Wild theories have emerged as mysterious "glowing orange orbs" were seen in the sky across parts of the NSW Hunter region.

Residents north-west of Newcastle, between Singleton, Cessnock and East Maitland, reported seeing the display on Sunday night.

The lights appeared in the sky one by one and remained there before later disappearing.

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Residents have speculated it could be anything from "aliens" to "government drones".

"Everyone should start packing their bags and run for the hills," one person said on social media. 

"Wonder if this is the real reason they just made that 'Australia wide' siren that will go off on our phones," another said.

"Not sure if I should report it," a third added. 

Some were even worried it may have something to do with the US-Israeli war in Iran. 

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Hunter MP Dan Repacholi has set the record straight and said the lights were part of a "totally normal" military exercise at the Singleton base.

"Look, I hate to disappoint but it wasn't ET popping into the Hunter for a cheeky wine tour," he said.

"What people were seeing were military illumination flares used during nighttime training exercises at the Singleton Base.

"They're dropped from aircraft with a small parachute attached and burn really bright for a few minutes while slowly drifting down.

"Because of the low cloud cover, the light reflects back down and makes them look like glowing orange orbs just hanging there in the sky."

READ MORE: Cyclone threat puts northern Australia on high alert

The Australian Defence Force previously announced it would be conducting ground and air training exercises at the Singleton base between the hours of 8am and 11pm, starting last Wednesday February 25.

The exercises are expected to continue until December 15. 

"Members of the public should not be alarmed if they hear increased activity in the area during these periods," defence said.

"This essential training is vital to maintain Australia's military capability."

The Singleton base, which covers 14,000 hectares, includes the Lone Pine Barracks and the Training Area.

It is a key army training facility where all infantry soldiers undertake their initial training and is one of the country's major live-fire and tactical training ranges.

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The federal government has made it clear that Australia is not involved in the US-Israel strikes on Iran, but that doesn't mean some impacts of the conflict won't be felt here.

Because of Australia's position as an island continent, we are largely shielded from any unrest in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the region is "a long way from Australia" and that we are "not big players in the Middle East" when asked if Washington had requested assistance on ABC's 7.30.

LIVE UPDATES: Trump says the 'big wave' is yet to come in war with Iran

Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles also both flatly denied any possibility of Australian troops joining the fray, despite Australia being among the first US allies to express support for the joint strikes.

"No, we're not," Marles told Today, adding that it was "hard to speculate exactly how long this will go".

"We are supporting the US-led action," Marles said.

After the strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Revolutionary Guard vowed a swift offensive would follow.

It warned that "the most-intense offensive operation" ever would inflict revenge on Israel and US bases, as missiles triggered terror in Dubai, Doha, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait.

READ MORE: Trump's past comments on Iran come back to haunt him

However, Australia's terror threat remains unchanged at "probable".

This means there is a greater than 50 per cent chance of an "on-shore attack or attack planning in the next 12 months".

The threat level did not change after the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, which killed 15 innocent people and injured dozens of others, and has remained the same since 2022.

In the wake of Khamenei's death, Albanese said Australia would not mourn his passing and said we had "not been immune from the impact of the regime's actions".

"We want to see, when it comes to military action, I think as always, Australia always supports diplomatic action where possible, and we hope that the actions that have been taken lead to a swift resolution," the PM said.

Nationals leader David Littleproud said Iran had played a role in the antisemitic attacks across Sydney and Melbourne over the past few years.

"ASIO found… the Revolutionary Guard was involved with that, and the civil unrest that we've seen on the streets of our of our city," Littleproud told Today.

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Australians travelling or living abroad have felt the greatest effects of the unrest in the Gulf region, after airspaces around the United Arab Amirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait suddenly closed.

Around 115,000 Australians were in the Middle East at the time of the strikes and countless remain stranded days later.

Australians have been urged not to travel to the Middle East as the conflict escalates.

The economic impact of the conflict is expected to hit Australians at the petrol bowser.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander has claimed the Strait of Hormuz is closed, vowing to attack any ship that tries to pass through.

READ MORE: War widens as Israeli and US planes pound Iran and Tehran and its proxies hit back

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The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway off southern Iran, is the main route for shipping crude oil from countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to the rest of the world.

Petrol prices are predicted to rise in response and the closure of the Hormuz has sparked fears over Australia's limited reserves.

There have been no Australian casualties or injuries in the conflict.

