An official meeting or a photo opportunity ... that was the big question yesterday as federal parliament wrapped up the first of two sitting weeks.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles' encounter with American Vice President JD Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth offered clues on the relationship with the Trump White House.

All in a week when the government made an extraordinary diplomatic break with Iran over their involvement in antisemitic attacks in Australia.

• GUESTS: Melissa Clarke, Radio National political correspondent / Charles Croucher, Nine News chief political editor / Ashleigh Raper, Ten News First political editor
• PRODUCER: Jason Whittaker