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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
In the wake of a tragic incident at Champaign’s Market Place Mall, there is a growing call for action among community members. The incident, which transpired on Saturday, ended in the loss of a young life when a dispute escalated into gunfire, claiming the life of 16-year-old Jaylen Bailey.
Yvonne Miller, who heads “A Cry For You,” a Champaign-based nonprofit that supports families affected by child gun violence, voiced her concerns, stating, “13, 14, 15, 16-year-olds should not be even thinking about guns.” Her words resonate with many who are seeking solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The shooting unfolded just before sunset in the mall’s parking lot, near Dick’s House of Sport. According to the Champaign Police Department, a fight erupted and led to gunfire, resulting in the young teen’s untimely death.
Communities in East Arnhem Land are grappling with uncertainty following Woolworths’ decision to close its Gove store without prior consultation. This abrupt announcement has left residents feeling abandoned, as they face the impending closure of the Nhulunbuy location by the end of June 2027.
For those who call Nhulunbuy home, this development is particularly troubling. With no other major supermarket available in the vicinity, the nearest Woolworths is a daunting 1,000 kilometers away in either Katherine or Darwin. The closure poses significant challenges to the local population, who now worry about their access to essential goods.
The announcement has stirred considerable concern among community groups, including the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation. The corporation’s board members had been in Canberra at the time, advocating for federal investment in the region, only to be blindsided by the news of the store’s impending shutdown.
Wanyubi Marika, Chair of the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation, expressed deep concerns over the impact of this closure. He emphasized the region’s precarious situation regarding food security, highlighting the unique and vulnerable position of those living in East Arnhem Land.
In a statement, Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation Chair Wanyubi Marika said those living in East Arnhem Land are in a “unique and highly vulnerable position when it comes to food security”.
“As a remote region, our only reliable supply route is by barge, which significantly limits access, choice and flexibility,” he said.
“This isolation means there are serious consequences for any disruption to existing food providers.”
The Rirratjingu clan senior leader said that Woolworths is “central” to ensuring food security across Gove as there is no viable alternative.
He said despite assurances by the Woolworths Group community voices would be valued, they were ignored.
“Woolworths has failed to bring us into their conversations. They announced their plan without any meaningful consultation with us, or other regional stakeholders,” he said.
“Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation will not abandon our people or those in other communities and homelands who will be affected by this decision. Rather, we will harness the demonstrated resilience of the region and lead the development of an effective solution.”
The corporation is concerned about the risk of food insecurity for the Gove community, whose closest Woolworths is over 700kilometres away. Source: Facebook / Facebook: Dan Tyson
Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation has requested negotiations with Woolworths, and the inclusion of the Nhulunbuy community, other Traditional Owner groups, and governments.
“To work with us on developing a fit for purpose solution that serves the interests of all stakeholders,” Wanyubi Marika said.
The corporation has also extended a personal invitation to Woolworths Group Chair Scott Perkins and CEO Amanda Bardwell to visit Nhulunbuy and understand the impact of the store closure.
Mr Marika reminded Woolworths of its public commitments under its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and its commitments to Closing the Gap.
He said their stated values of “care and commitment to better outcomes” have been “fundamentally undermined” by the management of this issue with the Gove community.
In a statement to NITV, a Woolworths spokesperson said Nhulunbuy is their most remote and difficult store to access due to stock being delivered by ocean barge.
“Our store was established more than 50 years ago to serve the community that grew around the local mine. With Rio Tinto’s planned exit, we are considering how the mine’s closure will impact our store’s viability,” they said.
They noted that they are “in conversation” with an organisation to “take over the running of the supermarket”.
“We are in close consultation with our Nhulunbuy team members, traditional owners and the wider community, and we understand the importance of providing certainty for our customers and team as soon as we can.”
If a statue were ever to be commissioned to honor the quintessential Scottish football enthusiast, I have just the person in mind.
