Politics live: Wong says Australia facing its biggest ‘consular crisis’; Dubai to Sydney flight awaits takeoff

The prime minister has discussed stranded Australians with the Emirati president. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWong avoids questions on legality of strikes on IranThe Australian government has so far dodged any questions around the legality of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, saying it’s a matter for the two nations.The legal basis of these strikes is ultimately a matter for the United States and Iran, sorry, and Israel, is ultimately a matter for the United States and Israel. We know Iran has failed to comply with UN security council resolutions on its nuclear program. We know what Iran has been doing over many years. I think it is important for us to remember this has not started with these strikes. This has been going on for decades, including in Australia.Obviously, it’s very unpredictable. And I understand there is a flight scheduled from Dubai to Sydney.We are looking at all contingencies that are possible, but I again say what I’ve said over the last two days. When you have as many Australians as we have in, particularly in the Emirates, but broadly in the region, so it’s 115,000 Australians in the broader region, 24,000 in Emirates … That volume of traffic will really need to see commercial flights resume even if only sporadically, to get people home. Continue reading...