PM confirms meeting with Donald Trump for tariff talks
The prime minister is to come face-to-face with Donald Trump for the first time.
After weeks of speculation, Anthony Albanese confirmed he had scheduled talks with the US president on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on Tuesday local time.
The pressure will be on for Mr Albanese to try negotiate an exemption from controversial US tariffs as Mr Trump stares down domestic protests and unrest in the Middle East.
But the prime minister remained unperturbed.
"We do have a meeting scheduled," he told reporters in Seattle on Saturday local time.
"Obviously, there are issues that the US president is dealing with at the moment, but I expect that we will be able to have a constructive engagement.
"We'll have a discussion as two friends should."
Mr Albanese said he would raise tariffs and emphasise the importance of AUKUS, Australia's nuclear-powered submarine arrangement with the US and UK.
Both men have already spoken on three occasions but Tuesday's arrangement is the first time they will meet in person.
Australia currently faces 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like all US trading partners except the UK - has been hit with 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America.
Critical minerals and US beef imports could be used as bargaining chips in tariff talks.
Mr Albanese did not want to make "grand declarations" prior to the meeting, but maintained he would put forward Australia's interests.
"It is also in the interests of the United States for Australia to be treated appropriately," he said.
Tensions between two countries have ebbed and flowed in recent days after Australia, alongside several other countries, was criticised by the US for sanctioning two top Israeli government ministers.
Meanwhile the US has called on Australia to increase its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP and launched a review into the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with its "America first" agenda.
The prime minister arrived in Seattle after holding bilateral talks in Fiji, and is expected to depart for the G7 on Sunday local time.
Tariffs have also loomed over Mr Albanese's Seattle trip as he prepares to sing the praises of "free and fair trade" to US business leaders.
"Free and fair trade has transformed the economies of our region," the prime minister will say in remarks to the Technology and Business Reception on Saturday.
"We should not lose sight of the profound opportunities that can be realised by closer and deeper co-operation - the businesses in this room are proof of that.
"In a time of global uncertainty, all of you represent cause for optimism."
Mr Albanese also visited the Amazon corporate headquarters in Seattle to highlight the company's $20 billion dollar commitment to expanding, operating and maintaining Australian data centres.
The global tech giant also announced it would invest in three new solar farms in Victoria and Queensland to help support its infrastructure growth.
Though Australia is not a member of the G7, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney invited Mr Albanese to attend.
The summit is often used to discuss solutions to major global issues like trade, security, economics and climate change, and in a year largely defined by trade tariffs, the topic is expected to take the spotlight.
Throughout the multi-day event, the prime minister is also expected to hold talks with Mr Carney, UK prime minister Keir Starmer and other world leaders.
The prime minister is to come face-to-face with Donald Trump for the first time.
After weeks of speculation, Anthony Albanese confirmed he had scheduled talks with the US president on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on Tuesday local time.
The pressure will be on for Mr Albanese to try negotiate an exemption from controversial US tariffs as Mr Trump stares down domestic protests and unrest in the Middle East.
But the prime minister remained unperturbed.
"We do have a meeting scheduled," he told reporters in Seattle on Saturday local time.
"Obviously, there are issues that the US president is dealing with at the moment, but I expect that we will be able to have a constructive engagement.
"We'll have a discussion as two friends should."
Mr Albanese said he would raise tariffs and emphasise the importance of AUKUS, Australia's nuclear-powered submarine arrangement with the US and UK.
Both men have already spoken on three occasions but Tuesday's arrangement is the first time they will meet in person.
Australia currently faces 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like all US trading partners except the UK - has been hit with 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America.
Critical minerals and US beef imports could be used as bargaining chips in tariff talks.
Mr Albanese did not want to make "grand declarations" prior to the meeting, but maintained he would put forward Australia's interests.
"It is also in the interests of the United States for Australia to be treated appropriately," he said.
Tensions between two countries have ebbed and flowed in recent days after Australia, alongside several other countries, was criticised by the US for sanctioning two top Israeli government ministers.
Meanwhile the US has called on Australia to increase its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP and launched a review into the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with its "America first" agenda.
The prime minister arrived in Seattle after holding bilateral talks in Fiji, and is expected to depart for the G7 on Sunday local time.
Tariffs have also loomed over Mr Albanese's Seattle trip as he prepares to sing the praises of "free and fair trade" to US business leaders.
