Tag Archives: oceania

Crocodile captured after being found in pond behind Bunnings

A baby crocodile has been captured after swimming in a creek behind a Bunnings Warehouse in Newcastle for two days.

The crocodile's presence behind the store in Wallsend in Newcastle's west was first reported on Saturday afternoon, with police called to a creek at Federal Park at around 4.30pm.

Once the crocodile was spotted in the water, police formed a perimeter to stop the crocodile from escaping and to prevent people from going too close to it.

LIVE UPDATES: Trump says Iran operation 'moving rapidly', three US troops killed

The crocodile was captured around three kilometres from where it was first spotted. Freshwater crocodiles are not usually found in New South Wales.

The crocodile was identified as a freshwater crocodile, which is not native to New South Wales, instead being found in northern Australia.

The crocodile was initially spotted around three kilometres from the creek, before making its way to the park behind the Bunnings store.

Despite animal handling specialists from the Australian Reptile Park arriving on scene that night, they were unable to capture it.

READ MORE: Dubai was seen as a safe, rich, tax-free oasis. Iranian airstrikes may have just changed that forever

They returned the next day and were able to successfully capture the crocodile.

"With murky water this wasn't a simple job but our team," the Australian Reptile Park said in a post on Facebook.

"Our team… worked across the weekend to safely secure the little croc.'

READ MORE: Who's running Iran now that the supreme leader is dead?

The young croc has been taken to the Australian Reptile Park, where it is being checked and cared for by a vet team.

Despite initial reports of more crocodiles in the area, police confirmed there had been no further sightings.

There were no reported injuries, and the young croc has been taken to the Australian Reptile Park for further checks.

"The croc has now been safely transported to the Australian Reptile Park," the Facebook post said.

"Our veterinary team is giving it a full health check and making sure it's getting the proper care it needs."

Emily was forced to shell out $6k for flights home amid Middle East chaos

Australian woman Emily Grosser has shelled out over $6000 to get home from Paris after her flights were cancelled over the retaliatory strikes in the Middle East.

Grosser, a TikTok personality with over 500,000 followers, was visiting Europe on a work trip and was due to fly back to Australia via Doha when military strikes suddenly shut down the Qatari airspace.

She was forced to pay triple the amount she normally would to fly home to Perth via Johannesburg in South Africa instead of the Middle East.

READ MORE: Max and Duncan sold everything to become nomads. Then came a grim diagnosis

Emily Grosser

LIVE UPDATES: Trump claims 'entire' Iranian military leadership killed in strikes

There are over 100,000 Australians left stranded in the Middle East as the major international hubs connecting Australia to Europe were closed, forcing airlines to delay or cancel thousands of flights.

"We found out from the news – the app kept crashing and the phone lines were slammed, so we just had to guess," Grosser told nine.com.au.

"My [Qatar Airlines] flight on officially got cancelled today at take-off time."

Iranian strikes targeted US military bases in Qatar, Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait following the US and Israel's joint military operation in Iran on Saturday.

Seven Qatar Airways flights between Doha's Hamad International Airport and Australian cities were cancelled yesterday.

Early today, at least 1200 flights have been cancelled out of Dubai International Airport – also a major travel hub for Australians flying to and from Europe.

The hardest-hit carriers are Emirates followed by Etihad Qatar.

Australians still overseas have warned the flight disruptions could continue for days to come.

Flight Radar map showing Qatar

"It's also incredibly difficult at the moment to get hard answers out of airlines," Grosser added.

Grosser, who had work booked and desperately needed to get home, was left with no other option than to rebook flights on another carrier.

She found a flight which would take her to the WA capital with a stopover in Johannesburg, a three-day journey which has left her $6000 out of pocket.

Her family back home lent her the money to book the expensive flights.

"I don't have the money to stay in Paris. I need to get back to Australia," she added.

"If things get more expensive, I'd be stuck.

"Some flights were being offered for $1100 [online]… you go on, they're $19,000."

Grosser is still on the 11-hour flight to South Africa.

