Pentagon reportedly preparing for weeks long ground operation in Iran | Evening News Bulletin 29 March 2026

Hastie warns Australians are losing faith in the US-Australia alliance; Pentagon reportedly preparing for weeks long ground operation in Iran; And in the NRL, Penrith's Mitch Kenny receives one-game ban ahead of Good Friday blockbuster.

The Houthis launch a second missile attack on Israel; Free public transport announced in two Australian states amid soaring petrol prices; and in football, the Socceroos prepare for their game against Curaçao.

Yemen's Houthis enter the war in the Middle East; Pope Leo XIV becomes the first pontiff to visit Monaco in nearly 500 years; and in sport, Lachlan Kennedy defeats Gout Gout at the Maurie Plant Meet to retain his title.

President Trump says US doesn't have obligation to support NATO countries; Coalition urges consideration of fuel excise cut; And in football, Iran's men's national team stage symbolic protest against strike on girls school.

New powers on fuel security in Australia announced; UN sets up task-force to safeguard aid and food supplies amid Strait of Hormuz disruption; and in Formula One, Oscar Piastri encouraged by strong practice as he eyes Japan reset.

President Donald Trump says talks with Iran are continuing; A major Australian fuel supplier is calling for calm; and in football, The Socceroos defeat Cameroon.

The Coalition calls for a halving of the fuel excise for three months; New Zealand outlines a four-phase plan for fuel shortages; Australia's Olympic team organisers welcome a ban on trans athletes in female competition.

Australia secures new fuel supply deals as shortages are felt across the nation; The government defends its moves in the Middle East, after criticism from Donald Trump; The International Olympics Committee rules on transgender athletes.

In this bulletin, Foreign Ministers meet to discuss conflicts at G7 talks in France; Donald Trump claims Iran has let tankers through the Strait of Hormuz; and in sport, The Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the first-ever regular season NFL game in Australia

Contradictory messages from the US and Iran over the war in the Middle East; Meta to appeal a finding it deliberately designed its platform to hook young users; The A-F-L unveils its new drug policy it says is the toughest in the nation.