Stephanie Hunt

Newsgathering Editor @skynewsaust Via Al Jaz, BBC, Seven Network, Storyful.

[U.S. Central Command @CENTCOM]

At the direction of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway.

[Stephanie Hunt @StephanieJHunt]

@TransportforNSW Hi @TransportforNSW - so strange - any reason why the 4.50pm all-stop Central to Hornsby train didn’t stop at Cheltenham, Beecroft, Pennant Hills, Thornleigh and Normanhurst tonight?

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar @MofaQatar_EN]

Qatar Declares Iranian Embassy Military, Security Attaches "Persona Non Grata"

Doha | March 18, 2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered an official note to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State, stating that Qatar considers both the military attache and the security attache at the embassy, in addition to the staff of the two attache offices "persona non grata", and requests that they leave the country within a maximum period of (24) hours.

This came during a meeting held Wednesday between HE Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro, and HE Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State Ali Salehabadi.

The ministry explained that this decision comes in response to repeated Iranian targeting and the blatant aggression against the State of Qatar, which violated its sovereignty and security, in a flagrant breach of the principles of international law, United Nations Security Council Resolution No. (2817), and the principles of good neighborliness.

The ministry stressed that the continuation of this hostile approach by the Iranian side will be met with additional measures by the State of Qatar, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security, and national interests.

The ministry affirmed that the State of Qatar reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, in accordance with the provisions of international law.

#MOFAQatar

[Emirates Support @EmiratesSupport]

Emirates resumes operations

Emirates will resume operations. Passengers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights may proceed to the airport. This includes customers transiting in Dubai, if their connecting flight is also operating.

Customers can check the flight schedule for upcoming flights, as well as book seats to travel via https://t.co/K4Fcp37GYR.

Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.

We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised.

[Tracey Holmes @TraceyLeeHolmes]

Just like the men’s team at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the women’s team from Iran are singing the national anthem ‘under instruction’ for game two, after refusing to sing in game one; not just singing, but saluting.
#AFC #football #woso #Iran #Matildas

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

Qatar’s Defence Ministry says its air defence systems are intercepting a missile attack.

🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/gwDpX0wdOj

[ZaidBenjamin زيد بنيامين @ZaidBenjamin5]

فيديو جديد للتعامل مع قائدة طائرة نزلت بالمظلة في #الحهراء في #الكويت صباح اليوم بعد سقوط طائرتها "انتِ في أمان".

[Anthony Albanese @AlboMP]

Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.

For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation.

Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024. These appalling acts targeting Australia’s Jewish community were intended to create fear, divide our society and challenge our sovereignty. In response, Australia took the unprecedented steps of expelling Iran’s Ambassador, suspending operations at our embassy in Tehran, and listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Our Government has sanctioned more than 200 Iranian-linked individuals, including more than 100 linked to the IRGC.

With international partners, including the United States and the G7, we have called for the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens.

These calls have gone unheeded. Instead, the regime has instigated a brutal crackdown on its own people leaving thousands of Iranian civilians dead. A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy.

It has long been recognised that Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to global peace and security. The international community has been clear that the Iranian regime can never beallowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The United Nations Security Council has reimposed sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the International Atomic Energy Agency Board has formally declared Iran in non-compliance with its non-proliferation safeguards obligations.

We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security.

Australian officials are closely monitoring this evolving situation. We continue
to advise Australians do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited.

Given our concerns around security in the region, we have also upgraded Australia’s travel advice for Israel and Lebanon to Do Not Travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.

Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or [phone] from outside Australia.

[Flightradar24 @flightradar24]

Doha and Bahrain airspace have also been closed.

[Anthony Albanese @AlboMP]

The arrest of a WA man over an alleged racially-motivated terrorist plot is deeply shocking.

I have been briefed on this case by AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett. I thank the WA police for their swift action to keep the community safe.

Allegations the man was planning to target the Muslim community through attacks on mosques - as well as attacks on the WA police and parliament - are particularly distressing. He should face the full force of the law.

Australians have a right to safety. There is no place in our country for any kind of racially or religiously-motivated prejudice or hate.

As I’ve said many times we need to take the temperature down. Political leaders have a particular responsibility not to fan the flames of bigotry.

[Reuters @Reuters]

King Charles' brother Andrew left a UK police station, according to a Reuters witness, following an earlier arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office https://t.co/Oc4TtBMxDf

[Chris Minns @ChrisMinnsMP]

Ahmed is a real-life hero. Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk.

It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW.

[Governor Patrick Morrisey @wvgovernor]

We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.

Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.

[Stephanie Hunt @StephanieJHunt]

@VRArescue Hi there - great work! Do you know if Moonbi Ranges are open yet to traffic? Thanks.

[Stephanie Hunt @StephanieJHunt]

@T9SydneyTrains Hi there. How is travel from Pennant Hills to Epping looking this morning?

[Bret Baier @BretBaier]

President @ZelenskyyUa thanks the US and Americans for their support of Ukraine + his response to President Trump saying he disrespected him and the Vice President and whether he owes an apology to President Trump-- #SpecialReport

[Stephanie Hunt @StephanieJHunt]

@KateNicDho @Mark_Coughlan @RTE_PrimeTime @HeadlineIreland Important reporting. Well done @KateNicDho

[Celine Dion @celinedion]

I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities! Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance. All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you! - Celine xx…

Photo: Laura Gilli

[News24 Australia @News24Aust]

The Palmerston Highway, an essential route for trucks to transport produce out of North Queensland’s fruit bowl, has caved in from unprecedented flooding and farmers could be financially crippled by its closure.

https://t.co/NBKWMbIASv