She will spend a 24-hour layover there before boarding a 10-hour flight back to Perth.

READ MORE: How Middle East conflict could impact what Australians pay at the bowser

Emily Grosser

"Obviously our concerns are nothing to compare to those in the Middle East but the financial burden of needing to book last-minute flights that are thousands of dollars is extreme," Grosser added.

"I've lost out on money in Australia; I had a job booked that required travel and accommodation.

"Airbnb [may not] issue a refund for my Melbourne accommodation, so that's another $1600 gone too."

All up, it is costing Grosser around $8000.

The losses incurred by Grosser and many other travellers likely won't be covered by travel insurance.

Most insurers do not cover acts of war, political unrest and acts of terrorism, the Insurance Council of Australia warned yesterday.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has opened up a crisis portal for any Australians who are stuck in the Middle East.

Nine.com.au has contacted Airbnb for comment.

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Several security breaches spotted in Trump’s situation room during US strikes

The White House has accidentally revealed several security breaches after releasing photos of President Donald Trump's situation room during the initial phase of the USA's strikes on Iran.

Multiple images were posted on The White House's social media pages yesterday, showing Trump and several advisors inside a room at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, monitoring the early progress of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday.

However, some of these images have either shown security breaches, or fallen foul of the law themselves in the act of being posted.

LIVE UPDATES: Trump claims 'entire' Iranian military leadership killed in strikes

A map seen in the background of this photo in Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago situation room reveals the position of US forces, as well as other intel during Operation Epic Fury.

One of the images, featuring President Trump in a white 'USA' hat, has a map of the operation in the background.

Whilst much of it is obscured by the head of an advisor, it still reveals the position of some US forces and assets, as well as other important information and intelligence that may be classified.

WORLD: Iranian airstrikes may have cracked Dubai's safe, shiny façade forever

White House Chief of Staff, right, seen wearing an Apple Watch.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Willis is also seen in the situation room, but she is committing a security breach of her own.

During discussions, she is pictured wearing an Apple Watch, which according to Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility protocols, is not allowed in a secure and high security environment like a situation room during a major military operation.

READ MORE: The men in line to take over from Iran's slain supreme leader

Vice Presdient JD Vance in the official Situation Room in The White House during Operation Epic Fury.

This is because the bluetooth and wireless microphone features on such devices are considered major data leakage risks.

Trump's presence in Mar-a-Lago itself was also considered a major risk, as it meant he was away from secure facilities at The White House usually used by presidents in such situations.

The room Trump and his crew lacked privacy, only being curtained off from others areas of the resort, with gaps seen that could reveal sensitive information.

Vice President JD Vance was pictured in The White House's secure Situation Room alongside cabinet secretaries on February 28 local time, according to images posted on social media. 

Iran’s airstrikes may have just cracked Dubai’s safe, shiny façade forever

There is no going back for Dubai.

Until recently the desert city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was considered one of the safest in the Middle East.

Marketed as a wealthy, tax-free oasis, Dubai especially attracted foreign visitors with its lavish resorts, luxury shopping and flashy architecture.

LIVE UPDATES: US and Israel continue attack on Tehran

A man jogs along a beach with the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel seen in the background in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026.

It's also a fan favourite among influencers, especially those in the luxury and travel niches, some of whom have even been paid to promote the city.

Now hundreds of tourists are stranded as Iranian weaponry rains down on the UAE, damaging buildings and the nation's reputation.

Luxury hotels in Dubai, the international airport, and the industrial area of Sharjah city have all been hit by shrapnel as Iran responds to a major attack from the US and Israel.

At least one person has been killed and several have been injured.

READ MORE: Travel chaos continues as flights from Australia to Middle East scrapped

Dubai hotel explosion in missile strike

UAE officials have reassured residents – nearly 90 per cent of whom are foreigners – and visitors they are safe.

The nation's air defence system has been blasting down hundreds of drones and missiles since the conflict kicked off over the weekend.

"I know it's a scary time for a lot of the residents," Reem Al Hashimy, minister of state for international cooperation, told CNN.

