National cabinet to meet over fuel shortage concerns | Midday News Bulletin 18 March 2026

Iran confirms the death of powerful national security chief in an Israeli air strike; New figures show domestic violence offences at a record high in New South Wales courts; And in sport, Senegal has been stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title it won in January.

In this bulletin, Israel says it has killed a top Iranian security chief; A nervous wait for flood zones as a tropical cyclone looms off the Queensland coast; and in sport, The Matildas have defeated defending champions China to go through to the Asian Cup final.

The Reserve Bank raises interest rates to 4.1 per cent, Indigenous leaders are urging the government to support vital services in a remote Northern Territory town, The Asian Football Confederation says it's confident Iran will compete at this year's Men's FIFA World Cup.

Reserve Board to hand down decision on interest rates, A national power outage in Cuba, Australian basketball great Ken Cole dies aged 82

Donald Trump criticises allies for resisting his call to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz; stronger regulation announced for migration agents; and in sport, the Sydney Swans apologise to the Jewish community over a tribute to victims of the Bondi attack.

Iran denies it asked the United States for a ceasefire, Victorian government has settled a COVID 19 class action, Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard wins the Paris-Nice race.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen says Australia’s fuel supply remains secure, Warnings for young Australians turning to social media for financial advice, McLaren launches investigation into Piastri's technical failure.

The US says the war with Iran will end in a few weeks... New South Wales convenes a roundtable on fuel in the state amid reports of petrol pumps running dry ... and 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli wins the Chinese Grand Prix, after another disaster for Aussie Oscar Piastri

Concern remains for Iran's women's footballers; The Australian government rejects an informal request from the US for a ship in the Strait of Hormuz; Australia's women's rugby side win - but still lose - at the Seven Series in the US.

In today's bulletin, Three more members of Iran's women's football team who were granted asylum in Australia return to Iran; St Patrick's Day celebrated with parades, music and dance; and in sport, Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cancelled due to war in the Middle East.