The Australian government is urging citizens stranded in the Middle East to return home on commercial flights amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. US and Israeli forces have intensified air attacks on Iran, with Israel reporting over 400 targets hit in the past day alone. Heavy bombing has struck a major airport in Tehran, and residents report near constant explosions.
Nearly 100,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon as Israel continues to bombard southern Beirut, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. US President Donald Trump has demanded Iran's unconditional surrender, stating there will be no deal to end the war and that he wants a say in who becomes Iran's next leader.
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite says the federal government is organizing bus transfers from Doha to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia for those unable to secure flights. He encourages anyone with access to a commercial flight seat to take it immediately.
Meanwhile, in Australia's Northern Territory, the Katherine River is rising, with concerns it could exceed the 2006 flood level. Water levels may reach 19.2 meters by tonight, with further rain forecast. Substantial sections of Katherine's town centre have been inundated overnight, and residents in nearby remote communities face evacuation.
