World Politics
Iran digs in on nukes, vows 'devastating' retaliation amid Israeli attacks
Tehran says Iran won't halt its nuclear programme as Israel's strikes continue, killing top commanders.
Who are Iran's allies? Would any help if the US joins Israel in its war?
Analysis: Over the past two years, Israel has dealt significant blows to Iran's "axis of resistance", writes Ali Mamouri for The Conversation.
Tensions and timing test Luxon on first official China visit
Analysis - Luck was not on Christopher Luxon's side for his first official trip to China. Audio
Iran and Israel launch new attacks
It comes as Tehran said it would not negotiate over its nuclear programme while under threat.
Pro-Palestinian activist Khalil walks free
In March Khalil, a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, was arrested by immigration agents in the lobby of his university residence.
Luxon's China trip
The Prime Minister has wrapped up a whirlwind three-day trip in China. Jason Young, the director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre dissects it. Audio
The NZ-Cook Islands fallout
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has slammed New Zealand for what he calls a "patronising" approach over its China deal. This week it was revealed that nearly $20m of New Zealand funding to the… Audio
US role in the Israel-Iran conflict
President Trump has said he will decide if the US will get directly involved in the Iran-Israel conflict within the next fortnight. Audio
Israel and Iran conflict
The recent upsurge in conflict between Israel and Iran continues to build. European foreign ministers have been holding talks with Iran to try to restore a diplomatic path over its nuclear programme.
…Luxon concludes China trip: 'No evidence' of collaboration with West's foes
The prime minister has wrapped up his trip to China, dismissing suggestions the superpower is working with Russia, Iran and North Korea - as alleged by NATO's top official.
Luxon meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid Cook Island controversy
In introductory remarks, Xi said now was a time to build on the two countries' past achievements and "strive for new progress".
Speculation on US joining conflict in Iran
Iran's Supreme Leader has refused Donald Trump's earlier call for unconditional surrender, warning US attacks will "result in irreparable damage for them". US correspondent Toni Waterman spoke to… Audio
NZ pauses funding to Cook Islands
The government has paused millions of dollars of funding to the Cook Islands after its government signed partnership deals with China earlier this year. New Zealand told the Cook Islands government… Audio
Trump administration tightens social media vetting for foreign students
It wants to identify applicants who are hostile towards the United States or pose a threat to national security.
Trump on US Fed: 'Am I allowed to appoint myself?'
The US President was commenting as the Fed chair held interest rates steady for a fourth consecutive time despite Trump's wishes.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 19 June 2025
In today's episode, Foreign Minister Winston Peters speaks about plans to evacuate New Zealanders from Israel and Iran. Donald Trump is leaving open the possibility he'll step into the fighting… Audio
Kerry-Anne Walsh with news from Australia
We cross the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh. Audio
NZ halts Cook Islands funding
New Zealand has paused its core sector support funding for the Cook Islands after its government signed partnership agreements with China earlier this year. Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to Corin… Audio
'I may do it. I may not': Trump on bombing Iran
As Iran's Supreme Leader rules out surrender, the US President says he has run out of patience. Audio