"We don't hear these types of loud sounds. But at the same time, those are sounds of interception.

"And where there has been damage — that has been primarily debris."

READ MORE: Missile fires behind Today reporter readying to go on air

Fairmont Hotel in Dubai

Some of Dubai's most iconic and important landmarks have been hit; the Fairmont Hotel on Palm Jumeirah island, the Burj Al Arab hotel, Dubai's Jebel Ali Port, and Dubai International Airport.

Australians who witnessed the attacks paint a terrifying picture.

Carina Rossi, a senior editor at nine.com.au, is staying at Atlantis – The Palm at the tip of the city's Palm Jumeirah district and saw debris fall from the sky.

She and other hotel guests "panicked" and ran to the beach as the debris plummeted into the hotel pool.

"The debris didn't explode, thankfully. But it was a loud bang, something I'd never heard before," Rossi told nine.com.au.

READ MORE: CIA closely watched Khamenei for months before fatal strikes in Iran

Rossi and other guests were then woken to an alert which urged them to seek shelter amid imminent missile threats.

"When we got the alert at 12.30 we could instantly hear explosions in the distance," she said.

Rossi is safe in her hotel.

Australian Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice, who lives in Dubai with her pastor husband, asked for prayers in this "scary situation".

"Please help me in praying for all my friends, loved ones and people in the UAE that they would be protected," she wrote on an Instagram Story.

READ MORE: How world leaders have reacted to the US and Israel joint strikes on Iran

stephanie rice dubai iran drone attacks

Mikey Pembroke, who appeared on Married At First Sight and now lives and works in Dubai, shared footage on social media of a structure on fire near his home.

"I've just heard about 20 explosions above my apartment building," he said in the clip shared to Instagram.

Cinzia Bianco, an expert on the Persian Gulf at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said Dubai's reputation may never recover.

"This is Dubai's ultimate nightmare, as its very essence depended on being a safe oasis in a troubled region," Bianco wrote on X.

"There might be a way to be resilient, but there is no going back."

READ MORE: The timeline of events leading up to the US-Israeli strikes

The world is already witnessing the fallout from the attacks.

The UAE slammed its airspace shut on Saturday, cancelling flights and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded in Dubai.

Australians who had flights booked to or through the UAE have had their travel plans thrown into chaos.

The UAE also shut its embassy in Tehran, Iran's capital, on Sunday and withdrew its diplomats.

The move comes after years of efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran, as the nation shows no sign of stopping airstrikes over the UAE.

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Travel disruption continues as flights from Australia to Middle East scrapped

Australians are among thousands of travellers left stranded at airports in the Middle East amid the continued fighting.

Closed airspace across the Middle East has plunged travel plans into chaos around Australia and the world.

Early today, at least 1200 flights have been cancelled out of Dubai International Airport – a major travel hub for Australians flying to Europe.

LIVE UPDATES: US and Israel continue attack on Tehran

Australian traveller Penny Milton has been left stuck in Qatar.

The hardest-hit carriers are Emirates followed by Etihad Qatar.

There are five cancellations in and out of Sydney which were bound for Dubai or Qatar, and seven from Melbourne.

There are also three inbound and outbound flights at Adelaide, and one in and out of Perth.

Airlines stress those numbers will change through today as some flights are cancelled or pushed back to another day.

The federal government today warned Australians overseas to expect travel disruptions over the coming days.

EXPLAINER: Will my flight be cancelled?

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says its priority is the safety and security of citizens.

"Many Australians in the Middle East are unable to leave due to airspace closures, including around major transit hubs. Road and land border closures may also restrict movement.

"Even if you are not travelling in or through the Middle East, your plans may still be affected."

Smartraveller now advises Australians do not travel to most destinations in the Middle East. This includes Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Australians should reconsider the need to travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates closed their skies hours after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran which resulted in numerous flight cancellations.

