RNZ

Iran begins laying mines in Strait of Hormuz, sources say

11 Mar 2026

Iran still retains upward of 80 percent to 90 percent of its small boats and mine layers, so could lay hundreds of mines.

Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 11 March 2026

11 Mar 2026

US media report Iran is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and despite Donald Trump saying the vessels were destroyed we ask Trade Minister Todd McClay what it could mean for global trade; An expat… Audio

Does Donald Trump even know what’s happening in Iran?

11 Mar 2026

Analysis: There are no signs that the US President's decisions on the war will be grounded in reality any time soon.

Australia pledges to send military assets to Middle East

10 Mar 2026

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about the country finding itself drawn increasingly into the conflict in the Middle East, with the Albanese Government offering sanctuary to… Audio

War 'pretty much' complete but US hasn't 'won enough' - Trump

10 Mar 2026

The US President says the war on Iran is "pretty much" complete but America hasn't "won enough, as the conflict in the Middle East enters its eleventh day. The US military says it has struck more than… Audio

Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 10 March 2026

10 Mar 2026

Markets lurch back following Trump comments on Iran; Psychologist Dougal Sutherland on Covid's social 'long tail'; What impact does Iran war have on China and its relationships? Audio

What impact does Iran war have on China and its relationships?

10 Mar 2026

What is the impact of the war on China and what strategies are they deploying in the crisis? Until recently Anna Fifield was The Washington Post's Asia-Pacific editor and before that the newspaper's… Audio

Latest news from the United States

10 Mar 2026

The latest news from America with correspondent Laura Taglianetti in New York. Audio

Trump disapproves new Supreme Leader

10 Mar 2026

As the US remains embroiled in war with Iran, President Trump has voiced disapproval of the new hardline Supreme Leader. Audio

Iranian football players offered asylum by Australia

10 Mar 2026

There were fears the team would be targeted by the Iranian regime upon their return, after they were labelled "traitors" on Iranian TV for not singing the national anthem.

Iran's hardliners pledge fealty to new leader Mojtaba Khamenei

10 Mar 2026

Khamenei, 56, a Shi'ite cleric with a power base among the security forces and their vast business empire, has been declared unacceptable by US President Donald Trump.

Improvised explosive devices thrown near NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's home

10 Mar 2026

The New York Police Department said it was investigating the incident as ISIS-inspired terrorism.

Iran's new Supreme Leader named

9 Mar 2026

Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen by Iran's Assembly of Experts to succeed his father who was killed at the beginning of the latest conflict. It comes as the conflict in the middle east enters its tenth… Audio

OZ Update: What's happening in Australia?

9 Mar 2026

We find out what's hitting the headlines in Australia with our man on the ground there, Brad Foster. This week we're discussing: The Federal Government considering a request for military assistance… Audio

Midday Report Essentials for Monday 9 March 2026

9 Mar 2026

Bracing for impact. Energy and retail prices set to rise for New Zealanders as the impact of the war on Iran washes up on these shores; we speak to the chief economist of New Zealand's largest bank… Audio

Iran Conflict: Reaction to the new leader from an Iranian NZer

9 Mar 2026

Iran's Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new Supreme leader. He replaces his father who was killed by American and Israeli airstrikes 9 days ago. Last Monday we spoke to… Audio