Israel's defence minister threatened a surge in attacks against Iran on Saturday and Britain condemned Iran for targeting a joint UK–US base in the Indian Ocean as the war in the Middle East entered its fourth week.

The Iranian attack on the Diego Garcia air base – located about 4000 kilometres from Iran – suggested Tehran has in its stockpile missiles that can go farther than it had previously acknowledged.

Also on Saturday, Iran's Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was hit in an airstrike, an official Iranian news agency reported, saying there was no radiation leakage.

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Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a video statement that next week, "the intensity of the attacks" by Israel and the United States against Iran's ruling theocracy will "increase significantly".

He spoke shortly after fragments from an Iranian missile slammed into an empty kindergarten near Tel Aviv. Israeli army spokesman Nadav Shoshani posted a video on X of the kindergarten building; no casualties were reported as the place was empty at the time.

Overnight and into the morning, Tehran, Iran's capital, saw heavy airstrikes, residents said. In Iraq, a drone struck the intelligence service headquarters in Baghdad, killing an officer. No group immediately claimed responsibility for that attack.

Saudi Arabia said it downed 20 drones in just a couple of hours in the country's eastern region, home to major oil installations. No injuries or damage were reported.

The attacks — and threats of more to come — indicate the Iran war shows no sign of abating.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japan's Kyodo news service on Friday that Iran wanted "not a cease-fire, but a complete, comprehensive and lasting end to the war."

Mixed messages

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was considering "winding down" military operations in the Mideast even as the US was sending three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2500 additional Marines to the region.

Trump's post on social media followed an Iranian threat to attack recreational and tourist sites worldwide.

It also came after another climb in oil prices plunged the US stock market, and was followed by a Trump administration announcement it was lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded on ships, a move aimed at wrangling soaring fuel prices.

Iran's attempt to hit Diego Garcia air base in the Indian Ocean

UK officials have not given details of the attempted strike on the ocean air base on Friday, which was unsuccessful.

Britain's Ministry of Defence said Saturday that Iran's "lashing out across the region and holding hostage the Strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies."

Britain has not participated in US-Israeli attacks on Iran, but has allowed American bombers to use UK bases to attack Iran's missile sites.

On Friday, the British government said US bombers can also use UK bases, including Diego Garcia, in operations to prevent Iran attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran targeted the base before that UK statement.

Attack on Iran's Natanz

Iran's official news agency Mizan said there was no leakage after Saturday's strike on the Natanz nuclear facility, nearly 220 kilometres southeast of Tehran.

The facility, Iran's main uranium enrichment site, was hit in the first week of the war and several buildings appeared damaged, according to satellite images.

The UN nuclear watchdog — the International Atomic Energy Agency — had said "no radiological consequence" were expected from that earlier strike. Natanz had also been targeted in the 12-day war last June.

On Saturday, the IAEA said on X it was informed by Iran about the Natanz strike and about there being no increase in off-site radiation levels.

The agency said it was looking into the incident.

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Exclusive: A mother is calling for her daughter's alleged attackers to be charged after disturbing videos of the latest incident of school bullying in Sydney emerged.

The girl was lured to a shopping centre by a classmate after school, where dozens of young onlookers recorded her as she was allegedly viciously bashed and stomped on.

"She punched me in the back of my head. I dropped to the floor and that's when she stomped on my head," the girl told 9News.

READ MORE: Aussies urged to work from home as petrol prices reach new highs

"I have a black eye, concussion, holes in the back of my head from my earrings, a couple of scratches on me.

The young student was hospitalised with a blackened eye and multiple head injuries.

"When I got there I saw my daughter on the floor," the girl's mother said, breaking down in tears.

"Sorry. She was unconscious on the floor and she wasn't moving."

Her mother claims teachers at the school have told her the bully won't be punished because the attack didn't happen on school grounds.

She's speaking out after seeing a similar incident at Kingsgrove North High, which saw three students charged.

