Iran war goals met, what more is left to achieve, asks Australian PM

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday described the ongoing conflict in West Asia as a "testing time" for his country, citing its far-reaching economic consequences, particularly due to the energy crisis in the country due to the viral blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra,he announced that his government has halved the fuel excise for three months, reducing petrol and diesel taxes by 32 cents per litre to ease cost-of-living pressures following an agreement reached with states and territories to pass on additional tax relief to consumers by returning GST-related gains.

We’ve cut fuel taxes to save you money every time you fill up. pic.twitter.com/YMxHf05A3C

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 2, 2026

Albanese said it still remains "not clear" what further objectives need to be achieved in Iran, following claims by US President Donald Trump that Tehran's military capabilities have been significantly degraded. However, he warned that the prolonged conflict is having a growing impact on the global economy, particularly through rising fuel prices.