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It's unclear why US President Donald Trump chose to address America today. Trump spoke earlier - claiming the US is nearing completion with all its objectives in the Middle East - and will be hitting Iran hard over the next two to three weeks. He says countries that need oil from the Middle East should now take the lead to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Former Republican Communications Director Doug Heye says there was no real news of victory in today's speech. "We were told we're getting close, maybe there's an escalation coming. Gas prices might come down soon, they might not - it's not clear to me why they made the decision to make this speech."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump is claiming regime change is close in Iran. He says the US is nearing completion with all its objectives in the Middle East and the job will be done 'very shortly'. Trump says discussions with Iran are ongoing - after earlier claiming Iran's leaders have asked for a ceasefire - which Iran's foreign ministry is calling false and baseless.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the speech. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK and Australia have delivered speeches overnight - warning of potential impacts of the war in Iran and the resulting surge in fuel prices. In the UK, Sir Keir Starmer says he'll seek closer economic and security ties with the EU. In Australia, Anthony Albanese has called on people to try to reduce fuel consumption if they can. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Albanese's address left people feeling underwhelmed, as he issued a warning to farmers and key business sectors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders are hoping their new home at One NZ Stadium won't take away one of their greatest advantages. The most successful team in Super Rugby history will play a final match at their 14-year stop-gap stadium in Addington tomorrow night when they tackle the Drua. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cook Islands doesn’t want a New Zealand Navy base on its shores, but it does want stronger collaboration. Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown have signed a defence and security declaration, which includes restoring 30 million dollars in funding. The agreement eases tensions that flared when the Cook Islands struck a deal with China last year. Brown says he's 'pleased' both countries were able to sign off on this agreement. "It sets a foundation, really, for us to build on our relationship going forward. So for us here in the Cook Islands, we're really happy with this."   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain's Supreme Court has ruled that a man kissing the hand of a woman without her consent can constitute sexual assault. This follows an incident from 2023, where a man approached a woman in Madrid, kissed her hand and made gestures to suggest she follow him and that he would pay her. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB is facing a fine of around $6 million for breaching anti-money laundering rules.  Banks are required to do their due diligence with their money, in order to comply with existing legislation - but ASB hasn't followed the right systems.  NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After multiple delays, Kathmandu’s parent KMD Brands filed its half-year results, revealing details of a discounted capital raise and news that chairman David Kirk is stepping down. The company, which owns outdoor brands Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz, reported a net loss of $13.1 million, sparking concerns among investors.  Milford Asset Management expert Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allbirds, the eco-chic footwear brand co-founded by former All White Tim Brown, has agreed to sell its 'intellectual property and certain other assets' to American Exchange Group. The brand will be sold for an estimated value of $68 million NZD - a fraction of the company's original net worth. NZ Herald senior business writer Chris Keall says the company's been in decline for years - with too many key factors going wrong.  "The overarching thing is that it's never been able to make a profit, but it's making sustainable shoes from New Zealand merino wool and recycled materials - but not at a sustainable price." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith says changes for the Broadcasting Standards Authority could be made after it deemed it has authority over online broadcasters, after it received a complaint against The Platform. Do we think it needs to be updated? Parliament's debating a member's bill to let pubs sell alcohol on selected public holidays without needing to serve a meal. Do we think this change needs to be made? The Post is reporting Fire and Emergency’s deputy chair and board members will get pay increases of up to 79 percent. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.