READ MORE: The timeline of events leading up to the US-Israeli strikes on

Australian travellers across the nation and abroad have been left stranded as a result.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to both the long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, closed their airspace on Saturday.

Dubai airport was targeted by Iranian retaliatory air strikes yesterday as Tehran targeted travel hubs in pro-western Gulf countries.

– With CNN

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Missile fires behind Today reporter readying to go on air

A Today show camera has captured the moment a missile was fired while Europe correspondent Mimi Becker was preparing to go on air from Israel this morning.

Becker is in Eilat, on the southern tip of Israel, covering the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that began when Israel and the US launched joint strikes on Iran on Saturday.

Iran has remained under attack overnight and launched a wave of retaliatory attacks back at Israel and at US military bases in the region.

LIVE UPDATES: Three US troops killed, Trump says Iran operation 'moving rapidly'

"We've just seen a missile launched here as we're standing here on the balcony," Becker said on air, from Eilat this morning.

"It was incredibly close and incredibly loud.

"We hadn't heard any sort of real warning systems here in the area that we're in, we're very close to the border of Jordan, it's about a 10-minute stretch from Jordan. We've just made our way here into Israel and we just heard it echo through and then you could see the smoke take over the sky.

"And this is what is happening right across parts of Israel and Iran as both countries continue to fire at one another.

"This is of course the second day of the strikes and Israel says that it would be dominating the skies and that is exactly what we've just seen here first hand."

The US and Israel continued to strike Iran for a second day after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.

INSIDE STORY: Incredible details inside operation to kill Iran's supreme leader

The US revealed overnight that three service members had been killed as part of Operation Epic Fury, which President Donald Trump said was ahead of schedule and "moving along rapidly".

Israel struck at "the heart of Tehran" on Sunday and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of "growing intensity" in the coming days.

Iran has vowed to avenge the death of its supreme leader, launching a wave of retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and US military bases in the region, as well as the Saudi capital and Dubai.

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How 73 years of history led to an attack and leader’s assassination

This weekend's strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, resulting in the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, come on the back of months of tensions ratcheting up in the Middle East.

But the events leading up to the dramatic military action date back far further, US President Donald Trump ordering a increased armed presence in the region, instead reaching back almost three-quarters of a century ago.

Here's how we got here.

LIVE UPDATES: US and Israel attack Iran, Tehran retaliates with strikes throughout Middle East

1953

Iranian Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh is overthrown in a UK-instigated, US-supported coup aimed at protecting British oil interests.

His removal strengthens the power of the monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, but also anti-American and anti-British sentiment in the country.

READ MORE: 'Iran can end this now': World leaders react to US-Israel strikes

Persian Politicians; Dr. Muhammad Mossadeq -- Persia's Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, photographed whilst delivering an impassioned radio address. June 10, 1953.

1979

The shah, who is by now deeply unpopular, is overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The Islamic Republic of Iran is formally established, with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini its first supreme leader.

Under the new Islamic Republic, the rights of women are heavily restricted.

READ MORE: Potential oil price hike could impact petrol cost in Australia

Billboard of the Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran, Iran.

1981

Ali Khamenei becomes the president of Iran. He is sworn in wearing a sling for his right arm, which was paralysed in a failed assassination attempt in 198.

1989

Khomeini dies. Khamenei replaces him, becoming Iran's second supreme leader.

Around this time, it establishes a plan to develop nuclear weapons, known as Project AMAD.

WATCH: State TV presenter cries while announcing the death of Iran's supreme leader

Iran's Majli's speaker and Imam's representative in supreme defence council Hashemi Rafsanjani (L) and Iranian Prime Minister, Hussein Musavi (R) during the session. War-Meeting.  Iranian President Ali Khamenei (M) Chairs a joint session of the cabinet minister. The supreme defence council and the supreme war support council Sunday to draw up the Islamic republic's strategy in relation to the Iraqi imposed war. November 15, 1987.

1995

Iran is subjected to oil and trade sanctions by the US over state terrorism sponsorship and the desire for a nuclear weapon. Further sanctions are applied in the coming decades.