The UAE air base housing Australian defence personnel was targeted by Iranian retaliatory missiles, however Marles later confirmed that all Australians were "safe".

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The Reserve Bank has cautioned it remains too early to tell what the economic impact of the war in Iran will be, even as surging petrol prices deliver another hit to inflation-weary households.

Speaking at the Australian Financial Review's Business Summit in Sydney this morning, RBA Governor Michele Bullock was characteristically guarded when addressing the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East over the weekend.

She said while a disruption of oil and gas supplies could send Australia's already-high inflation further in the wrong direction, a prolonged conflict could have the opposite effect, albeit while dragging the rest of the economy down with it.

LIVE UPDATES: Iran says it will attack ships on key oil route

"It's too early to say what the economic impact will be," she said.

"Events are moving rapidly and there are different ways this can play out. We will take some time to make sense of what it could mean for inflation here…

"It is not obvious how this might play out."

The most obvious impact for Australians so far has been at the petrol pump.

In NSW, for example, the average price for a litre of unleaded 91 has jumped from 178.7 cents on Friday to 185.5 cents today. 

One servo, according to state government data, is already slugging motorists 256.9 cents a litre.

READ MORE: Fierce red rash spotted on Trump's neck

This is despite the NRMA saying yesterday that it should take 7-10 days for surging oil prices to flow through to the bowser.

"In Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, we are now at the top of the price cycle, and if anything prices should start to come down," spokesperson Peter Khoury said.

While Iran is a significant oil producer, the far greater issue is the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, corking a crucial bottleneck where one-fifth of the world's supply passes through.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have now threatened to strike any ships that pass through the critical strategic passage between Iran and Oman, which at its narrowest is just 39km wide.

READ MORE: Trump's past comments on Iran come back to haunt him

Oil prices rose to $US77.60 per barrel yesterday, but analysts have predicted it could hit as high as $US100 – shy of the $US125 reached following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but still well above the roughly $US60 it was selling for at the start of the year.

If that plays out – and with US President Donald Trump talking about a weeks-long operation and refusing to rule out putting troops on the ground, there clearly is a chance of a long, drawn out-conflict – it will be a significant hit to Australian households.

"Roughly speaking each $US1 a barrel rise in oil prices adds around a cent a litre to petrol prices," AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said. 

"So, a $US40 a barrel rise in world oil prices taking them above $US100 a barrel would add around 40 cents a litre with a 7-10 day lag if sustained.

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"A 40 cents a litre rise in petrol prices would add about 0.8 per cent to CPI inflation, but it would also impart a dampening impact on growth. 

"This is because it would add around $14 a week to the household petrol bill leading to a cut-back in spending elsewhere in the economy. 

"In other words, it will act as a tax on households."

While he argued the RBA should look through that inflation spike, Bullock admitted today her bank might not be able to ignore a temporary shock to the system, with inflation already far too high for anyone's liking.

WEATHER: Cyclone threat puts northern Australia on high alert

"That's a very relevant point," she said.

"With a supply shock occurring in a situation where we already have high inflation, I think there is a risk that inflation expectations may start to move.

"That will be something, I think, that will be front of mind for the (monetary policy) board."

That, in turn, could raise the chance of an interest rate hike, which many economists already think is highly likely in May.

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The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

A new rash on the right side of US President Donald Trump's neck is the result of a cream that he's using as a "preventative skin treatment," his personal physician told CNN.

"President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment," Dr Sean Barbabella said in a statement.

"The president is using the treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks."

LIVE: Trump says the 'big wave' is yet to come in war with Iran

Barbabella did not specify why Trump needed the skin treatment, and the White House did not immediately respond to questions about his condition.

The reddish spot was visible on the president's neck during an appearance earlier in the day for a Medal of Honor ceremony, rising above the collar of his shirt and stopping just under his ear.

Trump, who at 79 is the oldest president to take the oath of office, has also dealt with periodic bruising on the back of both of his hands that has raised questions about his health.

READ MORE: War widens as Israeli and US planes pound Iran and Tehran and its proxies hit back

He has attributed those to frequent handshaking and his insistence on taking a higher daily dose of aspirin than advised, which makes him more prone to bruising.

Trump last year also underwent two exams at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, including one where Barbabella later said medical personnel conducted "cardiovascular imaging."

Barbabella has maintained for months that Trump is healthy, writing in December that he "remains in excellent overall health."

