More Australians return home from the Middle East | Midday News Bulletin 31 March 2026

International condemnation as Israel expands its use of the death penalty; Aunty Rhoda Roberts farewelled on Bundjalung country in northern New South Wales; North Melbourne's Tristan Xerri cops a three-game ban for smearing blood.

More Australians return home on repatriation flights amid the Iran war; Three Indonesian peacekeepers now confirmed killed in Lebanon in the past 24 hours; Adelaide Crows defender Jordon Butts sidelined by concussion.

In this bulletin, US President Trump says Iran's new leadership have been very reasonable as more US troops arrive in the region; Iranian parliament considers leaving Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; and in sport, Melbourne Storm player Tui Kamikamica is in hospital following a suspected stroke.

In this bulletin, the federal government announces it will halve the fuel excise from Wednesday, Donald Trump says the US could launch a ground campaign on Iran's Kharg Island. And in tennis, Jannik Sinner becomes the eighth man to complete the Sunshine Double.

In this bulletin, fugitive Dezi Freeman shot by dead by police, voluntary measures to save fuel on the agenda at a national cabinet meeting. And in sport, Caster Semenya criticises the decision to ban transgender athletes from competing at the Olympics.

In this bulletin, Iran warns the US against a ground invasion; Israel’s Prime Minister orders expansion of invasion of southern Lebanon; and in Formula One, Oscar Piastri finally gets off the starting line to take second place in Japan.

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.