1999

Student protests break out in response to the closure of reformist newspaper Salam.

In the largest demonstrations since the days of the revolution, at least four students are killed, hundreds are wounded and more than 1000 are arrested in the crackdown by authorities.

READ MORE: Dubai Airport damaged in reported strike, four hurt

2003

Project AMAD is shelved, although Iran's nuclear program, including civilian uses, continues.

Iran signs the Tehran Agreement, which included pledges to temporarily suspend uranium enrichment and reprocessing, and more intrusive inspections by international authorities, although its cooperation with those commitments is frequently questioned.

2009, June

Protests in major cities break out in response to the 2009 presidential elections, after incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is declared the winner over two reformist opposition candidates, who claim the result is fraudulent.

Dozens are killed and thousands arrested in the ensuing crackdown.

TRAVEL CHAOS: Will my flight be cancelled? What to know about conflict in the Middle East and flight plans

In this photo released by the Iranian President's Office, then-Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, visits the Natanz Uranium Enrichment Facility near Natanz, Iran, April 8, 2008.

2009, September

Iran admits it is building a uranium enrichment plant, but insists it is for civilian purposes.

Separately, it test-fires a range of medium- and long-range missiles that could reach Israel and US military bases in the region.

2015

Iran signs the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with the United States under President Barack Obama, as well as China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and Germany.

The agreement limits Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

READ MORE: Australian travellers stranded as closed airspace causes flight cancellations

President Donald Trump talks with former President Barack Obama on Capitol Hill in Washington in January 2017.

2018

US President Donald Trump withdraws from the nuclear deal.

2020

The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, is assassinated in a US drone strike.

2022

Massive protests erupt following the death of young woman Mahsa Amini in a suspected case of police brutality for not wearing a hijab properly.

More than 550 people are killed in the crackdown, and almost 20,000 arrested.

READ MORE: Trump declares Khamenei, 'one of most evil people in history', is dead

In this Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, photo taken by an individual not employed by the Associated Press and obtained by the AP outside Iran, a police motorcycle and a trash bin are burning during a protest over the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who had been detained by the nation's morality police, in downtown Tehran, Iran.

2023

Iranian proxy Hamas carries out the deadly October 7 attacks on Israel from Gaza. Nearly 1200 are killed and more than 200 hostages taken, and the Israeli retaliation leaves Hamas and fellow Iranian-backed group Hezbollah massively weakened.

2025, June 13-24

Israel carries out surprise strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, starting what becomes known as the 12-Day War. Iran responds with missile strikes against Israel, most of which are intercepted. The US carries out bombing attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, which Trump claims are "completely and totally obliterated".

This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Fordow enrichment facility in Iran before the US strikes.This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Fordow enrichment facility in Iran  after the US strikes.

2025, December 28

Protests break out in Tehran over the collapsing currency, the rial.

2026, early January

The protests grow into nationwide demonstrations, the largest in Iran since the revolution. Trump tells civilians to "keep protesting" and that "help is on the way".

However, the US does not take military action in Iran.

Thousands are killed by authorities. Exact casualty figures remain unknown, but one reputable human rights agency said about 7000 are dead, while others claim the death toll is higher than 30,000.

READ MORE: PM's brutal message after confirmed death of Iranian leader

2026, February 19

As the US and Iran hold talks over the latter's nuclear program, Trump says he'll decide on whether to take military action in the next 10 or 15 days. The US has built up a massive armed presence in the area, with two aircraft carrier groups in the region.

2026, February 28

Israel and the US launch massive, widespread airstrikes on Iran. Iran responds with strikes on Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Supreme Leader Khamenei is killed in the strikes, along with the head of the Revolutionary Guard and other senior leaders.

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Luxury Dubai hotel damaged in explosion as debris rains down on city

Multiple explosions have been heard in Dubai as Iran carries out retaliatory attacks in the Middle East, leaving several injured and damaging luxury hotels, the world's busiest airport and the emirate's major commercial port.

