News
Trump says Iran war is going well and believes Iran will give up nuclear weapons
Trump claims Iran will abandon nuclear ambitions as Lebanon celebrates ceasefire with Israel amidst ongoing Middle East tensions
President Trump claims Iran will abandon nuclear ambitions as Lebanon celebrates ceasefire with Israel amidst ongoing Middle East tensions
– Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, starting at 7am AEST.
– Celebrations erupted in Beirut as residents celebrated the ceasefire with fireworks and gunfire.
US President Donald Trump has announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, effective from 7am AEST.Celebrations erupted in Beirut as residents marked the ceasefire with fireworks and gunfire.
Ceasefire celebrated
Traffic jams occurred as many residents returned to the capital.
Trump indicated that Iran is prepared to relinquish its nuclear weapons within decades as part of a broader agreement.
Criticism was directed at Australia for not assisting in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated he was unaware of any official US request for assistance.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong acknowledged the ceasefire positively.
Audio🔊of a Sailor aboard USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), with video from the guided-missile destroyer’s embarked helicopter flying over the Gulf of Oman, as the U.S. Navy diverts a merchant vessel while enforcing the blockade on ships entering or departing Iranian ports. U.S.… pic.twitter.com/10QxlEoGkk
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 16, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns that the ceasefire might already be compromised.
He urged both Hezbollah and Israel to cease military actions to ensure civilian safety.
The US Central Command has reiterated that no blockade is occurring in the Strait of Hormuz.
Video footage showed US naval forces conducting operations in the region.
A horizon shot of central Beirut. (ABC: Supplied)
Convoys of cars were seen entering southern Lebanon as individuals sought to return home post-ceasefire.
Celebrations continued into the morning in Beirut, with crowds returning to streets.
Fuel supply updates
Australia’s diesel supply is under scrutiny as demand increases amid the Middle East crisis.
About 90 million barrels of diesel are used daily in Australia, primarily by the freight, agriculture, and mining sectors.
(ABC News: Ed Gannon)
The Australian government is looking to secure additional fuel supplies from neighbouring countries.
A deal made with Malaysia involves purchasing an additional 100 million litres of diesel.
Despite reserves of about 2.7 billion litres, Australia’s fuel stocks remain lower than the international standard.
