War Against

• On Monday, August 24, 2026, the United States announced a new series of sanctions targeting Iran amid escalating tensions. • The measures are part of a broader strategic effort involving the US and Israel to curb Iranian activities and influence in the region. • These sanctions aim to exert economic pressure on the Iranian government to prevent further military escalation and destabilization.

• The Iranian currency has plummeted to a record low against the US dollar as President Donald Trump claims the nation is "completely collapsing." • The US administration is preparing to unveil an "economic D-Day," a plan designed to tighten financial restrictions and increase pressure on Tehran. • Analysts note that Iran has developed a "survival economy" to endure sanctions, meaning the US must target clandestine trade and banking networks to be effective.

• Former President Donald Trump threatened "unprecedented" economic warfare against Iran during a recent radio interview. • In a surprising turn, Trump conducted the interview alongside Michael Cohen, his former lawyer and current political adversary. • Separately, it was reported that Braid, a former senior aide to Senator JD Vance, is departing the administration.

• Circuit Judge J. Kennedy Peabody warned against using government authority to punish dissent, criticism, or perceived political disloyalty during the opening of the 15th Judicial Circuit in River Gee County. • The judge argued that public institutions "bleed" and suffer significantly when administrative decisions are driven by personal interests, resentment, or revenge rather than the law. • This warning highlights the critical need for intolerance and retaliatory leadership to be removed from the exercise of public power to maintain institutional integrity.

Dozens of non-profit groups urge Labor not to limit work rights for temporary migrants. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastJoyce says One Nation are ‘not homophobes’, but won’t be seen at Mardi GrasOne Nation leader Barnaby Joyce says his party are not homophobes, but will absolutely not attend a Mardi Gras event.Everybody’s trying to make us as a pack of homophobes, which we’re not. It’s just ridiculous. And we’re not racist, we’re not homophobes, but we always get these tropes thrown at us …You can absolutely bet I would not go to the Mardi Gras. But that’s my business, and we just want you to live your own life.This is not the Australia we want to be and it is not the answer to the growing challenges facing our community. Continue reading...

• On August 16, 2026, Moscow's chief economist warned that Russia may be unable to secure a victory in its prolonged war of attrition against Ukraine. • The warning highlights critical economic or strategic vulnerabilities that could undermine Russia's long-term ability to sustain military operations. • This assessment is significant as it suggests a potential shift in the internal economic outlook of the Kremlin regarding the conflict's sustainability.

Some Liberal and National MPs warned against over-regulation in party room discussion, while others argued for more stringent rulesCoalition MPs have warned the opposition leader, Angus Taylor, not to overreach in talks with Anthony Albanese on Labor’s gambling advertising crackdown, insisting rules that are too stringent would not strike the right balance on personal responsibility.The prime minister and the opposition leader continued talks on Tuesday over a deal to advance Labor’s legislation to limit online gambling advertising, with betting inducements and more restrictions on advertising hours among possible avenues for movement. Continue reading...