Footage shows a drone striking the ground in Dubai's upmarket Palm Jumeirah district throwing off debris that damaged Fairmont Hotel and injured multiple people.

Video obtained and verified by CNN shows the moment the projectile, reported to be rogue missile debris, hits the ground and sets the hotel on fire. Shrapnel injured four people.

LIVE UPDATES: Iran launches retaliatory attacks on US bases, Israel

Fairmont Hotel in Dubai

READ MORE: Aussies warned against travelling to Qatar, UAE in wake of strikes on Iran

Another two people were injured when debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell in the courtyards of two homes, the Dubai Media Office confirmed this morning (afternoon AEDT).

Tourists across the popular holiday destination watched missiles be shot down in the sky above them, the retaliatory attacks by Iran triggering travel chaos across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with flights cancelled and airspace across the Middle East drastically emptied.

Carina Rossi, a senior editor at nine.com.au, is staying at Atlantis – The Palm, located at the tip of the Palm Jumeirah district, and saw debris falling into the hotel pool about the same time as the explosion near the Fairmont.

Rossi said she and other hotel guests "panicked" and ran to the beach after seeing debris fall from the sky right in front of them.

"The debris didn't explode, thankfully. But it was a loud bang, something I'd never heard before," Rossi told nine.com.au.

Her Emirates flight, due to leave Dubai on Saturday, was cancelled.

Firemen and rescue workers inspect the site of an explosion at the Fairmont The Palm Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

She and other guests were then woken to an alert which urged them to seek shelter amid imminent missile threats.

"When we got the alert at 12.30 we could instantly hear explosions in the distance," she said.

Rossi is safe and back at her hotel.

More loud blasts were heard in Dubai this morning (this afternoon AEDT) but there were no reports of injuries.

CNN reporters heard three loud blasts followed by a series of explosions three minutes later.

Dubai hotel explosion in missile strike

Authorities said debris from an aerial interception over Business Bay caused a fire in the city's major commercial port, Jebel Ali Port.

"Dubai Civil Defence teams responded immediately and are continuing their efforts to fully extinguish the fire. No injuries have been reported," Dubai's media office said in a post on social media.

In one video taken from high up in a Dubai building, a huge plume of dark smoke can be seen billowing in the distance.

Another shows puffs of white smoke high in a clear blue sky after strikes were intercepted over the emirate.

The Australian government has advised travellers to avoid the UAE among a slew of other Middle Eastern countries in the wake of the US-Israel joint strike on Iran.

But it was too late for some, such as Australian billionaire Adrian Portelli, who were already in the emirate.

"Appreciate everyone checking in and we're totally fine," he said on Instagram.

"Dubai is still Dubai… dinner plans remain intac (sic).

"Even though UAE is quite literally in the middle of the war, it still feels safer than Melbourne."

Australian-born radio host Kris Fade said he and his children were all together in the same downstairs room of their house.

We were all sleeping a moment ago and then you could hear it, you could actually hear the missiles coming through," he told 9News.

" … Could this be a 24-hour thing, a 48-hour thing? Could it be a week? Could it be longer? We're not sure, but right now, it's the beginning part of it."

Dubai hotel explosion in missile strikeText sent to Dubai residents amid strikes

READ MORE: Trump tells Iranian officials to lay down arms or 'face death'

Debris from an intercepted drone damaged the Burj Al Arab, a famous seven-star hotel in Dubai.

Debris caused a minor fire on the hotel's outer facade, Dubai's Media Office confirmed in a post on X.

Civil Defence teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control," the spokesperson said.

"No injuries have been reported."

Dubai international Airport, the world's busiest, suffered "minor damage" in an apparent missile strike and many flights were cancelled as travel chaos reigned throughout the region.

How has Iran responded?

The US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Saturday.

Iran has retaliated with an unprecedented wave of strikes across the Middle East, targeting several nearby countries that host US military bases, as well as Israel.

When the US and Israel last struck Iran in June, they targeted its stockpile of ballistic missiles, hampering its ability to retaliate.