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Three US fighter jets crashed in Kuwait on Monday due to an "apparent friendly fire incident", the US military said in a statement.

Kuwaiti air defences accidentally shot the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets down. All six crew members ejected safely, US Central Command said.

The cause of the incident is under investigation, according to CENTCOM. The jets were flying in support of the military operation against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury.

LIVE UPDATES: Trump says the 'big wave' is yet to come in war with Iran

Kuwait's defence ministry had said in the early hours of Monday morning (afternoon AEDT) that "several" US fighter jets crashed but did not specify exactly how many or what had caused it. The fighter jets each cost tens of millions of dollars.

The statement comes after videos geolocated by CNN showed a fighter jet crashing in Kuwait and a pilot parachuting to the ground.

"During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences," the CENTCOM statement said.

"All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation."

"Relevant authorities immediately initiated search-and-rescue operations," Kuwait's defence ministry spokesperson Colonel Said Al-Atwan said in the statement.

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"The crews were evacuating from the crash sites and transferred to hospital to assess their condition and provided necessary medical care," he said.

The crew members are in a "stable" condition, the ministry added.

Al-Atwan said Kuwait was in "direct coordination" with US authorities.

One video geolocated by CNN shows a fighter jet crashing over Kuwait near a US air base. The video shows a jet on fire and falling in a tailspin out of the sky, and it suggests the jet came down within 10 kilometres of the US Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait.

Other videos geolocated by CNN appear to show a fighter jet pilot on the ground in Kuwait after ejecting from an aircraft.

In one of the videos, a man in a full flight suit and helmet can be seen kneeling on the ground next to an orange and white parachute and a parachute cord in a desert area near a fence line.

CNN has geolocated the video about 30 kilometres from the Ali Al Salem base.

In another video, the pilot is seen standing up as bystanders look on, with thick black smoke billowing in the distant background.

READ MORE: Several security breaches spotted in Trump's situation room during US strikes

https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2028328251358171444

The crashes come during heavy bombardment on Gulf nations as part of an expanding war with Iran. It also comes as smoke has been seen over the area surrounding the US Embassy in Kuwait.

It is notable when US fighter jets crash overseas and often triggers an investigation.

In 2024, a US ship "mistakenly fired" upon a F/A-18 operating from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. The incident was investigated, and the two Navy pilots ejected safely.

The US military has a significant number of military assets in the region, deployed in the weeks leading up to the joint US-Israeli military operation that kicked off on Saturday. A list put out by CENTCOM on Sunday showing the assets employed thus far included F-18s, F-16s, F-22s, F-35s, A-10 attack aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones, refuelling aircraft, counter-drone systems, Navy aircraft carriers and guided-missile destroyers.

More than 1000 targets have been struck, the CENTCOM release on Sunday said, adding that the military is focusing on military targets like command and control centers, Iranian Navy ships and submarines, Islamic Revolutionary Guard corps headquarters and more.

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Global travel disruptions will stretch into a fourth day with thousands of flights grounded and airports remaining closed as the conflict widens in the Middle East.

Hundreds of thousands of stranded travellers have scrambled to make new connections since the attacks on Iran by the US and Israel began on Saturday, shutting down most of the airspace over the region.

Etihad said tonight that all flights to and from Abu Dhabi would be suspended until at least 2pm on Tuesday (9pm AEDT).

READ MORE: Iran's airstrikes may have just cracked Dubai's safe, shiny facade forever

Emirates said its operations to and from Dubai would be suspended until 3pm on Tuesday (10pm AEDT).

Qatar Airways said it would give an update at 9am on Tuesday (4pm AEDT).

The joint US-Israeli operation on Saturday and the wave of retaliatory strikes by Iran have seen crucial travel routes completely cut off.

The conflict, which has broadened to include strikes on neighbouring nations, has shutdown airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha — including Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest in the world. All three were directly hit by strikes.

Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, said it was hard to calculate the number of travellers stranded worldwide.

READ MORE: Several security breaches spotted in Trump's situation room during US strikes

However, it estimated that at least 90,000 people alone change flights daily in the airports in Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi on just three airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.

Airspace or airports in Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE were closed, according to flight tracking sites and government agencies there.

More than 2800 flights were cancelled on Sunday to and from airports across the Middle East, including those that remained open in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt, according figures on flight tracking site FlightAware. International airports in London, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangkok, Istanbul, Sri Lanka and Paris each reported dozens of flights cancelled, as well.