She wants the same for her daughter's bully.

"Those girls that did that to her got arrested and charged for their actions and I believe this should happen for my daughter," the Sydney mother said.

The young girl has spoken with detectives at the Lake Illawara police station.

READ MORE: Teenager charged over fire bitten by police dog in Melbourne

She's now taking time off school as she continues to recover from her injuries.

Her mother says she's struggled to sleep and has suffered nightmares since the attack.

Police are investigating the matter.

No charges have been laid.

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LIVE UPDATES: All polls tip towards a straightforward victory Peter Malinauskas and the Labor Party. But the big story to watch for is the rise of One Nation

With fuel prices rocketing and supplies tightening, the world's energy watchdog is now urging Australians to work from home, as conflict in the Middle East threatens global oil supply.

The International Energy Agency has issued a warning as diesel hits a record three dollars a litre.

In its list of 10 recommendations, the watchdog has also urged Australians to slow down on the roads, avoid air travel and carpool to work or take public transport.

READ MORE: Peter Malinauskas is the favourite going into South Australia's state election but the win might not be that simple

This morning, the cheapest petrol in Australia was in Perth, at $2.19 a litre, and Melbourne was the most expensive place to fill up at $2.99 a litre in Hawthorn.

Some petrol stations in Kingsbury in Melbourne's North are charging $3.10 a litre.

The next most expensive petrol in Sydney is in Lewisham, at just over $2.79.

The nation's average is currently sitting at $2.45 a litre with little relief in sight due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the calls for people to ease up on fuel use was not a direct aim at Aussies.

"They're not suggestions to us of course, they're suggestions to the world," he said.

He said Australia's fuel supplies have not dropped and deliveries have been made as expected.

"[What] we know is that there hasn't been less supply over the last few weeks. There have been issues of distribution," he said.

"We need to identify where there are shortages and get the fuel to where it's needed."

However, new directives could come into play as current petrol supplies are set to run dry at the end of April.

"Obviously there will need to be some arrangements made, if this situation continues," Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said.

Albanese dismissed any idea of fuel rationing saying that would be up to states and territories anyway.

He made a fresh call for Aussies not to hoard any fuel.

"There's no case for hoarding," he said.

The opposition has called for transparency.

"We need to see the government come out and clearly communicate with the Australian people what fuel supplies we have, and where our future fuel supplies are coming from," Liberal Senator Paul Scarr told Today.

READ MORE: Hollywood action hero Chuck Norris dies after being rushed to hospital in Hawaii, aged 86

"We need to make sure that diesel flows through to our farmers, and that's really incredibly important to make sure that we get the food on the table and we support all of our productive industries."

In an urgent decision, the ACCC has allowed fuel companies to collaborate and coordinate fuel supply.

"This is part of the government's decisive action to make more fuel available to industry and households and keep fuel flowing to where it's most needed, including the bush," Treasurer Jim Chalmers said.

READ MORE: Crisis escalates as petrol stations across NSW run out of fuel

"It's really important that the big players in the fuel markets don't treat this as a chance to disadvantage the independents who play a vital role, including in regional Australia."

The decision will allow fuel companies to exchange and coordinate information surrounding the fuel supply across the country to prevent shortages without breaching competition laws.

However, fuel suppliers are still not allowed to share information or reach agreements on fuel prices.

The call comes as NSW Premier Chris Minns announced yesterday that about 80 petrol stations in the state were without diesel and about 40 had no petrol at all.

The International Energy Agency's full list of recommendations:

1. Work from home where possible

Displaces oil use from commuting, particularly where jobs are suitable for remote work.

2. Reduce highway speed limits by at least 10 km/h

Lower speeds reduce fuel use for passenger cars, vans and trucks.

3. Encourage public transport

A shift from private cars to buses and trains can quickly reduce oil demand.

4. Alternate private car access to roads in large cities on different days

Number-plate rotation schemes can reduce congestion and fuel-intensive driving.

