US, Iran war updates: Anthony Albanese announces new fuel security powers as petrol prices spike in Australia

There is a threat to the safety of Australians in hotels in Dubai, the Australian government has warned.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a very specific warning in the early hours of Saturday, Australian time.

“We have reason to believe there are heightened risks around hotels in Dubai, including an ongoing threat in the vicinity of Le Meridien hotel on Airport Road, Dubai,” the department revealed via Smartraveller.

The department has already issued a “do not travel” warning for the UAE, which includes layovers or even transiting through Dubai International Airport.

“If you can secure a flight out of the UAE and it’s safe to travel to the airport, leave now while commercial flights are available. Don’t wait until it’s too late,” the warning says.

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Iranian state media report the country’s nuclear facilities have been attacked hours after Israel threatened to “escalate and expand” its military campaign against Iran.

A heavy-water plant and a yellowcake production plant were struck, IRNA reported.

Yellowcake is a concentrated form of uranium after impurities are removed from the raw ore.

Heavy water is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation said the Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Arak and the Ardakan yellowcake production plant in Yazd Province were targeted, the agency said.

The strikes did not cause any casualties and there was no risk of contamination, it said.

Israel also attacked the Arak plant last June.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was no increase in off-site radiation levels after the Ardakan site attack.

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US President Donald Trump has said “Cuba is next” during a speech at an investment forum in Miami during which he touted the successes of US military action in Venezuela and Iran.

While the president did not specify what precisely he plans to do with the island nation, he has frequently said he believes the government in Havana, facing a severe economic crisis, is on the verge of collapse.

His administration has opened up negotiations with elements of Cuba’s leadership in recent weeks, while Trump himself has hinted that kinetic action could be possible.

“I built this great military. I said, ‘You’ll never have to use it.’ But sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba is next, by the way,” Mr Trump told the conference on Friday.

“But pretend I didn’t say that. Pretend I didn’t.

“Please, please, please, media, disregard that statement. Cuba’s next.”

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has asked Australians to “act responsibly” and not hoard fuel, saying it “wasn’t the Australian way” as he announced new measures to secure more fuel for the country.

Australia has a 39-day supply of petrol, 30 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel.

Even so, the Prime Minister said he was gobsmacked by reports that people were panic buying and purchasing far more fuel than they need.

“That’s not the Australian way,” he said.

“People need to take what they need and no more.

“We need to learn from the lessons of COVID.

“I don’t want things to be mandated.

“Common sense should apply.”

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Iran has expressed willingness to talk about certain things in an exchange of messages, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters after a G7 meeting in France on Friday.

“We’re waiting for further clarification about who it is that we would be talking to, what we would be talking about, and when will we be talking,” Rubio said.

“It could happen in any moment. It could happen today. Could happen tomorrow.”

Mr Rubio said Washington expects its military operation in Iran to wrap up in “weeks, not months” following talks with G7 foreign ministers in France.

He said the US could “achieve all our objectives without deploying ground troops” in Iran.

He also warned Iran could move to introduce a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz — a step he said could cause major economic disruption globally.

He added the US would work with international partners on a plan to keep the critical shipping route open once hostilities end.

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Energy Minister Chris Bowen says Australia’s fuel supply remains stable despite disruptions and panic buying in some areas.

He said imports have continued to arrive as expected since the Iran conflict began, with additional shipments secured to offset recent cancellations.

While some regional service stations have run dry due to increased demand, Bowen said fuel is still moving through the system.

“Fuel is flowing strongly out the door, especially to regional Australia. It also continues to flow in the door,” Mr Bowen said.

“Every expected arrival has arrived, and our international supply chain remains secure at this point. As we’ve said, all that’s important to reassure Australians.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hit out at motorists stockpiling fuel, warning panic buying could worsen the situation.

His comments come after images emerged of drivers filling jerry cans at service stations, sparking concerns about supply pressure.

Mr Albanese said Australians should rely on common sense to avoid the need for stricter government intervention, similar to measures seen during the pandemic.

“That’s not the Australian way. People need to take what they need and no more,” Albanese said in reference to people filling jerry cans. “We need to learn the lessons of COVID now. I don’t want things to be mandate, common sense.

“There are more people working from home who are able to do so. That makes sense. There are more people catching public transport than before. That also makes sense.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled new fuel security powers, allowing the government to step in and help boost petrol and diesel supplies as prices surge and panic buying intensifies.

Under the proposed changes — set to be introduced to parliament on Monday — the government will be able to use public funds to underwrite private fuel importers, helping them secure additional shipments and bring them into Australia.

The powers will apply not only to extra shipments above normal import levels, but also to deliveries deemed “cost-prohibitive” that companies would otherwise be unable to afford.

“I want us to have the strongest possible plans, so we’re ready for what may come,” Albanese said moments ago. “I want to keep our people, our economy, and our nation moving.”

The move comes as global tensions continue to drive volatility in energy markets, raising concerns about supply shortages and rising costs for motorists.

“The longer this war goes on, the more the impacts will be,” Mr Albanese said.

“I want to assure Australians that we will do whatever is necessary to make sure that their interests are looked after.”