Airlines face disruptions that surpass previous Middle East conflicts

Marco Rubio to brief congressional leaders as Iran conflict escalates

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to update top leaders of both the Senate and House of Representatives at a classified briefing on Monday afternoon about the escalating conflict with Iran following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. The session comes amid heightened military activity and strategic uncertainty. 

The briefing will include leaders from both chambers of Congress and is intended to outline the current situation, U.S. military actions and the broader policy approach as tensions continue in the Middle East. It follows earlier closed-door briefings for committee staffers on the conflict and its implications. 

Rubio’s update reflects growing legislative interest and concern over the U.S. military campaign and its objectives, as lawmakers seek more information on strategy and risks as the situation develops. 

Iran says it sees no limit to self defence after Khamenei killing

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran sees “no limit” to its right to defend itself following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes. Araghchi rejected President Donald Trump’s warnings against further retaliation and framed Iran’s military response as an act of national survival.

He drew a distinction between what he described as American aggression and Iran’s actions, insisting that while senior commanders had been killed, the country’s military capability remained unchanged. Araghchi said Iran had already begun retaliatory strikes and claimed its forces were operating from a position of strength.

He also cast doubt on the prospects for renewed diplomacy, accusing Washington of attacking Iran during previous negotiation efforts. His comments come as missile and drone exchanges continue across the region and tensions remain at a critical level.

Paterson urges military evacuation flights for stranded Australians

Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson says the federal government should consider deploying military aircraft to help Australians leave the Middle East if commercial flights are unavailable.

Following U.S. strikes on Iran, thousands of people are seeking to exit the region amid escalating tensions. Paterson said he was concerned Australians may not have received sufficient warning and argued the government should be doing everything possible to assist their departure.

He said that if commercial evacuation options are not viable, the use of military planes should be on the table to ensure Australians can return home safely.

Israel strikes Hezbollah targets after rockets fired into north

The Israeli Defence Forces say they have begun striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon after rockets were launched into northern Israel.

In a statement posted to X, the IDF said it was responding with force to the launches and accused Hezbollah of opening fire against Israel and its citizens. It described the group as operating under the auspices of Iran.

The IDF said it would act against Hezbollah’s decision to join the campaign and would not allow the organisation to pose a threat to Israel or residents in the north.

Trump says Iran operation could last up to four weeks

President Donald Trump says the ongoing U.S. strikes on Iran could continue for up to a month, describing the campaign as a planned four week process.

Trump said the operation had always been expected to last around four weeks, though he added it could conclude sooner. He described Iran as a large country and suggested the scale of the mission required sustained military action.

Addressing the first confirmed U.S. service member deaths in the fighting, Trump said casualties were expected in such operations and indicated further losses could occur as the conflict continues.