5. Increase car sharing and adopt efficient driving practices

Higher car occupancy and eco-driving can lower fuel consumption quickly.

6. Efficient driving for road commercial vehicles and delivery of goods

Better driving practices, vehicle maintenance and load optimisation can cut diesel use.

7. Divert LPG use from transport

Shifting bi-fuel and converted vehicles from LPG to gasoline can preserve LPG for cooking and other essential needs.

8. Avoid air travel where alternative options exist

Reducing business flights can quickly ease pressure on jet fuel markets.

9. Where possible, switch to other modern cooking solutions

Encouraging electric cooking and other modern options can reduce reliance on LPG.

10. Leverage flexibility with petrochemical feedstocks and implement short-term efficiency and maintenance measures

Industry can help free up LPG for essential uses while reducing oil consumption through quick operational improvements.

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Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in Walker, Texas Ranger and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy, has died at the age of 86.

His family announced the "sudden passing" of the Hollywood action hero in a statement posted to Instagram on Friday (Saturday morning AEDT).

The news came just days after he was rushed to hospital in Hawaii, having suffered a medical emergency.

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"It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning," the statement began.

"While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.

"To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.

"He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.

"Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.

"While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it.

"To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.

"We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalisation, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way.

"As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us."

A week before his death, to mark his 86th birthday on March 10, the actor shared a video of him boxing on social media, telling fans: "I don't age. I level up."

Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts.

Norris was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion.

He also founded his own Korean-based American hard style of karate, known sometimes as Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide.

Black Belt magazine ultimately credited Norris in its hall of fame with holding a 10th degree black belt, the highest possible honour.

Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, he grew up poor.

At age 12, he moved with his family to Torrance, California, and joined the US Air Force after high school, in 1958. It was during a deployment to Korea that he started training in martial arts, including judo and Tang Soo Do.

"I went out for gymnastics and football at North Torrance high," he told The Associated Press in 1982.

"I played some football, but I also spent a lot of time on the bench. I was never really athletic until I was in the service in Korea."

After he was honourably discharged in 1962, he worked as a file clerk for Northrop Aircraft and applied to be a police officer, but was put on a waitlist.

Meanwhile, he opened a martial arts studio, which expanded to a chain, with students including such stars as Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen, whom he later credited with encouraging him to get into acting.

Norris made his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the 1968 movie The Wrecking Crew, which included a fight with Dean Martin.

He had also crossed paths with Bruce Lee in martial arts circles. Their friendship — sometimes, as sparring partners — led to an iconic faceoff in the 1972 movie Return of the Dragon, in which Lee fights and kills Norris' character in Rome's Colosseum.

He went on to act in more than 20 movies, such as Missing in Action, The Delta Force and Sidekicks.

"I wanted to project a certain image on the screen of a hero. I had seen a lot of anti-hero movies in which the lead was neither good nor bad. There was no one to root for," Norris said in 1982.

In 1993, he took on his most famed role, as a crime-fighting lawman in TV's Walker, Texas Ranger.

The show ran for nine seasons, and in 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the title of honorary Texas Ranger. The Texas Senate later named him an honorary Texan.

"It's not violence for violence's sake, with no moral structure," Norris told the AP in 1996, speaking about the show.

"You try to portray the proper meaning of what it's about — fighting injustice with justice, good vs. bad. … It's entertaining for the whole family."

In later years, Norris made a surprise comedic appearance in 2004's Dodgeball before starring in 2012's The Expendables 2 and 2024 sci-fi action movie Agent Recon. He's due to appear in Zombie Plane, an upcoming film starring Vanilla Ice.

Around the time of Dodgeball his toughman image became the stuff of legend, literally: Chuck Norris Facts went viral online with such wildly hyperbolic statements as, "Chuck Norris had a staring contest with the sun — and won," and, "They wanted to put Chuck Norris on Mt. Rushmore, but the granite wasn't tough enough for his beard."