Striding into Ferguson Park with a club anorak and bunnet, he carries an urgency reminiscent of the days when doctors made house calls. It’s not a matter of life or death, but it certainly holds significance. This is Andrew Renwick, soon to celebrate his 82nd birthday, making his way to the Eddie Thomson Lounge with a determined pace.
Renwick represents the heart and soul of Scottish football, especially on its more grassroots level. However, his passion for the game needs support.
Whitehill Welfare stalwart Andrew Renwick, 82, has been with the club for 47 years
Welfare take on Jeanfield Swifts in the East of Scotland League Cup
“My involvement with the club has scaled down now,” he admits. “I serve as an adviser on rules and procedures.” Beyond that, he prepares tea and offers a rich historical narrative to visitors. Renwick moves seamlessly from the committee room to the lounge, highlighting Oceanic and Olympic medals, and sharing tales of how the club was shaped by influences from Lasswade Rugby Club, Spartans FC, the Munich Olympics, and the Edinburgh Tattoo.
It is a heady brew and needs to be supped carefully and at leisure to savour its full taste. There is, however, a matter that must be attended to first.
Last month Whitehill Welfare issued an appeal for help. The committee stated its intention to step aside at the end of this season. Who would step in?
The release was received as if it was a klaxon call and Whitehill were headed for perdition. The truth is more sober. The club has a strong financial base and the committee seems ready to plough on, with the help of a new cadre of willing hands.
‘There have been a dozen people who have expressed interest in helping out so the statement has done its job,’ says Renwick. He has certainly done his. He arrived on the scene in 1979 when Whitehill moved from the juvenile leagues to the East of Scotland League.
It is the most successful club in East of Scotland League history, winning sixteen titles and lifting the Scottish Qualifying Cup on 11 occasions, leading to ties with Stirling Albion, Peterhead, Stenhousemuir, Queen of the South and Celtic in the competition proper.
Whitehill Welfare players emerge from the dressing room at Ferguson Park
‘We had the anniversary dinner just a couple weeks ago,’ says Renwick of that match with the Parkhead side 30 years ago. Welfare lost 3-0 at Easter Road as the tie was moved from Ferguson Park.
‘The most memorable match for me was the game against Fraserburgh,’ says Renwick. ‘We drew here and then went up to Fraserburgh knowing that the winners would play Celtic. That was nerve-wracking. But we did it.’
He places down his chair. ‘Every Saturday when we are at home,’ says Renwick, peering from his perch high behind a goal, and stating that this is his spot, no matter what.
‘The Celtic money and a very good sponsor got us that,’ he says, pointing over to the dressing-rooms. His hand waves towards a building nearby. ‘The Eddie Thomson Lounge was once the reception area at a caravan park. We heard it was being knocked down so we went up and salvaged it and rebuilt it here.’
Whitehill Welfare supporters take in the action at Ferguson Park
A pre-match trip to the lounge was almost absurdly wonderful. What odds would one get for an Olympic medal and a Oceania Football Association medal adorning the walls of a former caravan reception in the village of Rosewell, Midlothian?
They were donated by the family of Eddie Thomson who was born in the village, starred for Whitehill and went on to play for Hearts and Aberdeen. His managerial career at the Australian national team included two World Cup campaigns and two Olympic appearances in 1992 and 1996. The medal was earned at the Atlanta Olympics in the losing semi-finalist match. The Oceania medal was awarded when Thomson led the young Socceroos to triumph in the tournament in 1994.
There is barely time to glance at other medals before one is introduced to the seats in a stand nearby.
Jeanfield Swifts score their third goal in the 4-1 win over Whitehill Welfare
‘There is a story there,’ says Renwick. ‘It was once just a shelter and a ref asked one day if we ever thought of putting seats in. I said we would if we could get cheap seats. He said the Edinburgh Tattoo was refurbishing and we could get them. It turns out that the Tattoo got them from the Olympics in Munich in 1972.’
He is joined, high on the hill, by Thomas Ward, 70, who has been helping out at Ferguson Park for 50 years.
