Squiz Today The war widens in the Middle East, and last chance saloon for the blood moon
Mar 2, 2026
Coverage of widening conflict in Iran and its regional fallout, including impacts on shipping and rising tensions. Travel chaos for Australians in the Middle East and evacuation challenges. Stories about remarkable art restorations at the Vatican and in the Netherlands. A last chance to catch a rare blood moon and tips on when to look for it.
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War In Iran Has Regional And Economic Ripples
- The Iran conflict has rapidly expanded beyond a bilateral strike causing regional involvement and economic ripple effects.
- Hezbollah struck northern Israel, Israel hit targets in Lebanon, and closure of the Strait of Hormuz pushed global oil prices up, risking higher petrol costs in Australia.
Australia's Response And Advice For Citizens Abroad
- Australia's government supports US actions to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon but says it wasn't involved or told in advance.
- Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Australians in Israel, Iran, UAE and Qatar to register on a new DFAT crisis portal to help evacuations once possible.
Register On DFAT Crisis Portal For Evacuation Help
- Register on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade crisis portal if you're in Israel, Iran, the UAE or Qatar to help organise evacuations.
- DFAT will use those details to prioritise and coordinate removals once flights and corridors reopen.