The Front

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khameini, the hardline son of the assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei, is elevated in Iran thanks to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Today in The Front’s headlines edition: the immediate crises on his desk, from ballistic missiles to fury from Iran's Gulf neighbours.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yoni Bashan, Australian journalist and The Australian’s Israel correspondent, shares on-the-ground views from amid missile alerts. He describes limited meals and hangry reporters. He talks about Israelis choosing comfort snacks in shelters, short warning times, emergency services’ role, public endurance, political impacts and shifting Gulf alliances.

Giselle Boetti, journalist and audience lead at The Australian, offers cultural commentary on the new Young Sherlock. She discusses Hero Fiennes Tiffin’s screen presence and family acting roots. Conversation covers Guy Ritchie’s action-driven style, the Oxford origin story, the show’s emotional complexity, and why a Gen Z take on Holmes resonates with modern viewers.

Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister and national leader, discusses defence posture, AUKUS training for Australians on allied submarines, and diplomatic/legal limits on military action. He addresses concerns about Iran’s regional role and the likely economic fallout, and mentions repatriation flights for Australians from the UAE.

The White House compares Operation Epic Fury to the video game Call of Duty. Pete Hegseth says ‘no mercy’. Should any of that make us squeamish? And can the Iranian people possibly pull a secular democracy out of the rubble? Greg Sheridan is here.   Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War secretary Pete Hegseth goes on the offensive, saying Operation Epic Fury is not a fair fight - and America will show no mercy. Also in The Front’s afternoon headlines, more stranded Australians make their way home from the Gulf. Follow our Middle East live blog here Read more of our coverage on the Middle East: Carney trip long on symbolism, short on substance If at first you don’t succeed, die, die again Decisive, devastating and without mercy: Hegseth’s update on crushing Iran Canadian PM Mark Carney urges new ‘trusted coalitions’ across critical minerals, defence, AI Iran regime removal will cut global antisemitism, Ryvchin saysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of laughing along, the highest-earning woman in media finally gets sick of her loudmouth co-star’s antics and walks away. But what’s really fuelling the drama - and why are their bosses secretly delighted?  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports are emerging that the so-called Assembly of Experts has elected a new supreme leader: Motjabah Khameini, the son of slain Ayatollah Ali Khemenei.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iranian rockets on one side, Houthi terrorists on the other - the Arabian peninsula has suddenly become the flashpoint we all need to know about, because its waterways determine everything from petrol and grocery prices to inflation bills and when your new sofa is going to arrive. But is this a real threat - and when will everything go back to normal? Chief international correspondent Cameron Stewart is here. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Follow our Middle East live blog here Read more of our coverage on the Middle East: How Donald Trump rewrote the rules of war with his Iran campaign Defence taskforce on standby for Middle East evacuations Trump defends his record and vows to overcome tariff setback in fiery speech Cameron Stewart: How Israel’s enemies helped it dominate the Middle East Asian economies brace for deep economic pain as Iran war threatens oil supply This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Gulf airlines - Etihad, Emirates and Qatar - reel from Iranian attacks across the Persian Gulf, travellers and expats are stranded and looking for answers. Today - what’s causing the uncertainty, and the scenarios that could see the chaos stretch for months or years. Follow our live blog here. Read more on this developing story: Gulf states in race against time to repel Iran’s counterattack Sydney mayor backs Shi’ite memorial for ‘martyred’ Ayatollah Khamenei, lashes Chris Minns The case for cautious optimism in Trump’s war against Iran How will the war in Iran end? The scenarios explained Dubai travel warnings: What to do if your flight is cancelled or you’re strandedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.