‘I bided up beside one of the committee men,’ he says. ‘As a lad, I was always getting rows for playing football in the street and my ball hitting cars. The committee man brought me down here. So that was that. When I grew up a bit, I helped out.
‘I have run the line, cut the grass, painted the posts and now attend to putting the nets up and flags out.’
He reminisces with Renwick over the days when the concrete bollards were put down to construct a fence decades ago. The floodlights are a more recent innovation. ‘We got the towers from Lasswade Rugby Club and the lights from Spartans,’ says Renwick.
It is approaching full time in a league cup match that Welfare, 11th in the first division, lose 4-1 to Swifts, second in the premier division.
The Whitehill gentlemen seem resilient. ‘Are you coming back next season?’ asks Ward. ‘Aye, I’ll be back,’ replies Renwick.
Reinforcements may be on the way. John Quinn, chairman of the club, believes the ‘’call to arms’’ may have been successful.
The seats at Ferguson Park came from the 1972 Munich Olympics via the Edinburgh tattoo
‘I have been here eight years and people outside don’t quite know the difficulties involved in running a club in the modern era,’ he says. His wife, Nicola, is secretary of the club and Quinn, a railway supervisor, admits the roles at Whitehill almost constitute second full-time jobs for them.
He is anxious not to be seen as moaning or seeking sympathy. ‘It has been our choice to do this but we feel fresh blood could help enhance the club,’ he says.
Whitehill, a founder member of the Lowland League, now sit in the second tier of the East of Scotland. ‘I don’t shy away from that,’ he says. ‘The Junior clubs in this area came into the Lowland and the East of Scotland leagues and with their financial power we were outgunned. But this will allow us to find our level. New people with new skillsets could help us with that.’
The statement also provoked a period of reflection for Quinn. ‘People were calling us to say how well we had done with the club. This is an operation with a sound financial basis. We are not rich but we are not in financial difficulty,’ he says. ‘We just need a wee hand.’
In a room at half-time, Darren Bald, a committee member, points to a team photograph. ‘That’s your granda,’ he tells his nine-year-old daughter Ella.
She is delighted. She is a fitba’ girl and has been introduced to the past. She may hopefully be part of the future in this nook of Rosewell.
In a troubling incident in north London, police have classified a suspected arson attack on ambulances as an antisemitic hate crime. The attack occurred in the early morning hours, specifically around 1:45 a.m. local time, in the Golders Green area, as reported by the BBC.
The targeted vehicles belonged to Hatzolah, a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to providing emergency response and transport services to the Jewish community. The organization’s ambulances were deliberately set ablaze, prompting an immediate investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson addressed the community’s concerns, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. “We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries,” she explained in her statement to the BBC.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating the suspected arson attack. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
As authorities continue to probe the details surrounding the attack, the incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by minority communities in the region. Efforts are underway to ensure safety and bring those responsible to justice.
”We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries,” Superintendent Sarah Jackson told the BBC.
“We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage.
“We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage.”
There were no reports of injuries, according to Associated Press.
There have been no arrests yet.
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In 1999, Trevor McDonald was honored with a knighthood for his contributions to journalism, and by 2006, he was appointed as a deputy lieutenant of Greater London. That same year, he secured the 31st spot in ITV’s poll of TV’s 50 Greatest Stars, underscoring his cherished status in the realm of broadcast journalism. But what is Sir Trevor McDonald like when the cameras are off? Actress Jess Impiazzi, who has admired him since childhood, shared her insights with Express.co.uk.
While discussing her latest film, “Jitters,” Jess recounted the many celebrities she has encountered over the years, but none left as lasting an impression as Sir Trevor McDonald. “I met Sir Trevor McDonald at the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) event because my mom, who is blind, was invited. I was in awe; he was this wise, gentle presence. I’ve always regarded him as a remarkable newsreader, someone I grew up watching at my grandmother’s house when she insisted on having the news on,” she shared.