"Free and fair trade has transformed the economies of our region," the prime minister will say in remarks to the Technology and Business Reception on Saturday.
"We should not lose sight of the profound opportunities that can be realised by closer and deeper co-operation - the businesses in this room are proof of that.
"In a time of global uncertainty, all of you represent cause for optimism."
Mr Albanese also visited the Amazon corporate headquarters in Seattle to highlight the company's $20 billion dollar commitment to expanding, operating and maintaining Australian data centres.
The global tech giant also announced it would invest in three new solar farms in Victoria and Queensland to help support its infrastructure growth.
Though Australia is not a member of the G7, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney invited Mr Albanese to attend.
The summit is often used to discuss solutions to major global issues like trade, security, economics and climate change, and in a year largely defined by trade tariffs, the topic is expected to take the spotlight.
Throughout the multi-day event, the prime minister is also expected to hold talks with Mr Carney, UK prime minister Keir Starmer and other world leaders.
The prime minister is to come face-to-face with Donald Trump for the first time.
After weeks of speculation, Anthony Albanese confirmed he had scheduled talks with the US president on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on Tuesday local time.
The pressure will be on for Mr Albanese to try negotiate an exemption from controversial US tariffs as Mr Trump stares down domestic protests and unrest in the Middle East.
But the prime minister remained unperturbed.
"We do have a meeting scheduled," he told reporters in Seattle on Saturday local time.
"Obviously, there are issues that the US president is dealing with at the moment, but I expect that we will be able to have a constructive engagement.
"We'll have a discussion as two friends should."
Mr Albanese said he would raise tariffs and emphasise the importance of AUKUS, Australia's nuclear-powered submarine arrangement with the US and UK.
Both men have already spoken on three occasions but Tuesday's arrangement is the first time they will meet in person.
Australia currently faces 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like all US trading partners except the UK - has been hit with 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America.
Critical minerals and US beef imports could be used as bargaining chips in tariff talks.
Mr Albanese did not want to make "grand declarations" prior to the meeting, but maintained he would put forward Australia's interests.
"It is also in the interests of the United States for Australia to be treated appropriately," he said.
Tensions between two countries have ebbed and flowed in recent days after Australia, alongside several other countries, was criticised by the US for sanctioning two top Israeli government ministers.
Meanwhile the US has called on Australia to increase its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP and launched a review into the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with its "America first" agenda.
The prime minister arrived in Seattle after holding bilateral talks in Fiji, and is expected to depart for the G7 on Sunday local time.
Tariffs have also loomed over Mr Albanese's Seattle trip as he prepares to sing the praises of "free and fair trade" to US business leaders.
"Free and fair trade has transformed the economies of our region," the prime minister will say in remarks to the Technology and Business Reception on Saturday.
"We should not lose sight of the profound opportunities that can be realised by closer and deeper co-operation - the businesses in this room are proof of that.
"In a time of global uncertainty, all of you represent cause for optimism."
Mr Albanese also visited the Amazon corporate headquarters in Seattle to highlight the company's $20 billion dollar commitment to expanding, operating and maintaining Australian data centres.
The global tech giant also announced it would invest in three new solar farms in Victoria and Queensland to help support its infrastructure growth.
Though Australia is not a member of the G7, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney invited Mr Albanese to attend.
The summit is often used to discuss solutions to major global issues like trade, security, economics and climate change, and in a year largely defined by trade tariffs, the topic is expected to take the spotlight.
Throughout the multi-day event, the prime minister is also expected to hold talks with Mr Carney, UK prime minister Keir Starmer and other world leaders.
The prime minister is to come face-to-face with Donald Trump for the first time.
After weeks of speculation, Anthony Albanese confirmed he had scheduled talks with the US president on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on Tuesday local time.
The pressure will be on for Mr Albanese to try negotiate an exemption from controversial US tariffs as Mr Trump stares down domestic protests and unrest in the Middle East.
But the prime minister remained unperturbed.
"We do have a meeting scheduled," he told reporters in Seattle on Saturday local time.
"Obviously, there are issues that the US president is dealing with at the moment, but I expect that we will be able to have a constructive engagement.
"We'll have a discussion as two friends should."
Mr Albanese said he would raise tariffs and emphasise the importance of AUKUS, Australia's nuclear-powered submarine arrangement with the US and UK.
Both men have already spoken on three occasions but Tuesday's arrangement is the first time they will meet in person.
