The world was stunned but not surprised when US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran over the weekend – open the Strait of Hormuz or Trump will order the US military to begin an unprecedented campaign on the gulf state. Trump’s now extended that deadline for a further five days, claiming Iran is keen to reach an agreement with the US. Iran denies it's in talks.

In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Malcolm Davis, a Senior Analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Defence Strategy Program to discuss the standoff between the US and Iran. What are the latest developments and what they mean...and are we paying the price of Trump's war games? If Trump gets this strategy wrong, what it could mean for the rest of the world.

Headlines:

Australia signs trade deal worth $10b per year.
War continues as Trump extends 48-hour ultimatum.
Consumer confidence crashes in wake of war.
Tehran-aligned terror group claims responsibility for London ambulance attack.
Bill Cosby ordered to pay $US19m for historical sexual assault.

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