Jess described feeling as though she was in the presence of greatness, having admired Sir Trevor from a young age. “I’ve met a lot of people, but Sir Trevor McDonald really impressed me. I was eager to get a photo with him,” she said, recalling her encounter with the renowned broadcaster and how it revealed the genuine nature of the man behind the screen.
“He’s incredibly kind and polite,” Jess continued. “When I asked for a picture, the first one didn’t turn out well, and he noticed my disappointment. He graciously allowed me to take another. He’s truly lovely.”
In 2008, Sir Trevor announced his decision to step down from his position as co-presenter of News at Ten, though he continued to pursue various hosting roles beyond that iconic stint.
At the time, he said: “I’ve tremendously enjoyed the opportunity to help re-establish News at Ten over the last year and to work alongside Julie Etchingham, who is a fantastically talented journalist, but I’ve made no secret of the fact that I cannot be in the presenter’s chair forever. Anchoring ITV News’s live coverage of a hugely exciting and historic US election seems the opportune moment to leave on a high.”
WELLINGTON – The global economy is staring down the barrel of a significant threat, according to the head of the International Energy Agency. On Monday, Fatih Birol expressed grave concerns over the escalating situation in Iran, describing it as a “major, major threat” to worldwide economic stability.
Addressing Australia’s National Press Club in Canberra, Birol warned that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could wreak havoc on economies across the globe. “No country will be immune to the effects of this crisis if it continues to go in this direction,” he emphasized, highlighting the far-reaching implications of the conflict.
Birol further elaborated that the current upheaval has had a more severe combined impact than the notorious oil shocks of the 1970s, as well as the disruptions in gas markets triggered by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His stark assessment came amidst a fresh wave of Israeli attacks targeting Tehran early Monday.
Meanwhile, an American military commander advised Iranians to seek shelter and remain there for the foreseeable future, as tensions continue to escalate. In response, Iran has renewed its strikes against Gulf neighbors, issuing threats to target their power infrastructure, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
A top American commander also told Iranians to remain in shelters for the foreseeable future, while Iran renewed strikes on its Gulf neighbors and threatened to start hitting their power plants.
Birol said 40 energy assets in nine countries across the region were “severely or very severely damaged.”
The official added that he was consulting with governments in Europe and Asia about the prospect of releasing further stockpiled oil.
“We will see, we will look at the markets,” he said. “If it is necessary of course we will do it, but we will look at the conditions, we will analyze, assess the market and discuss with our member countries.”
As Iran continues its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump gave a 48 hour deadline for Tehran to open the strategic waterway to all ships, saying that otherwise the United States would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants. Trump posted the threat to social media early Sunday in Middle East time zones.
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Canadian actress Carrie Anne Fleming, celebrated for her performances in popular TV series like “iZombie” and “Supernatural,” as well as various film roles, passed away at the age of 51 on February 26, as reported by Variety.
Her “Supernatural” co-star, Jim Beaver, confirmed that Fleming succumbed to complications from breast cancer in Sidney, British Columbia.
Fleming’s acting career took off with a recurring role on the series “Viper,” along with an uncredited appearance in the Adam Sandler comedy, “Happy Gilmore.”
This marked the start of a prolific three-decade journey in the entertainment industry.
In 2005, she ventured into the horror genre with a role in the anthology series “Masters of Horror,” which sparked a series of appearances in similar projects.
She then appeared in The CW’s horror-drama “Supernatural” as Karen Singer, the wife of Bobby Singer, who was played by Beaver. She appeared in all five seasons through the run of the show.
Another prominent role for the CW was 2015’s Candy Baker in the supernatural comedy-drama “iZombie.”
Her other TV credits include “Supergirl,” “UnREAL,” “Motive,” “Continuum,” “Package Deal,” “Alice,” “Knights of Bloodsteel,” The 4400,” “The L Word,” and “Smallville.”
On the big screen, in addition to “Happy Gilmore,” she was cast in “Good Luck Chuck,” and “Married Life.”