Iran could be trying to make use of its arsenal while it still has it.

As well as the UAE, blasts have also been reported in Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain, as well as in Iran's key regional rival, Saudi Arabia, which vowed to take "all necessary measures" to defend itself.

A drone strike caused damage and minor injuries at Kuwait International Airport.

Qatar and Jordan intercepted missiles targeting their countries.

One person was reportedly killed by falling debris after air defences intercepted missiles targeting sites in Abu Dhabi.

The clashes have also disrupted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz – a crucial shipping route located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The US hasn't suffered any combat-related casualties in its operation against Iran and damage to US military installations has been minimal, US Central Command said in a statement.

— Reporting with CNN

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Will my flight be cancelled? What to know about travel

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has forced major airports and airlines to suspend services, throwing travel plans into chaos for many Australians.

Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates closed their skies hours after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, resulting in numerous flight cancellations.

Australians have been left stranded around the nation and abroad as a result of the changes.

So what should you do if your travel plans are affected?

LIVE UPDATES: Iran's chilling vow of revenge after leader killed

Passengers seated inside an airplane cabin with visible seat belts, legroom, and personal belongings during a commercial flight

When will flights resume?

It is hard to say at this point in time.

Virgin Australia has not indicated when flights to and from the Middle East will resume.

In a statement issued at about 5.30pm today, Etihad Airways said all of its flights to and from Abu Dhabi have been cancelled until at least 9am (AEDT) tomorrow.

Qatar Airways confirmed flights remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

Qantas said there is currently no impact to flights, including services between Singapore and London.

Will it be covered under travel insurance?

This will depend on your insurer and the insurance policy.

The Insurance Council of Australia said travellers should be aware that most policies do not cover losses arising from acts of war or armed conflict.

Travellers should check their individual insurance policy and contact their insurer if they require any further assistance.

Who do I contact to find out?

The Insurance Council of Australia has advised travellers to contact their airline or travel provider directly.

It advises airspace closures may cause delays, cancellations and rerouting, including for travellers not destined for the Middle East.

It is also strongly recommended Australians follow consular advice from Smartraveller and register their travel plans with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

What are the latest travel warnings for Australians?

The Australian government's Smart Traveller website has warned against travelling to most of the Middle East.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians not to travel to Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel and Lebanon.

Australians have also been warned to not travel to Iran and to leave as soon as possible, consistent with advice given recently after unrest and previous strikes in the country.

While in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Armenia, Australians are told to "exercise a high degree of caution".

Travellers planning to head to Jordan have been told to "reconsider your need to travel".

Which airlines have suspended flights?

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

"The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority," the airline said.

According to a statement from the airline, flights will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. flights would resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace," the company said.

Emirates has also temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai up until 3pm (United Arab Emirates time) today.

However travellers should check the Emirates website in case the situation changes.

Etihad Airways said all of its flights to and from Abu Dhabi have been cancelled until at least 9am (AEDT) tomorrow.

"We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience as it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered," it said in a statement posted to social media.

"The situation remains dynamic and schedules may change at short notice.

"Etihad continues to work in close coordination with the relevant authorities and will resume normal operations as soon as conditions permit.

"The safety of Etihad's guests and staff is our highest priority.

"We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate our guests' understanding."

READ MORE: 'This is not your war': World leaders react

Qatar Airways is one of several airlines to temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha.

READ MORE: Luxury Dubai hotel damaged as Iran retaliates to attack

A Virgin Australia spokesperson confirmed this morning a number of Virgin Australia services operated by Qatar Airways have been cancelled.

"Guests scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha in the coming days are advised to closely monitor their flight information and visit the Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice," the spokesperson said.

"We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves."

There is currently no impact to Qantas-operated flights, including flights between Singapore and London, according to the latest flight updates on the airline's website.

"We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and any potential impact to our flights," the airline said.

"The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority, and where necessary we may adjust our flight paths accordingly.

"If your flight is affected, we will contact you as soon as possible using the phone number and email address provided in your booking."

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