Radio National Breakfast

By some measures, Operation Epic Fury has been the most powerful and expensive US assault in military history.In the first 96 hours alone, the US is estimated to have deployed more than 5-thousand munitions in Iran.That's raised new questions about just how long America can sustain its campaign in the Middle East.And it's worried allies elsewhere that US forces may no longer be in a position to help in other conflicts.Guest: Lt. Col. Jahara Matisek is a Command Pilot in the U.S. Air Force and is a Senior Fellow at the Payne Institute for Public Policy, Research Fellow at the U.S. Naval War College, and Visiting Scholar at Northwestern University. The views of Lt Col Matisek are his own and not those of the Department of War or the U.S. Government.Producers: Grace Stranger, Jason Whittaker

Israel's Defense Minister has announced plans for his country's military to take control of southern Lebanon, from the Israeli border to the Litani River.Israel Katz is describing the move as the creation of a "security zone" to protect northern Israel from the Hezbollah.Residents of southern Lebanon have been fearing Israel's recent military action against the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah could be the precursor to a period of ongoing occupation, similar to what Israel did from 1982 to 2000.

Bahrain has been hit by one of its worst attacks of the war so far after an Iranian missile struck a military base in the west of the island.It comes as Iran has intensified its attacks across the Gulf States, with Iran's de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz also continuing.Meanwhile, media in Iran is reporting that Israeli-US strikes have targeted two of its gas facilities and a pipeline, hours after US President Donald Trump claimed he'd temporarily halt attacks on power infrastructure.Guest: Sir Robin Niblett, Distinguished Fellow and former Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House, and a Senior Adviser to the Center for Strategic and International StudiesProducer: Pip Cook

Australia's long-awaited trade deal with the European Union is being hailed by the Prime Minister as a major economic win.But the response from the agriculture sector - particularly the red meat industry - is far less optimistic, with some industry leaders labelling it the "worst-ever free trade agreement".We hear from the Trade Minister.Then we cross to Beirut as Israel says it wants to occupy southern Lebanon. Start each day with comprehensive coverage and analysis of national and international events, and hear interviews with the people who matter today

John Fozzie Miller, retired Vice Admiral who led US Naval Forces Central Command, reflects on US-Iran tensions and restrained military choices. Kate Chaney, independent MP and Murphy review committee member, introduces a bill to phase out online gambling ads. They discuss the thousand-day wait on reform, limits of current safeguards, and wider impacts of ad normalisation on young people.

Susan Provan, long-time director and CEO who built the Melbourne International Comedy Festival into a global draw. She discusses why comedy matters for wellbeing and perspective. She recalls starting out in the scene and how talent is spotted. She outlines programs that nurture new performers and the tough decisions festivals face as values change.

Rania Dagash, Assistant Executive Director at the UN World Food Programme, leads humanitarian logistics and global food assistance. She outlines how Middle East conflict is disrupting supply routes, driving up fuel and shipping costs, and threatening fertilizer deliveries before planting seasons. She also highlights displacement setbacks and appeals for more advocacy, protection and resources.

John W ‘Fozzie’ Miller, retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral with deep experience in Middle East maritime operations. He explains why strikes were paused and how limited US–Iran communications might occur. He outlines what it takes to secure the Strait: an air and maritime defensive bubble, possible coastal troop placements, and roles for middle powers in protecting shipping.

Matt Canavan, Nationals leader and Shadow Minister for Trade who focuses on trade, agriculture and energy. He questions the EU trade pact’s impact on sovereignty. He debates naming rights for products and compares red meat access with the UK deal. He warns about EU deforestation rules and raises concerns about fuel supply pressures and calls for government action.

Kate Chaney, Independent MP for Curtin and former member of the Murphy review committee, campaigns for tougher gambling reform. She discusses the normalization of gambling, limited impact of current measures like BetStop, alarming trends among young people and women, and her bill to phase out online gambling advertising. The conversation presses for government action to honor the Murphy report.