Fleming also appeared in the TV film “The Unauthorized Full House Story,” where she played the mother of “Full House” star Candace Cameron Bure, who appeared on the show in her role of DJ Tanner.
A representative for Fleming was not immediately available to Page Six.
Fleming is survived by her daughter, Madalyn Rose, according to various reports.
In a dramatic incident at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, an Air Canada flight encountered an unexpected obstacle during landing when it collided with a vehicle on the runway. The crash left at least two individuals in critical condition, according to reports.
Originating from Montreal, the flight touched down at approximately 11:40 pm. As it made its descent, the aircraft unexpectedly struck a Port Authority vehicle that was present on the runway. A spokesperson from the Port Authority relayed this information to the Daily Mail, confirming the unusual nature of the incident.
Further details revealed that the vehicle involved was responding to a separate emergency when the collision occurred. This intersection of events resulted in the aircraft’s severe nose damage, visibly tilting its front end upwards on the tarmac.
Operating under the banner of Jazz Aviation, a regional airline based in Nova Scotia, the flight was part of the Air Canada network. The incident has underscored the complex dynamics of airport operations, where multiple activities can converge in unexpected ways.
The flight was affiliated with Jazz Aviation, a regional airline in Nova Scotia, and was operating on behalf of Air Canada.
‘Emergency response protocols were immediately activated. The Port Authority Police Department is on scene along with the agency’s Chairman and Executive Director,’ a Port Authority spokesperson said in a statement.
‘This is a developing situation based on preliminary information. The Port Authority Police Department is working closely with our airline partners as well as federal authorities, and will provide additional updates as more details become available.’
The New York Fire Department confirmed to the Daily Mail that its crews had received reports of an incident involving an aircraft and a vehicle on runway four.
An Air Canada Express plane collided with a Port Authority vehicle on Sunday night on Runway 4 of LaGuardia Airport. The cockpit suffered severe damage, as pictured above
The plane struck a Port Authority vehicle on the runway. Pictured above is an image from the aftermath of the crash
The Air Canada Express plane was reportedly carrying 76 passengers and crew. The jet is pictured above getting removed from the runway by Port Authority Police following the incident
The Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft was reportedly carrying 76 passengers and crew during the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced a ground stop due to an aircraft emergency, effectively closing LaGuardia Airport at 11.50 pm EST.
Photos of the aftermath showed Port Authority Police removing the front half of the plane.
Port Authority’s vehicle was pictured after the collision turned on its side as several emergency responders flooded the runway.
The New York Police Department told the Daily Mail that it was aware of an incident.
LaGuardia warned of flight disruptions due to weather conditions at 8.30 pm EST. New York experienced rainy conditions on Sunday night.
The Daily Mail has reached out to LaGuardia Airport, the FAA and Air Canada for comment.
The incident comes as airports are already facing mounting pressure amid a DHS funding standoff.
Photos of the crash first circulated on the Citizen app. The grainy images depicted the front of the plane badly damaged as emergency services arrived
Emergency personnel worked to clear the damage overnight on Monday in the aftermath of the collision
Port Authority Police and FDNY responded to the collision. LaGuardia subsequently closed to allow emergency crews to respond. The aftermath of the collision is pictured above as Port Authority worked to clear the plane
LaGuardia is among many airports facing challenges, with employees forced to work without pay and passengers facing long security lines.
Travelers reported lines spilling through the parking lot on Sunday morning, with some saying they waited for up to three hours.
Donald Trump announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would be sent to airports on Monday to help TSA agents.
‘If the Democrats do not allow for Just and Proper Security at our Airports, and elsewhere throughout our Country, ICE will do the job far better than ever done before!’ Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Saturday.
‘I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to,‘GET READY.’ NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES!’
Multiple emergency personnel vehicles reponsed to the scene, pictured above. The massive response caused the airport to close
Information is still coming to light as to what caused the crash. A massive rescue presence was seen at the airport in early hours on Monday
The Port Authority vehicle was responding to a seperate incident when the crash occurred. The Air Canada plane is pictured above on the tarmac in the aftermath of the collision
Border czar Tom Homan confirmed on CNN that he had been working to finalize a plan with ICE Director Tedd Lyons and acting administrator for the TS Ha Nguyen McNeill to deploy ICE agents.
