Radio National Breakfast

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has faced a grilling in the UK parliament over the appointment of the former British ambassador to the United States - Lord Peter Mandelson.
Lord Mandelson was sacked in September, just nine months into the job, when new details emerged about his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 
Sir Starmer has been facing more questions overnight about what he knew and when, after it was revealed Lord Mandelson failed the security vetting process for the ambassadorship.
Guest: Patrick Maguire, Chief Political Commentator for The Times
Producer: Pip Cook

The construction industry has been under mounting pressure to deliver the more than a million homes needed under the National Housing Accord.
That's been made even harder by the conflict in the Middle East - as the sector grapples with rising costs and supply chain issues.
GUEST: Clare O'Neil, Minister for Housing 
PRODUCER: Isadora Bogle

Just days after meeting with G20 finance ministers in Washington, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has set the tone for the upcoming federal budget - promising ambitious tax reforms to boost productivity and reduce spending, while acknowledging the challenges ahead as the war in the middle east continues. 
Guest: Aruna Sathanapally, CEO of The Grattan Institute

US President Donald Trump is defending his middle east war strategy, describing critics as “traitors," as a second round of talks with Iran remains in doubt.
Iran is currently refusing to send a delegation to the talks in Pakistan, after the US Navy attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz.
The current ceasefire is due to expire tomorrow.
Guest: Professor Kevin Rowlands, a former Royal Navy officer at the Royal United Services Institute 
Producer: Pip Cook

US President Donald Trump says the U.S. military has taken control of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship by blowing a hole in its engine room. 
It comes after Iran reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has fired upon multiple vessels at the weekend, with no casualties reported. 
We dive into the state of the Strait with a former merchant mariner.
Then, we look at what this means for global oil markets, and how the diminishing supply of jet fuel could impact Australian airfares.
Then, there's lots to unpack with our federal politicians around the economic fallout of the Iran war. 
Recap the morning's news, politics and global affairs with the Breakfast Wrap.