Australia currently faces 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like all US trading partners except the UK - has been hit with 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America.
Critical minerals and US beef imports could be used as bargaining chips in tariff talks.
Mr Albanese did not want to make "grand declarations" prior to the meeting, but maintained he would put forward Australia's interests.
"It is also in the interests of the United States for Australia to be treated appropriately," he said.
Tensions between two countries have ebbed and flowed in recent days after Australia, alongside several other countries, was criticised by the US for sanctioning two top Israeli government ministers.
Meanwhile the US has called on Australia to increase its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP and launched a review into the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with its "America first" agenda.
The prime minister arrived in Seattle after holding bilateral talks in Fiji, and is expected to depart for the G7 on Sunday local time.
Tariffs have also loomed over Mr Albanese's Seattle trip as he prepares to sing the praises of "free and fair trade" to US business leaders.
"Free and fair trade has transformed the economies of our region," the prime minister will say in remarks to the Technology and Business Reception on Saturday.
"We should not lose sight of the profound opportunities that can be realised by closer and deeper co-operation - the businesses in this room are proof of that.
"In a time of global uncertainty, all of you represent cause for optimism."
Mr Albanese also visited the Amazon corporate headquarters in Seattle to highlight the company's $20 billion dollar commitment to expanding, operating and maintaining Australian data centres.
The global tech giant also announced it would invest in three new solar farms in Victoria and Queensland to help support its infrastructure growth.
Though Australia is not a member of the G7, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney invited Mr Albanese to attend.
The summit is often used to discuss solutions to major global issues like trade, security, economics and climate change, and in a year largely defined by trade tariffs, the topic is expected to take the spotlight.
Throughout the multi-day event, the prime minister is also expected to hold talks with Mr Carney, UK prime minister Keir Starmer and other world leaders.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
41 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Israel, Iran bombard each other as Trump flags easy end
Israel and Iran have launched fresh attacks on each other as US President Donald Trump says the conflict could be easily ended and warns Tehran not to strike any US targets. Israeli rescue teams and sniffer dogs combed the rubble of residential buildings destroyed in overnight strikes looking for survivors after at least 10 people, including children, were killed, authorities said. Iran said at least 138 people had been killed in Israel's onslaught since Friday including 60 on Saturday - half of them children - when a missile brought down a 14-storey apartment block in Tehran. The Israeli military warned Iranians living near weapons facilities to evacuate on Sunday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump said Israel's attacks would intensify. An official said Israel had a long list of targets in Iran and declined to say how long the offensive would continue. Sites attacked on Saturday evening included two "dual-use" fuel sites that supported military and nuclear operations, he said. Trump, who has lauded Israel's offensive and denied Iranian claims the US has taken part, warned Tehran not to widen its retaliation to include US interests. "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," he said on Truth Social. "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict." The US had been negotiating with Iran to secure a commitment to severely restrict its nuclear program, which Iran says is civilian but Israel sees as an existential threat because of its weapons potential. Trump gave no details of any possible deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Israel's attacks had been aimed at sabotaging those talks, which were due to resume in Oman on Sunday before being cancelled. He said the offensive had the support of the US and Iran was acting in self-defence. Israel, which has not signed the global nuclear non-proliferation treaty and is thought to possess nuclear weapons, wants to stop Iran from developing atomic weapons and eliminate its ballistic missile capability. The International Atomic Energy Agency on Thursday declared Iran in breach of its obligations under the treaty. Iran said Israel had attacked the Shahran oil depot in the capital but the situation was under control. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said Israel attacked an oil refinery near the capital on Sunday, and Iran's defence ministry was damaged. It also reported the arrest of two people accused of belonging to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency in Alborz province. The latest wave of Iranian attacks on Israel began late on Saturday night, when air raid sirens sent some one million people into bomb shelters in Jerusalem and Haifa. Residents in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were told to shelter early on Sunday amid another incoming missile barrage. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control most of Yemen, said they had launched ballistic missiles towards Jaffa near Tel Aviv, the first time an ally of Iran has reportedly joined the fray. Conflict in the Middle East has decimated Tehran's strongest regional proxies - the Hamas militia in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon - reducing its options for retaliation. Israeli authorities said at least 10 people were killed in overnight missile strikes in northern and central Israel, including three children. At least six people were killed by an Iranian missile that hit a cluster of residential buildings in the town of Bat Yam. In the Arab town of Tamra in northern Israel, four women were killed, including a mother and her two daughters. Israel and Iran have launched fresh attacks on each other as US President Donald Trump says the conflict could be easily ended and warns Tehran not to strike any US targets. Israeli rescue teams and sniffer dogs combed the rubble of residential buildings destroyed in overnight strikes looking for survivors after at least 10 people, including children, were killed, authorities said. Iran said at least 138 people had been killed in Israel's onslaught since Friday including 60 on Saturday - half of them children - when a missile brought down a 14-storey apartment block in Tehran. The Israeli military warned Iranians living near weapons facilities to evacuate on Sunday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump said Israel's attacks would intensify. An official said Israel had a long list of targets in Iran and declined to say how long the offensive would continue. Sites attacked on Saturday evening included two "dual-use" fuel sites that supported military and nuclear operations, he said. Trump, who has lauded Israel's offensive and denied Iranian claims the US has taken part, warned Tehran not to widen its retaliation to include US interests. "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," he said on Truth Social. "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict." The US had been negotiating with Iran to secure a commitment to severely restrict its nuclear program, which Iran says is civilian but Israel sees as an existential threat because of its weapons potential. Trump gave no details of any possible deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Israel's attacks had been aimed at sabotaging those talks, which were due to resume in Oman on Sunday before being cancelled. He said the offensive had the support of the US and Iran was acting in self-defence. Israel, which has not signed the global nuclear non-proliferation treaty and is thought to possess nuclear weapons, wants to stop Iran from developing atomic weapons and eliminate its ballistic missile capability. The International Atomic Energy Agency on Thursday declared Iran in breach of its obligations under the treaty. Iran said Israel had attacked the Shahran oil depot in the capital but the situation was under control. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said Israel attacked an oil refinery near the capital on Sunday, and Iran's defence ministry was damaged. It also reported the arrest of two people accused of belonging to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency in Alborz province. The latest wave of Iranian attacks on Israel began late on Saturday night, when air raid sirens sent some one million people into bomb shelters in Jerusalem and Haifa. Residents in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were told to shelter early on Sunday amid another incoming missile barrage. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control most of Yemen, said they had launched ballistic missiles towards Jaffa near Tel Aviv, the first time an ally of Iran has reportedly joined the fray. Conflict in the Middle East has decimated Tehran's strongest regional proxies - the Hamas militia in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon - reducing its options for retaliation. Israeli authorities said at least 10 people were killed in overnight missile strikes in northern and central Israel, including three children. At least six people were killed by an Iranian missile that hit a cluster of residential buildings in the town of Bat Yam. In the Arab town of Tamra in northern Israel, four women were killed, including a mother and her two daughters. Israel and Iran have launched fresh attacks on each other as US President Donald Trump says the conflict could be easily ended and warns Tehran not to strike any US targets. Israeli rescue teams and sniffer dogs combed the rubble of residential buildings destroyed in overnight strikes looking for survivors after at least 10 people, including children, were killed, authorities said. Iran said at least 138 people had been killed in Israel's onslaught since Friday including 60 on Saturday - half of them children - when a missile brought down a 14-storey apartment block in Tehran. The Israeli military warned Iranians living near weapons facilities to evacuate on Sunday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump said Israel's attacks would intensify. An official said Israel had a long list of targets in Iran and declined to say how long the offensive would continue. Sites attacked on Saturday evening included two "dual-use" fuel sites that supported military and nuclear operations, he said. Trump, who has lauded Israel's offensive and denied Iranian claims the US has taken part, warned Tehran not to widen its retaliation to include US interests. "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," he said on Truth Social. "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict." The US had been negotiating with Iran to secure a commitment to severely restrict its nuclear program, which Iran says is civilian but Israel sees as an existential threat because of its weapons potential. Trump gave no details of any possible deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Israel's attacks had been aimed at sabotaging those talks, which were due to resume in Oman on Sunday before being cancelled. He said the offensive had the support of the US and Iran was acting in self-defence. Israel, which has not signed the global nuclear non-proliferation treaty and is thought to possess nuclear weapons, wants to stop Iran from developing atomic weapons and eliminate its ballistic missile capability. The International Atomic Energy Agency on Thursday declared Iran in breach of its obligations under the treaty. Iran said Israel had attacked the Shahran oil depot in the capital but the situation was under control. