World leaders react to the Taliban take-over and are moving swiftly to ensure the safe evacuation of diplomats and residents from the nation
The Taliban group has given their public first address since taking control of Afghanistan
Here’s what we know right now:
The Taliban gave their first major press conference since taking control of Kabul and Afghanistan as a whole.
The spokesperson has assured the world that women will maintain their rights as per the rules and regulations of sharia… or Islamic law.
Foreign workers and diplomats will be safe under an amnesty agreement and “no harm will be done”.
This comes as the top leaders of the militant group land back in Afghanistan after basing themselves out of Qatar.
This is the moment the Taliban co-founder arrives from Kandahar’s airport to cheering crowds, a dramatic comeback following months of tense negotiations in the lead up to America’s troop withdrawal.
Kandahar is the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban and the group’s base before the US military forced them to leave.
Checkpoints have been set up across Kabul and the streets of the city are quiet and largely deserted.
Evacuation flights continue to depart from Kabul’s main airport, as thousands seek refuge.
This follows the Biden administration standing by the decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by the end of August
White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki says the President is not going to ask American citizens to fight a war that the Afghans won’t.
We have also learned that the US is urgently pushing to ramp up its evacuation efforts, with the nation’s Commander General ensuring the safe passage of troops, civilians and diplomats.
In a statement, the General says the airfield remains secure and open to air traffic, and the General has made it clear to the Taliban that “any attack would be met with overwhelming force in the defence of American forces”.
The statement continues, saying “the protection of US civilians and our partners is the highest priority and we will take all necessary action to ensure a safe and efficient withdrawal.”
Yesterday, we saw those chaotic scenes at Kabul’s major airport as thousands of Afghans tried to board planes in a desperate bid to flee the country before it’s too late
Meanwhile, the White House National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan has given assurances that the United States will do everything it can to advocate for the rights and freedoms of women and girls.
Sullivan says “when a civil war comes to an end… there are going to be scenes of chaos…”
So how are world leaders and other nations responding to this ongoing crisis in Afghanistan?
Let’s break it down…
The United States is leading the charge when it comes to communication and negotiation with the Taliban, but it’s believed that government will not recognise the Taliban as the official head of state.
The European Union has neither confirmed whether or not it will support a Taliban regime… but member nations will work with the militants and provide necessary support to Afghan citizens.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Foreign Secretary says aid to Afghanistan will increase but there is still no word from the UK as to whether they will support a Taliban-led government.
But Canada’s President Justin Trudeau is standing firm, calling the Taliban a terrorist organisation and his country will not recognise their rule.
NATO has temporarily suspended all support for Afghanistan.. but this will resume if NATO leaders are convinced that the Taliban has established an inclusive government.
William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment.
With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'.
A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.
U.S. military strikes in Yemen target Houthi rebels following threats to maritime security and attacks on shipping.
In Short
The U.S. has launched military strikes in Yemen against Houthi rebels following their attacks on commercial vessels, with President Trump stating the goal is to protect American shipping. The strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and are part of a broader campaign to deter aggression and ensure navigational freedom.
The U.S. has initiated military strikes in Yemen against the Houthi rebels, following their attacks on commercial vessels.
President Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that these aerial attacks aim to protect American shipping and restore navigational freedom. He stated that the Houthis will be held fully accountable for their actions.
Local sources report significant explosions in San’a, with civilian casualties reaching 31 dead and 101 injured. Yemen’s Houthi Health Ministry condemned the strikes, labelling them a war crime.
BREAKING: President Trump ordered the airstrikes that killed members of Houthis in Yemen.
AFTER his round of golf. He was still in his golf clothes in the clubhouse literally dropping bombs.. pic.twitter.com/2MAtA40z7W
The U.S. strikes targeted Houthi leaders’ residences and their strongholds, alongside missile systems positioned along the coast. U.S. military officials have indicated that this is part of a larger campaign against the group.
The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group is involved in the operation, which seeks to deter aggression from Iran-backed Houthi forces and protect American interests.
Tensions escalated after the Houthis announced their intent to resume attacks on Israeli ships, claiming the lapse of ceasefire agreements.
In retaliation, Trump ordered these military actions, which aim to target Houthi leadership and missile launchers, while also signaling a warning to Iran.
Lando Norris triumphs at the Australian Grand Prix as Oscar Piastri faces heartbreak in his home race.
In Short
Lando Norris won the 2025 Australian Grand Prix amid chaotic weather conditions, while Oscar Piastri struggled at his home race, finishing far behind expectations. Despite scoring some points, Piastri and his supporters were disappointed with his performance.
Lando Norris achieved victory at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, marking a strong start to his season. The race featured significant chaos, largely due to rain, affecting many drivers.
Oscar Piastri, competing in his home Grand Prix, faced disappointment as his race was derailed. Piastri’s team McLaren celebrated Norris’s success while he struggled on the track.
Aussie rookie Jack Doohan’s race ended prematurely after a crash in the early laps.
Piastri was positioned close to Norris when he lost control and spun onto the grass, dropping to the back of the pack.
Despite a determined effort to regain positions, Piastri’s race did not meet the expectations of him or his supporters.
In the final moments, he managed to score some points but it was not the outcome he desired.
Fans had hoped for a better performance from their local hero, but the race results proved challenging. The event highlighted the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, especially under adverse weather conditions.
Trump’s tariffs may jeopardise Australia’s $1.1 billion pharmaceutical exports, risking essential medicine prices and healthcare quality.
In Short
Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium raise fears they could increase medicine prices in Australia, threatening its $1.1 billion pharmaceutical export industry. Prime Minister Albanese criticises the tariffs as unjustified but has ruled out retaliation, while industry experts warn against using health policies as trading leverage.
Fears have emerged that President Trump’s tariffs could adversely affect Australia’s pharmaceutical export industry, potentially raising medicine prices.
The Trump administration recently announced 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, sparking concern that Australia’s pharmaceutical exports, valued at approximately $1.1 billion in 2024, could face similar tariffs.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the US tariff actions as unjustified and detrimental, indicating he would not retaliate with similar measures.
The pharmaceutical industry is a significant part of Australia’s economy and is critical to the $18 billion federal scheme that reduces essential medicine costs.
The US aims to protect its declining steel industry amidst increasing competition from Asia, particularly Canada, Brazil, and the EU.
US companies claim that Australia’s medicine pricing policies affect their earnings, raising concerns that they might push to reconsider the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The PBS was instrumental in lowering the costs of 930 medications last year.
The Trump administration previously blamed the high costs of US medicines partly on foreign nations benefitting from US investment without contributing fairly.
Calls have been made for the Australian government to maintain a strong stance against US influence over its domestic health policies.
Albanese has ruled out retaliatory tariffs, highlighting the negative impact of trade wars on consumers.