He added that the officials would have a plan in place by the end of the day on Sunday, which included which airports would be targeted.
Related video above: Fishermen discuss the effects of sargassum in May 2025
(NEXSTAR) – Researchers have observed that the ocean’s sargassum seaweed is flourishing at unprecedented levels, and even more growth is anticipated.
In just a month, these floating seaweed masses have expanded dramatically from 9.5 million tons to 13.6 million tons. As temperatures rise, conditions are favorable for further proliferation. This increase could lead to beaches being overwhelmed by the odorous seaweed, mirroring past incidents.
According to the University of South Florida’s February report, “Due to the persistent growth from November through February and the record-setting sargassum levels in numerous areas, 2026 is poised to be another significant year for sargassum.”
While sargassum causes few issues when adrift at sea, trouble arises as it reaches the shore. There, it decomposes and releases hydrogen sulfide, producing a smell akin to rotten eggs and potentially aggravating respiratory issues in those who are sensitive.
Some parts of the Caribbean, including the coasts of Mexico, Belize and Honduras, have already started seeing sargassum on beaches, according to USF. Pictures from Cuba show the sargassum starting to encroach on streets in Havana.
Spring break hot spots in Mexico, like Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres, have also seen tons of the seaweed wash up early in the season, reports Mexico News Daily. The tourism industry is bracing for one of the worst years ever for sargassum.
“This year is going to be terrible,” Rosa Rodríguez, a researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico’s Institute of Limnology and Marine Sciences, told the outlet.
Sargassum seaweed covers part of a sandy beach after washing ashore in the Caribbean Sea, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, France January 4, 2026. The brown algae accumulation illustrates coastal marine pollution on the shoreline. (Photo by Benoît Durand / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images)
Cars drive along the Malecon covered with sargassum seaweed in Havana on January 21, 2026. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE / AFP via Getty Images)
Sargassum seaweed covers part of a sandy beach after washing ashore in the Caribbean Sea, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, France January 4, 2026. The brown algae accumulation illustrates coastal marine pollution on the shoreline. (Photo by Benoit Durand / Hans Lucas / Getty Images)
In the coming months, more beaches around the West Caribbean will likely be inundated. Researchers say beaching may happen next in the Lesser Antilles, a long chain of islands from east of Puerto Rico to Aruba.
A piece of good news: The amount of sargassum in the Gulf is relatively low, at least for now.
As the blooms are expected to grow in the coming months, tourism destinations from Florida to Cancun have been trying to prepare. The Mexican Navy has joined the effort to collect and clean up the sargassum, according to Border Report.
The Florida Department of Health recommends beachgoers avoid touching or swimming near the seaweed. The small creatures that live inside it, like jellyfish larvae, could sting or cause your skin to itch.
The department also suggests using gloves if you have to handle sargassum and closing windows if you live near the beach to avoid breathing issues and bad smells.
As tensions flare and missiles soar in the Middle East, global eyes remain fixed on major players like the United States, Iran, and Israel. These nations are at the forefront, orchestrating the unfolding events on the ground.
However, the ripple effects of the crisis are reaching far beyond the immediate region, pulling in countries such as Australia, which find themselves compelled to engage in a conflict they neither initiated nor can easily dismiss.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized that Australia is “not a protagonist” in this turmoil, portraying the recent deployment of military forces to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a “defensive” maneuver rather than an aggressive one.
Nonetheless, even a minor involvement highlights a larger truth: geographic distance does not shield Australia from a conflict that impacts energy markets, trade pathways, and security alliances crucial to its national interests.
This crisis has reignited conversations about how nations like Australia—often labeled as “middle powers”—navigate major geopolitical conflicts. This is especially pertinent as the US escalates its tendency towards unilateral actions.
