Australia's Treasurer: End Middle East War

0:00Australia's government is fed up with this Middle East war, dragging on nearly seven weeks now. The U.S. and Israel hit Iran harder first, and Aussies backed it, hoping for a quick win. But with the straight-of-war moves still shut tight, fuel prices and inflation are skyrocketing, hitting everyday folks right in the wallet. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is heading to Washington today for G20 and IMF meetings, making it crystal clear in this war. He says Australians didn't sign up for it, but they're paying a heavy price, especially with next month's budget looming full of tough choices on cuts and reforms. Frustrations boiling over at wild stuff from the Trump White House, like threats to wipe out civilizations or jabs at the Pope. Trump's Treasury Secretary called it just a small bit of economic pain to stop Iran's nukes, but that's not landing well down under. NATO allies shot down joining the naval blockade, and Australia staying out for now, too. Defense Minister Richard Marles launches the new National Defense Strategy today at

1:01the National Press Club, pumping in an extra $14 billion. Dollars over four years and $53 billion over 10. That had hit about 3 percent of GDP by 2033, matching Trump's demands for allies, with focus on drones and tech to keep up. Opposition voices are split on blockade help. Polls show U.S. alliance supports slipping, and as the ceasefire that's not really a ceasefire stretches. On, the strain on alliances is only getting heavier. That's the story for today. Sydney News Today, Driven by AI.