Morning everyone. With an enemy warship at the bottom of the ocean, Tehran again under ferocious bombardment and “uncontested” control of Iran’s skies just days away, a bellicose Pete Hegseth has delivered his assessment of the Middle East war, from the US administration’s point of view. We have plenty of reports, analysis and live news to keep you abreast of developments on the ground.
A Liberal senator has broken ranks to call for mercy for the Australians trapped in Syrian detention, sea levels could be much higher than thought, and we look into why dairy milk is making a comeback over plant-based alternatives.
Australia
Don’t panic! | Amid signs of panic buying of petrol, politicians led by Jim Chalmers have tried to reassure the public that Australia will not run out. Patrick Commins checks the gauge to find out how much we’ve got and how long it will last if supplies are cut off. Australia is not alone, of course, with fuel and food prices being driven up all over the world.
‘Mercy’ call | A Liberal senator has called for “mercy” for the 23 Australian children detained in a Syrian camp, as he warned that leaving the group to languish in detention risked making the situation worse.
In the heat of the night | Australia’s summer was one of the hottest since measurements began, with more than 60 weather stations recording their highest ever daily maximum temperatures and plenty of hot nights during the heatwave in January.
Culture cancelling | Another free speech row at a literary festival has erupted after Adelaide University abruptly cancelled a high-profile event featuring the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese.
‘Master of his craft’ | The Australian sporting community is mourning the loss of one its most beloved commentators after the death of Dennis Cometti at the age of 76. Jonathan Horn recalls he never missed a beat and always had the perfect one-liner.
World
‘We’re winning’ | A US submarine has torpedoed an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean with the loss of dozens of lives. The US secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, claims the rest of the Iranian navy is “destroyed” and its overall military capacity is “evaporating”. However, despite another onslaught by Israeli bombs, Tehran claimed it will completely destroy the region’s economic infrastructure. The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was postponed with his son Mojtaba Khamenei tipped to succeed his father as supreme leader. Senate Republicans are expected to vote down a Democrat-backed resolution later today aimed at curtailing the war. We weigh up four ways the war could play out, and you can follow all the developments here.
Trump ‘roulette’ | The Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, struck a rare overseas note of defiance after Donald Trump’s threat to cut off all trade with Spain, comparing the growing conflict in the Middle East to playing “Russian roulette with the destiny of millions”. A former senior Nato commander has defended Keir Starmer after Trump’s “no Churchill” jibes.
China ‘spy’ | A former Labour adviser who is married to a sitting MP was one of three men arrested in the UK on suspicion of spying for China.
Higher risk | Sea levels around the world have been underestimated due to inaccurate modelling, with research suggesting ocean levels are far higher than previously understood.
Fiction prize | The Australian writer Charlotte McConaghy is on the longlist for the $60,000 Women’s Prize for Fiction for her book Wild Dark Shore.
Full Story
The election review the Liberals didn’t want you to see
Nour Haydar speaks to Krishani Dhanji about why some wanted the findings to stay secret and if the party will learn from its mistakes.
In-depth
Cost-of-living pressures and concern about the amount of canola oil and sugar in soy and oat milk have driven a trend for Australians switching back to cow’s milk, writes Luca Ittimani, “It’s [so much] canola oil and you imagine that in your glass … that’s actually really gross.” says oat milk apostate Gabriel Morrison.
Not the news
You wouldn’t expect to find a performance of The Marriage of Figaro in the outdoor section of your local Ikea, or in a disused prison. But that is just what Secret Opera, a project by West Australian Opera, has been doing. Dee Jefferson is impressed.
Sport
Formula One | Melbourne gets the F1 season under way this weekend and we’ve got a team-by-team guide for you to study the form.
Cricket | Favourites South Africa are out of the T20 World Cup after New Zealand demolished them by nine wickets in the first semi-final, thanks largely to an incredible 33-ball century by Finn Allen. It’s England v India tonight.
Football | It’s fourth v sixth in the Premier League this morning as Aston Villa host Chelsea with both managers under pressure. Third-placed Manchester United are at Newcastle – follow the action live.
Media roundup
The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, has admitted to the Sydney Morning Herald that his party could “come last” in the Farrer byelection. Taxpayers will have to foot the bill for a $115m blowout on the redevelopment of the F1 pit facilities in Melbourne, the Age claims. After the death of Dennis Cometti, WAtoday asks if there has ever been a more beloved commentator.
What’s happening today
Melbourne | Bail decision expected for accused camper murderer Greg Lynn.
Canberra | Mark Carney will address parliament and give a joint media conference with Anthony Albanese.
Sydney | Judgment in the Asic case against the Star directors over failure to manage money laundering and criminal associations.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
• An earlier version of this Morning Mail incorrectly said that an Iranian submarine was sunk. It was a warship.