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said Israel attacked an oil refinery near the capital on Sunday, and Iran's defence ministry was damaged. It also reported the arrest of two people accused of belonging to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency in Alborz province. The latest wave of Iranian attacks on Israel began late on Saturday night, when air raid sirens sent some one million people into bomb shelters in Jerusalem and Haifa. Residents in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were told to shelter early on Sunday amid another incoming missile barrage. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control most of Yemen, said they had launched ballistic missiles towards Jaffa near Tel Aviv, the first time an ally of Iran has reportedly joined the fray. Conflict in the Middle East has decimated Tehran's strongest regional proxies - the Hamas militia in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon - reducing its options for retaliation. Israeli authorities said at least 10 people were killed in overnight missile strikes in northern and central Israel, including three children. At least six people were killed by an Iranian missile that hit a cluster of residential buildings in the town of Bat Yam. In the Arab town of Tamra in northern Israel, four women were killed, including a mother and her two daughters. Israel and Iran have launched fresh attacks on each other as US President Donald Trump says the conflict could be easily ended and warns Tehran not to strike any US targets. Israeli rescue teams and sniffer dogs combed the rubble of residential buildings destroyed in overnight strikes looking for survivors after at least 10 people, including children, were killed, authorities said. Iran said at least 138 people had been killed in Israel's onslaught since Friday including 60 on Saturday - half of them children - when a missile brought down a 14-storey apartment block in Tehran. The Israeli military warned Iranians living near weapons facilities to evacuate on Sunday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump said Israel's attacks would intensify. An official said Israel had a long list of targets in Iran and declined to say how long the offensive would continue. Sites attacked on Saturday evening included two "dual-use" fuel sites that supported military and nuclear operations, he said. Trump, who has lauded Israel's offensive and denied Iranian claims the US has taken part, warned Tehran not to widen its retaliation to include US interests. "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," he said on Truth Social. "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict." The US had been negotiating with Iran to secure a commitment to severely restrict its nuclear program, which Iran says is civilian but Israel sees as an existential threat because of its weapons potential. Trump gave no details of any possible deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Israel's attacks had been aimed at sabotaging those talks, which were due to resume in Oman on Sunday before being cancelled. He said the offensive had the support of the US and Iran was acting in self-defence. Israel, which has not signed the global nuclear non-proliferation treaty and is thought to possess nuclear weapons, wants to stop Iran from developing atomic weapons and eliminate its ballistic missile capability. The International Atomic Energy Agency on Thursday declared Iran in breach of its obligations under the treaty. Iran said Israel had attacked the Shahran oil depot in the capital but the situation was under control. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said Israel attacked an oil refinery near the capital on Sunday, and Iran's defence ministry was damaged. It also reported the arrest of two people accused of belonging to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency in Alborz province. The latest wave of Iranian attacks on Israel began late on Saturday night, when air raid sirens sent some one million people into bomb shelters in Jerusalem and Haifa. Residents in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were told to shelter early on Sunday amid another incoming missile barrage. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control most of Yemen, said they had launched ballistic missiles towards Jaffa near Tel Aviv, the first time an ally of Iran has reportedly joined the fray. Conflict in the Middle East has decimated Tehran's strongest regional proxies - the Hamas militia in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon - reducing its options for retaliation. Israeli authorities said at least 10 people were killed in overnight missile strikes in northern and central Israel, including three children. At least six people were killed by an Iranian missile that hit a cluster of residential buildings in the town of Bat Yam. In the Arab town of Tamra in northern Israel, four women were killed, including a mother and her two daughters.
