US-Iran war live updates: Khamenei declares victory over US, Israel; Netanyahu to hold talks with Lebanon; Australia could help reopen Strait of Hormuz
by Daniel Lo Surdo, Sarah McPhee · WAtodayPinned post from 2.41am
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What you need to know
By Daniel Lo Surdo
Thank you for joining our continuing live coverage.
Here’s a recap of the latest developments:
- Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has claimed Iran as the “definitive victors” in the war against the US and Israel in a statement read on Iranian state TV. Khamenei, who hasn’t been seen or heard in public since replacing his father, made the remarks as Donald Trump accused Iran of failing to honour the tentative ceasefire agreement struck with the US. Trump remains “optimistic” about a peace deal, and has urged Israel to scale down its attacks on Lebanon.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorised direct ceasefire negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible” in response to repeated requests, focused on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon. However, he confirmed there was “no [present] ceasefire”, and Israel would continue striking Hezbollah with “full force”. Talks are expected to begin next week at the State Department in Washington.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Singapore to meet with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, where he is expected to push for the bolstering of Australia’s fuel supplies. Albanese will tour Singapore’s refining facilities before talks with Wong, in which he hopes to extend fuel stocks to June. Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has indicated Australia could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as it liaises with European partners about a potential contribution.
- Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation to peace talks with Iranian officials in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on Saturday. European leaders have insisted Lebanon be included in the two-week ceasefire deal, after Israel launched record strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, killing hundreds.