Norris ultimately embraced the absurdity of the meme craze, putting together The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book, which combined his favourites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by.

He would also write books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, political takes, Civil War-era historical fiction and more.

With the help of then-President George H W Bush in 1990, Norris founded Kickstart Kids, an award-winning in-school character development program that uses karate to "teach life-changing values" to middle school and high school students.

"KSK has prevented more crime and freed up more prison space than any program I have seen in 35 years of law enforcement," Tarrant County, Texas Sheriff, Bill E. Waybourn, said about the program.

Norris once said that he believed if everyone knew karate, there would be less violence in the world.

"Everyone thinks of karate strictly as a physical application, but what it does is — it strengthens you mentally, psychologically, and emotionally, because most violence is stemmed from insecurity, trying to prove something to yourself," he told Letterman.

"And when a person develops this inner security, and this goal, seeking knowledge that the martial arts teaches you to do, it overcomes a lot of violent confrontations."

Tributes from around the world

Norris was outspoken about his Christian beliefs and his support for gun rights, and backed political candidates for years — he even went skydiving with Bush for the former president's 80th birthday.

As for Trump, Norris endorsed him in the 2016 general election and wrote guest columns praising him without explicitly endorsing him the in the days before the 2020 and 2024 elections.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a photo with Norris on his verified X account, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, labelling the actor "a great friend".

https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2035005998792950052?s=20

"Sara and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Norris, a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend," he wrote.

"Chuck brought martial arts and the warmth of his character to millions around the world. May his memory be a blessing."

Current Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, praised the Hollywood star, saying "he embodied the toughness, grit, and patriotism that makes Texas supreme".

"Texas has lost a legend," he wrote on X. "All of Texas mourns the passing of Chuck Norris."

https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/2034998212952514860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

US senator John Kennedy also shared his memories of the actor.

"Chuck Norris was what cool looks like, and everybody knew it," he wrote. "He was an American icon who loved our country and our Constitution. His voice will be missed."

Norris is survived by five children: stunt performers Mike and Eric with his late ex-wife Dianne Holechek, twins Dakota and Danilee with his wife Gena Norris, and Dina, the result of an early 1960s "one-night stand" revealed in his autobiography.

– Reported with Associated Press and CNN.

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A business owner's been left shattered after his ice cream parlour was firebombed, with the shop's security cameras capturing the blast and flames as they engulfed the building.

Two teens have been charged over the alleged incident with one taken to hospital after an encounter with a police dog.

Footage shows the fire ripping through the shop in Tarneit in Melbourne's west about 2.30am.

READ MORE: US lifts sanctions on Iranian oil to lower petrol prices

Moments earlier a car was seen reversing into the business multiple times.

Two hooded figures jumped out of the vehicle and with what appears to be a jerry can in hand, they go inside.

Accelerant appears to be poured across the storefront before they allegedly try to ignite a blaze.

They failed twice, but on the third attempt a powerful blast erupts, forcing the alleged offenders to jump for their lives and flee in a Toyota Corolla, which was later found dumped.

The owner of the dessert bar arrived within minutes and was shocked and confused.

His shop is managed by a 16-year-old who's put his heart and soul into the business while juggling high school.

But he pledged it would come back soon.

"This business means a lot," manager Othman Hawari said.

"I've put lots of hard work into actually managing the place and doing stuff correctly and making the community come back again and again."

Hours after the attack, specialist officers arrested two 17-year-old boys, with help from the airwing about 5am.

One of them was bitten by a police dog during the arrest.

Arson chemists are now conducting a forensic sweep of the scene for any evidence left behind.

The pair have since been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life/serious injury, theft of motor vehicle and possess articles to destroy.

One boy will face a children's court, while the other will have a bedside hearing as he remains in hospital.

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Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is $20m, with Strike Four at $700,000.

The bumbling crim had no memory of NZ when arrived, age 56. The adjustment didn’t go well.