Australia heralds deal with Vanuatu as a 'transformational breakthrough' in the Pacific
30/06/2026 | 5 mins.
Australia and Vanuatu have signed a 500 million dollar strategic agreement - the first ever inked between the two countries. It positions Australia as the Pacific country's security partner of choice, but it's a weaker treaty than the Australian prime minister originally hoped for. China has expressed concern the deal targets China, warning Australia against playing "geopolitical games".
Talks in Doha as US, Iran negotiate key issues for deal
30/06/2026 | 5 mins.
There are conflicting reports the United States and Iran are preparing for talks in Doha, aimed at building on a fragile ceasefire and negotiating a broader agreement covering Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. The diplomacy comes as Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon, despite a U-S-backed framework agreement that Hezbollah has again rejected.
Super Platforms Face ASIC Scrutiny as the ASX Rallies Into Financial Year End
29/06/2026 | 12 mins.
The ASX 200 rallied 0.7 per cent in a late-session surge ahead of the final trading day of the financial year, with tech stocks leading the gains. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant about why the corporate watchdog says superannuation trustees must do more to protect members from high fees and risky investments on investment platforms. Plus, Kyle Rodda from Capital.com breaks down the day's market action and what investors can expect as the financial year draws to a close.
1300 heat-linked deaths: why experts say Europe is in danger when it comes to extreme heat
29/06/2026 | 6 mins.
The World Health Organisation says more than 1300 deaths can now be linked to Europe's unprecedented summer heatwave. As the heat moves east, all-time temperature records have been broken in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Experts say with global warming making heatwaves more frequent, severe, and deadly, Europe is particularly vulnerable when it comes to soaring temperatures.
Renewed fighting tests fragile peace deal for US, Iran
29/06/2026 | 6 mins.
Just two weeks after the United States and Iran agreed to halt four months of fighting, renewed military exchanges are testing the fragile ceasefire. As tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz, violence continues in Lebanon and Gaza, raising fresh questions about the prospects for lasting peace across the Middle East.
Hear the story behind the headlines. In each episode, we’ll help you make sense of the news stories that matter to you from Australia and the world, with reports and interviews from the SBS News team.