– Reported with Associated Press

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"Several" American warplanes have been destroyed and the US embassy in Kuwait apparently hit by an Iran-led attack.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 10.35am.

Forecasters are watching four tropical lows developing north of the continent that are expected to dump widespread rain later this week, with three of them considered a moderate chance of forming into tropical cyclones.

The lows are developing within a monsoon trough over northern Australia that is likely to bring rain, storms and heavy falls to Queensland's far north and north tropical coast, even pushing back across the Gulf Country.

"We've also got areas of showers and storms continuing across far south-western parts of the state as this low-pressure trough moves through," Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said.

READ MORE: Town soaked by a year's worth of rain as deluge lashes state

"Any showers and storms in these areas could bring those heavy falls that could lead to flash flooding and it's worth noting that we have widespread areas of riverine flooding also continuing across much of the state."

One low pressure system, named 29U, was sitting over the Coral Sea and has a 25 per cent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone on Thursday or Friday and could cross the coast between Cairns and Mackay, the bureau predicts.

Another two tropical lows are sitting to the north of Western Australia, 28U just south of Christmas Island and 30U off the Kimberley coast, both with a 25 per cent chance of developing into tropical cyclones on Thursday.

A fourth low, 31U, has formed in the Gulf of Carpentaria and looks set to move west over the Northern Territory and has only a low chance of becoming a tropical cyclone.

LIVE UPDATES: Trump has crossed 'very dangerous red line', says senior Iranian official

Regardless of whether they become cyclones, multiple low pressure systems combined with a monsoon trough means widespread cloud, rain and thunderstorms for northern Australia this week, according to Weatherzone.

"Some computer models also suggest that at least one of this week's eastern low pressure systems will drag heavy rain over central and southeast Queensland towards the end of the week," Ben Domensino from Weatherzone said.

"If tropical cyclones do develop this week, parts of northern and eastern Australia could experience intense rain, flash flooding, damaging to destructive winds, large waves and coastal inundation."

Australia has already had nine tropical cyclones form this season, which extends from November to April.

The next four tropical cyclones will be named Narelle, Oran, Peta and Riordan.

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One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson has slapped her wrist and stormed out of the Senate today as she was censured over her remarks in a television interview.

Labor's motion, moved by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, sought to censure the firebrand senator for "inflammatory and divisive comments seeking to vilify Muslim Australians" – referencing when she said, "How can you tell me there are good Muslims?" on Sky News late last month.

Wong said elected officials must "set the standard for our country and to show basic respect for all Australians".

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"Last week, a man was arrested, alleged to have been planning to attack the Muslim community and mosques, as well as West Australian Police and the Parliament," she said.

"These are the real-world consequences of reckless, divisive political stunts that fan the flames of bigotry.

"To claim that none of them are 'good' is to say that there are no good Australians amongst them, to tell a child that no matter how hard they study, how kindly they treat others, how much they love this country, they will never belong."

Opposition Senate Leader Michaelia Cash said the Coalition supported the principles of the motion but would not back a censure as it should not be used as a "routine tactic to score political points".

"The censure is one of Senate's most serious institutional sanctions and it should therefore be rare and sober," she said.

During the motion's hearing, Hanson was caught in a war of words with independent Senator Lidia Thorpe.

She then stood up and slapped her own wrist before storming out of the chamber.

"There, are you happy? I've given myself a slap," she said.

"This is a joke."

READ MORE: Trump may have eye on superpower summit in timeline for defeating Iran

The motion was passed 36 to 17 with support from the Greens and two Liberals, Paul Scarr and Andrew McLachlan, who crossed the floor.

A censure is a formal motion that represents strong disapproval against a politician or government for their actions or performance, but carries no real consequences.

Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, who supported the motion, said it was "performative".

"Let's not pretend this is enough," she said. 

This is the second time Hanson has been censured in the span of a few months.

She was censured and suspended from the Senate late last year for wearing a burka in the chamber – a repeat of a stunt she pulled in 2017. 

One Nation has seen a surge in some opinion polls.

The minor party is currently on par with the Coalition at 23 per cent of the primary vote for the first time, according to the latest Resolve poll for The Sydney Morning Herald.

This is largely attributed to dissatisfied Coalition voters. 

Meanwhile, Labor still sits comfortably at 32 per cent of the primary vote.

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