The Advertiser
41 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Israel's El Al cancels flights to and from Europe
Israel's El Al Airlines has cancelled flights to and from many European cities as well as Tokyo and Moscow due to Israel's conflict with Iran. The Israeli flag carrier said all flights have been cancelled up to and including Tuesday, with Israel's airspace still closed. "Once approvals are received from the relevant security and aviation authorities, we will do everything possible to allow as many Israelis as possible to return home, gradually resume our regular flight schedule and operate rescue flights from destinations near Israel," El Al said. Israel's National Security Council cautioned against travel to Israel through Egypt and Jordan despite their borders being open. "We would like to emphasise that both Sinai (in Egypt) and Jordan are under Level 4 travel warnings - indicating a high threat level - and we recommend avoiding travel to these areas," the council said. "These warnings are especially relevant during this time of heightened tension. "For Israelis currently abroad and waiting to return to the country, we recommend waiting for updates on the matter from the Ministry of Transportation." El Al shares were down 3.5 per cent in afternoon trade in Tel Aviv. El Al has been one of the only carriers operating into Tel Aviv since October 7, 2023, after many foreign airlines cancelled flights because of the Israel-Gaza conflict. A number of carriers recently resumed flights to Israel before the missile attack exchanges between Israel and Iran at the weekend. Israel's El Al Airlines has cancelled flights to and from many European cities as well as Tokyo and Moscow due to Israel's conflict with Iran. The Israeli flag carrier said all flights have been cancelled up to and including Tuesday, with Israel's airspace still closed. "Once approvals are received from the relevant security and aviation authorities, we will do everything possible to allow as many Israelis as possible to return home, gradually resume our regular flight schedule and operate rescue flights from destinations near Israel," El Al said. Israel's National Security Council cautioned against travel to Israel through Egypt and Jordan despite their borders being open. "We would like to emphasise that both Sinai (in Egypt) and Jordan are under Level 4 travel warnings - indicating a high threat level - and we recommend avoiding travel to these areas," the council said. "These warnings are especially relevant during this time of heightened tension. "For Israelis currently abroad and waiting to return to the country, we recommend waiting for updates on the matter from the Ministry of Transportation." El Al shares were down 3.5 per cent in afternoon trade in Tel Aviv. El Al has been one of the only carriers operating into Tel Aviv since October 7, 2023, after many foreign airlines cancelled flights because of the Israel-Gaza conflict. A number of carriers recently resumed flights to Israel before the missile attack exchanges between Israel and Iran at the weekend. Israel's El Al Airlines has cancelled flights to and from many European cities as well as Tokyo and Moscow due to Israel's conflict with Iran. The Israeli flag carrier said all flights have been cancelled up to and including Tuesday, with Israel's airspace still closed. "Once approvals are received from the relevant security and aviation authorities, we will do everything possible to allow as many Israelis as possible to return home, gradually resume our regular flight schedule and operate rescue flights from destinations near Israel," El Al said. Israel's National Security Council cautioned against travel to Israel through Egypt and Jordan despite their borders being open. "We would like to emphasise that both Sinai (in Egypt) and Jordan are under Level 4 travel warnings - indicating a high threat level - and we recommend avoiding travel to these areas," the council said. "These warnings are especially relevant during this time of heightened tension. "For Israelis currently abroad and waiting to return to the country, we recommend waiting for updates on the matter from the Ministry of Transportation." El Al shares were down 3.5 per cent in afternoon trade in Tel Aviv. El Al has been one of the only carriers operating into Tel Aviv since October 7, 2023, after many foreign airlines cancelled flights because of the Israel-Gaza conflict. A number of carriers recently resumed flights to Israel before the missile attack exchanges between Israel and Iran at the weekend. Israel's El Al Airlines has cancelled flights to and from many European cities as well as Tokyo and Moscow due to Israel's conflict with Iran. The Israeli flag carrier said all flights have been cancelled up to and including Tuesday, with Israel's airspace still closed. "Once approvals are received from the relevant security and aviation authorities, we will do everything possible to allow as many Israelis as possible to return home, gradually resume our regular flight schedule and operate rescue flights from destinations near Israel," El Al said. Israel's National Security Council cautioned against travel to Israel through Egypt and Jordan despite their borders being open. "We would like to emphasise that both Sinai (in Egypt) and Jordan are under Level 4 travel warnings - indicating a high threat level - and we recommend avoiding travel to these areas," the council said. "These warnings are especially relevant during this time of heightened tension. "For Israelis currently abroad and waiting to return to the country, we recommend waiting for updates on the matter from the Ministry of Transportation." El Al shares were down 3.5 per cent in afternoon trade in Tel Aviv. El Al has been one of the only carriers operating into Tel Aviv since October 7, 2023, after many foreign airlines cancelled flights because of the Israel-Gaza conflict. A number of carriers recently resumed flights to Israel before the missile attack exchanges between Israel and Iran at the weekend.