Australia and the ‘middle power’ identity
Australia’s foreign policy has often been framed around the idea of middle-power diplomacy.
Middle powers sit below great powers — such as China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the US — but still exert meaningful influence over global politics.
While there is no standard definition or agreed international list of middle powers, they are typically characterised by their ability to leverage diplomatic reach, economic weight, participation in multilateral institutions and, at times, military contributions to shape international outcomes, according to a World Economic Forum white paper.
The concept has historical roots in Australia’s post–World War Two diplomacy, including its involvement in the creation of the United Nations.
Today, as a G20 member and one of the world’s 15 largest economies, Australia wields more power than it often acknowledges, says Allan Behm, international and security affairs program adviser at the Australia Institute.
“It is true that Australia often describes itself as a ‘middle power’ even though, as a member of the G20, with the sixth largest land mass and 14th largest economy [approximately the same as Russia’s], enormous natural endowments and one of the highest standards of living in the world, it enjoys considerable national power and the agency that goes with it,” Behm tells SBS News.
Behm says if Australia were bolder, “it could exercise commensurate influence on the world stage”.
Jessica Genauer, associate professor in international relations at Flinders University, says the war in the Middle East tests how Australia exercises its middle-power role amid global pressures and strategic dependencies.
“On the one hand, the conflict highlights the extent to which Australia is still dependent on the US as a stronger power with greater military capability,” she says.
“On the other hand, it shows that Australia is part of a group of middle powers around the world who are in a similar situation of re-stabilising, looking after their domestic populations, and reorienting their foreign policy to respond to an increasingly fragmented emerging world order.”
Why the Middle East matters to Australia
At first glance, the Middle East may seem far removed from Australia’s strategic focus in the Indo-Pacific. Yet the region remains central to global energy supply and trade, which has a flow-on effect for domestic markets.
Around 20 per cent of global oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz. In 2025, about 20 million barrels of oil moved through Hormuz each day, according to estimates from the US Energy Information Administration.
In 2025, about 20 million barrels of oil moved through Hormuz each day, according to estimates from the US Energy Information Administration. Source: SBS News
Disruptions to these routes can drive volatility in global energy prices and shipping costs.
For Australia, these global shocks translate quickly into domestic pressures — from rising fuel prices to disrupted supply chains.
Behm says distance does little to shield Australia from these dynamics, pointing to both economic and social links with the region.
As a globally connected nation, Australia has clear economic, political and strategic interests in the Middle East.
“And as a nation dependent on migration for its economic and social development, Australia enjoys extensive cultural, ethnic and familial links with the Middle East, extending principally from Egypt in the west to Iran in the east.”
Those connections increasingly intersect with Australia’s national security concerns.
In recent weeks, the government has taken concrete steps in response to rising tensions in the region.
Earlier this month, the Albanese government announced it would deploy an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, provide medium-range air-to-air missiles, and send around 85 Australian Defence Force personnel to the UAE to support Gulf states following Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Albanese said the deployment was designed to protect civilians, including Australians, stressing Australia was not taking part in offensive operations against Iran.
“The first priority of my government is and always will be to keep Australians safe. There are around 115,000 Australians in the Middle East, around 24,000 of those in the UAE,” he said at a press conference last week.
“Helping Australians means helping the UAE and other nations to defend themselves.”
Economic ripple effects
Exposure to economic shocks is another key impact. Australia imports roughly 90 per cent of its liquid fuel, making it vulnerable to disruptions in global oil markets and shipping routes.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced a reduction in the minimum stock obligations for diesel and petrol earlier this month, saying the move would “make a difference going forward” amid “understandable” concerns around rising fuel costs.
The obligations for diesel will reduce from 2.7 billion litres to 2.2 billion litres, and for petrol from 1 billion litres to 700 million litres, allowing the release of up to 762 million litres from domestic reserves.
Hayley Channer, director of the Economic Security Program at the United States Studies Centre (USSC) at the University of Sydney, says the greater risk lies not in short-term price spikes, but in prolonged disruption to global energy flows.
