iranian passports, citing heightened risks that temporary visa holders may refuse or be unable to return .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has expressed concern over the escalating security situation in southern Lebanon and rising regional tensions following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Lebanese counterpart, Nawaf Salam. During the call, Anwar extended Hari Raya Aidilfitri 1447H greetings while discussing the latest developments in Lebanon, particularly the worsening security and humanitarian conditions. He also conveyed Malaysia’s appreciation to the Lebanese Government for its continued support in ensuring the safety and welfare of Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) personnel serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), enabling them to carry out their duties effectively despite challenging circumstances. Anwar noted that Malaysia is advocating for the expansion of the current ceasefire to include Lebanon, highlighting the severe impact of the conflict, which has reportedly displaced about one million people and resulted in over 1,000 casualties. Reaffirming Malaysia’s stance, he stressed the country’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, strongly condemned attacks on public infrastructure, and called on all parties involved to de-escalate tensions and return to diplomatic dialogue. He also raised concerns over the increasingly urgent humanitarian situation in the region. The conversation concluded with Malaysia reiterating its commitment to continue working closely with Lebanon and international partners to help restore peace and stability in the region.

Malaysia Calls for Lebanon Ceasefire Expansion, Reaffirms Support in PM’s Call with Nawaf Salam

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has expressed concern over the escalating security situation in southern Lebanon and rising regional tensions following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim .... read more

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KUALA LUMPUR — Anwar Ibrahim held talks with Lawrence Wong on the escalating conflict in West Asia, expressing concern over its growing impact on the global economy and Southeast Asia. Both leaders supported the United Nations call for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to return to negotiations, emphasising that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. They also voiced concern over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure, warning of potential disruptions to global oil markets and regional energy security. Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peace, justice and stability in the region.

PM Anwar Ibrahim, Lawrence Wong Discuss West Asia Conflict, Urge Ceasefire

KUALA LUMPUR — PM Anwar Ibrahim held talks with PM of Singapore, Lawrence Wong on the escalating conflict in West Asia, expressing concern over its growing impact on the global .... read more

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KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia maintains its stance that all disputes in West Asia must be resolved through peaceful means to ease escalating tensions in the region, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said dialogue, diplomacy and close cooperation among nations remained the only way forward to de-escalate tensions and restore stability, in line with humanitarian imperatives and the principles of universal justice. Anwar said this in a Facebook post after holding telephone conversations with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, and the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan, today. “I expressed deep concern over the prolonged tensions and their implications for regional security and the well-being of the people, while also conveying condolences over the loss of lives and damage to property resulting from the retaliatory attacks,” he said. Apart from discussing regional security issues, Anwar said he and the two leaders also exchanged Aidilfitri greetings and expressed hope for the well-being, peace and prosperity of their respective nations. Regional tensions have continued to escalate since the United States (US) and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb 28. Tehran responded by launching drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states hosting US military assets, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage, in addition to disrupting global markets and the aviation sector.

Malaysia Calls For Peaceful Resolution To West Asia Conflict – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia maintains its stance that all disputes in West Asia must be resolved through peaceful means to ease escalating tensions in the region, says Prime Minister Datuk .... read more

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Hundreds of journalists at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will stage a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, marking the broadcaster’s first industrial action in two decades. The walkout comes after a majority of union members rejected a pay offer that falls below inflation, with workers also raising concerns over job security, working conditions and the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) to replace staff. The strike, set to begin at 11am local time, is expected to disrupt key programmes including the 7.30 current affairs show and breakfast broadcasts, while radio services such as Triple J and ABC Classic will have limited live content. ABC management said its proposed salary increase — totalling 10 percent over three years — is the maximum it can sustainably offer, but unions are demanding better pay, improved career progression and firm limits on AI use to protect jobs and editorial integrity. Mass rallies are planned in Sydney and Melbourne, as the dispute is set to be taken to the Fair Work Commission for resolution.