7NEWS
2 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Israel, Iran trade strikes for a third day as nuclear talks called off
Israel unleashed airstrikes across Iran for a third day on Sunday and threatened even greater force as some Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defences to strike buildings in the heart of the country. Planned talks on Iran's nuclear program, which could provide an off-ramp, were cancelled. The region braced for a protracted conflict after Israel's surprise bombardment of Iran's nuclear and military sites on Friday killed several top generals and nuclear scientists, and neither side showed any sign of backing down. Iran said Israel struck two oil refineries, raising the prospect of a broader assault on Iran's heavily sanctioned energy industry that could affect global markets. The Israeli military, in a social media post, warned Iranians to evacuate arms factories, signalling what could be a further widening of the campaign. Explosions shook Iran's capital, Tehran, at around noon (6.30pm AEST) and again around 3.30pm. Semi-official news agencies close to Iran's Revolutionary Guard reported one strike in the area of Vali-e Asr Square downtown and another in a neighbourhood named for the air force, which is headquartered there. US President Donald Trump has expressed full support for Israel's actions while warning Iran that it can only avoid further destruction by agreeing to a new nuclear deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that if the Israeli strikes on Iran stop, then 'our responses will also stop.' He said the United States 'is a partner in these attacks and must take responsibility.' Explosions in Tehran Iran's UN ambassador said Saturday that 78 people had been killed and more than 320 wounded. There has been no official update since then. Israel says 13 people have been killed and more than 360 wounded in Iranian attacks. Iran has fired over 270 missiles, 22 of which made impact, according to official Israeli figures. The country's main international airport and airspace remained closed for a third day. Israeli strikes targeted Iran's Defense Ministry early Sunday after hitting air defences, military bases and sites associated with its nuclear program. The killing of several top generals and nuclear scientists in targeted strikes indicated that Israeli intelligence has penetrated Iran at the highest levels. In a sign that Iran expects the Israeli strikes to continue, state television reported that metro stations and mosques would be made available as bomb shelters for the public beginning on Sunday night. Death toll mounts in Israel In Israel, at least six people, including a 10-year-old and a nine-year-old, were killed when a missile hit an apartment building in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv. Daniel Hadad, a local police commander, said 180 people were wounded and seven are still missing. An Associated Press reporter saw streets lined with damaged and destroyed buildings, bombed out cars and shards of glass. Responders used a drone at points to look for survivors. Some people could be seen leaving the area with suitcases. Another four people, including a 13-year-old, were killed and 24 wounded when a missile struck a building in the Arab town of Tamra in northern Israel. A strike on the central city of Rehovot wounded 42. The Weizmann Institute of Science, an important center for research in Rehovot, said 'there were a number of hits to buildings on the campus.' It said no one was harmed. Israel has sophisticated multi-tiered air defences that are able to detect and intercept missiles fired at populated areas or key infrastructure, but officials acknowledge it is imperfect. Urgent calls to deescalate World leaders made urgent calls to deescalate. The attack on nuclear sites set a 'dangerous precedent,' China's foreign minister said. The region is already on edge as Israel seeks to annihilate Hamas, an Iranian ally, in the Gaza Strip, where the war is still raging after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brushed off such calls, saying Israel's strikes so far are 'nothing compared to what they will feel under the sway of our forces in the coming days.' Israel, the sole though undeclared nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, said it launched the attack to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The two countries have been adversaries for decades. Iran has always said its nuclear program was peaceful, and the US and others have assessed it has not pursued a weapon since 2003. But it has enriched ever larger stockpiles of uranium to near weapons-grade levels in recent years and was believed to have been able to develop multiple weapons within months if it chose to do so. The UN's atomic watchdog censured Iran last week. Araghchi, Iran's top diplomat, said Israel had targeted an oil refinery near Tehran and another in a province on the Persian Gulf. He said Iran had targeted 'economic' sites in Israel, without elaborating. Semi-official Iranian news agencies reported that an Israeli drone strike had caused a 'strong explosion' at an Iranian natural gas processing plant. The extent of damage at the South Pars natural gas field was not immediately clear. Such sites have air defence systems around them, which Israel has been targeting. An oil refinery was also damaged in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, according to the firm operating it, which said no one was wounded. Iran calls nuclear talks 'unjustifiable' A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive nuclear talks, said Washington remained committed to them and hoped the Iranians would return to the table. Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, said Saturday that the nuclear talks were 'unjustifiable' after Israel's strikes, which he said were the 'result of the direct support by Washington.' In a post on his Truth Social account early Sunday, Trump reiterated that the US was not involved in the attacks on Iran and warned that any retaliation directed against it would bring an American response 'at levels never seen before.' 'However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!' he wrote.