“A bigger concern than higher prices is a potential long-term disruption to global oil supply and negative flow-on impacts for some of Australia’s largest trading partners — China, Japan, Korea and India,” she tells SBS News.
“This is the consequence of such an interconnected global economy, which served Australia’s interests for decades but no longer does because trade has been weaponised.”
She says the impact is already being felt across supply chains, with costs likely to build over time.
“We’ve already seen an immediate impact on fuel, but there’s a compounding impact of this oil crisis on Australia’s supply chains, more broadly. Not only is supply disrupted, [but] shipping has to be rerouted, shipping insurance goes up and emergency conflict surcharges are introduced,” Channer says.
“So, longer shipping times, extra insurance, extra danger pay — that all adds costs that will push prices up for all goods.”
The economic ripple is also affecting policy decisions, with rising oil prices linked to the war in the Middle East influencing the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to raise interest rates to a 10-month high.
Channer says the outlook demands a shift in how both governments and businesses prepare for global shocks.
All of this points to the need for the Australian government to have a stronger strategy around dealing with economic security shocks and risks, which are the new norm — not a blip.
“This isn’t just the responsibility of the government, though. Australian businesses needs to engage with these risks more genuinely,” Channer says.
Security considerations have also shaped Australia’s engagement with the region. Over the decades, instability in the Middle East has been linked to terrorism and prompted international military interventions.
Australia has previously deployed personnel to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and continues to cooperate with partners on intelligence sharing, maritime security and counter-terrorism operations linked to the region.
Diplomacy and humanitarian engagement
When crises erupt abroad, Australia leans on diplomacy and multilateral coordination, often aligning with other US-aligned middle powers.
Genauer says this approach reflects both strategic caution and practical limits on Australia’s hard power.
“Australia’s diplomatic role in the crisis primarily concerns pursuing a coordinated approach with other middle power partners around the world, such as Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Japan.”
Genauer says this model has become more complex as US foreign policy shifts, requiring middle powers to adapt their approach across multiple conflicts.
Humanitarian aid remains another pillar of Australia’s response.
“Although Australia has reduced its international development assistance over the past couple of decades, Australia remains a significant contributor in the Pacific and in Asia,” Behm says.
“Our efforts in international humanitarian assistance are well-targeted and well-coordinated with other donors. We could and should do better, however.”
Lavina Lee, director of the Foreign Policy and Defence Program at the USSC, cautions that any expanded role will depend on how the conflict unfolds on the ground.
“There will be a role for Australia in terms of humanitarian assistance to populations affected in the region once active hostilities are over — but there is a big question over when this might be and whether the Iranian regime will capitulate,” Lee tells SBS News.
Security and alliances
Australia faces strategic choices in the coming weeks and months, especially if tensions continue to threaten key shipping routes.
Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed on Tuesday that the US has not explicitly asked Australia to contribute naval forces to operations in the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating Australia’s focus on defensive support.
However, experts say the government may still consider a more direct role if conditions deteriorate, even though its capabilities are constrained by its fleet.
Lee says Australia has “limited” naval assets it can deploy to the Gulf.
“Australia is behind on developing its own integrated air and missile defence capability. It’s possible the government might consider sending one of our three air warfare destroyers to protect oil tankers and shipping around the Strait of Hormuz,” Lee said.
Nevertheless, Australia’s response to conflicts beyond its immediate region remains shaped by its close alliance with the US.
Behm says this can narrow Australia’s room to act independently.
We generally follow the lead of the US, representing ourselves as a representative of US interests rather than our own; and we constrain our agency by playing too subservient a role under US leadership.
Domestic politics can also shape Australia’s stance, though Behm suggests the government’s more “muted role” in the Middle East is unlikely to spark significant public debate at this stage.
“Though a growing number of members of Australia’s Middle Eastern community would like to see Australia adopt more assertive and self-confident stances on key humanitarian issues, especially the treatment of displaced persons in Palestine and refugees more generally.”