Journalists at Australian Broadcasting Corporation to Strike Over Pay, Conditions and AI Concerns

SYDNEY — Hundreds of journalists at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will stage a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, marking the broadcaster’s first industrial action in two decades. The walkout comes .... read more

TEHRAN: Iran continues to maintain its stance of fully controlling ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, only allowing ships deemed “non-hostile” to transit as long as they coordinate with Tehran authorities. This was stated in an official letter from Iran to member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the letter, Iran stressed that foreign ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz provided they comply with announced safety regulations and are not involved in any form of support for aggressive actions against the country. Iran added that ships linked to the United States, Israel or parties involved in the current conflict are not eligible for passage. Ship tracking data in recent days shows that Iran has allowed a small number of ships to transit through its territorial waters, including ships from China, India and Pakistan. This route is often used to allow Iranian authorities to verify the identity and purpose of ships before they are allowed to pass, according to maritime analysts. Due to the risk of attacks and tensions in the narrow waters near Oman, many commercial ships are now changing their routes to routes closer to the Iranian coast, including the area around Larak Island. The move gives Iran a monitoring advantage as well as strengthening its control over maritime traffic in the strategic route. The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz peaked after the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, causing shipping traffic to almost come to a standstill and affecting global oil supplies. The Strait of Hormuz previously handled around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With rising shipping costs and global oil prices, Iran is now trying to balance its economic interests while maintaining pressure on its perceived enemies. Free navigation access in the Strait of Hormuz is also one of the main points in the 15-point peace plan developed by the United States and sent to Iran via Pakistan. But so far, there is no sign that Tehran is willing to give up its strategic advantage without comprehensive security guarantees. Iran has said it will not relax control over the maritime route as long as the conflict continues, with several government sources insisting that pressure on the enemy will continue until there is a full ceasefire.

West Asia conflict: Iran insists on controlling the Strait of Hormuz, passage only for ‘non-enemy’ ships

TEHRAN: Iran continues to maintain its stance of fully controlling ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, only allowing ships deemed “non-hostile” .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia’s firm stance calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations amid escalating tensions in West Asia. In a phone conversation with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Anwar strongly condemned military actions against Iran and rejected unilateral measures that violate international law. He stressed the need to protect civilians and prioritise peaceful resolution through dialogue. Both leaders also discussed the broader impact of the conflict on global security and the economy, including rising fuel prices affecting New Zealand’s energy sector. Anwar welcomed Wellington’s efforts to enhance energy security and accelerate its transition to renewable energy. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Malaysia–New Zealand relations under the Strategic Partnership framework, particularly in trade, investment and energy cooperation, while pledging continued engagement to address shared global challenges.

Malaysia Reaffirms Ceasefire Call, Strengthens Ties with New Zealand

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia’s firm stance calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations amid escalating tensions in West Asia. In .... read more

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KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will continue to support Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts to ease the Iran-Israel conflict to ensure tensions are reduced and civilian lives are protected. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said such support for Jakarta’s initiative is expected to help open the door to meaningful negotiations towards a peaceful and lasting solution in West Asia. In a Facebook post, Anwar said the matter was among the issues discussed during his telephone conversation with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto yesterday. “We both called for peace, and I informed President Prabowo that Malaysia supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace and resolving the conflict,” he said. Apart from regional and international matters, Anwar said he and Prabowo also agreed to meet soon to further strengthen the already close bilateral relations between the two countries. “We agreed to arrange a meeting in the near future, including my proposal to visit Jakarta as part of efforts to enhance our close bilateral ties,” he said.

Malaysia Supports Indonesia’s Diplomatic Efforts To Ease Iran-Israel Conflict – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) — Malaysia will continue to support Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts to ease the Iran-Israel conflict to ensure tensions are reduced and civilian lives are protected. Prime .... read more

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Russia pulls out more personnel from Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant

Russia pulls out more personnel from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant

MOSCOW: Russia will continue the process of evacuating its personnel from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran, after a series of attacks near the sensitive facility raised security concerns. .... read more

Temporary Rule Change Expands NZ Fuel Supply Sources

The New Zealand Government has announced a temporary policy change aimed at strengthening the country’s fuel supply resilience, as global market conditions remain tight. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones said .... read more

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