Israel denies ‘dragging’ US into war – as it happened

This blog is now closed – our coverage of the Middle East crisis continues hereTurning to Australia now, a petrol tsar will manage “unprecedented” supply issues caused by the Middle East conflict as the finishing touches are put on measures to address dire shortages in many regional areas.Prime minister Anthony Albanese convened a snap virtual meeting of the national cabinet on Thursday to discuss major price shocks and shortages driven by the US-Israel war on Iran.My government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks.Our fuel supply is currently secure. However, I want us to be over-prepared. Continue reading...