Radio National Breakfast

There has been a dramatic rise in AI propaganda being used as a weapon of war, with pro-Iranian accounts mocking US President Donald Trump with Lego-style videos and fake clips of satellite images or strikes, which are deliberately designed to deceive.

So how can you spot AI in the war and elsewhere and what challenges are being posed for the professionals in deciphering the truth?

• Guest: Matt Martino, Senior Journalist at ABC News Verify
• Producer: Charlie Jones

They're known as man's best friend but in recent decades, dogs have become valuable allies to another very cuddly species — koalas.

When the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires ripped through valuable koala habitat in Queensland and New South Wales, more than 60,000 koalas were estimated to have been in the path of the blaze and scientists hoping to rescue any survivors turned to detection dogs to track down the tree-dwelling marsupials.

Guest: Dr Romane Cristescu, co-Director and co-founder of Detection Dogs for Conservation

Israel and Lebanon have held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington.

Israel has been conducting an air and ground campaign in Lebanon - insisting that the current ceasefire - with Iran - does not apply to fighting in Lebanon.  

The Israeli Ambassador to the United States told reporters overnight that his government, and those of Lebanon and the US, are united in their goal to remove Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon's south.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has rejected the talks and say it won't adhere to any terms agreed.

• GUEST: Dr Hillel Newman, current Ambassador of the State of Israel to Australia 
• PRODUCER: Eddy Diamond 

The Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has outlined the first part of the Coalition's immigration policy; aiming to reduce migration, increase screening of visa applicants and kick migrants out of the country who do not abide by Australian values.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has criticised the Coalition's plan, saying "not one line" in Mr Taylor's speech would "deliver an extra job, create an extra house or keep anyone safer."

• GUEST: Jonno Duniam, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration
• PRODUCER: Isadora Bogle

The International Monetary Fund has warned of significant pressure on the global economy and inflation if the war between the US and Iran is prolonged.

Its worst-case scenario would see a global recession; inflation as high as six per cent and elevated fuel prices all the way through 2027.

• GUEST: Jim Chalmers, Treasurer 
• PRODUCER: Isadora Bogle 

The Coalition says putting "Australian values" at the centre of its migration policy will "protect Australians' way of life".

In a speech to the Menzies Research Centre, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor's pitch also revealed some long-awaited details of the Coalition's immigration plan.

The plan also calls for enhanced screening of visa applicants - including social media checks to identify those who pose a threat to Australia.

• Guest: Abul Rizvi, former deputy secretary of the Department of Immigration
• Producer: Jason Whittaker

Trucking operators have won a possible reprieve from skyrocketing diesel prices at the Fair Work Commission.

A draft order - published yesterday - would require businesses to lift fuel reimbursements to transport operators - and review contracts every fortnight.

The Transport Workers Union has argued owner-operators and sub-contractors face a fuel debt cliff next week, warning of major operators going under and chaos up and down the supply chain.

• Guest: Michael Kaine, National Secretary of the Transport Workers Union
• Producer: Jason Whittaker

Today marks three years since the start of the Sudanese civil war, a conflict which has left countless civilians dead and millions without access to food, shelter or sanitation.

Since the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary group the - Rapid Support Forces - took up arms against each other, more than 14-million people have been displaced.

The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies estimates it is the largest displacement crisis in the world. 

Both sides have been accused of war crimes, with claims of genocide being made against the RSF.

• GUEST: Eva Hinds, UNICEF's chief of advocacy in Sudan
• PRODUCER: Pip Cook

Lebanon and Israel have held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it a “historic opportunity”.

But he also made clear no breakthrough agreement was expected; as the conflict - between the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and Israel - continues.

Meanwhile, Lebanese health authorities are still dealing with the aftermath of April 8; when Israeli strikes killed more than 350 people, marking one of the deadliest days the country has ever seen.

Israel has been conducting an air and ground campaign in Lebanon - insisting that the current ceasefire - with Iran - does not apply to fighting in Lebanon.

• GUESTS: Dr Imad Salamey - Professor of political science and international affairs at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Hicham Fawwaz - logistics manager at the Public Health Emergency Operations in Beirut and Lou Cormack, Head of Mission in Lebanon for Médecins Sans Frontières
• PRODUCER: Pip Cook

U.S. President Donald Trump says the American military has begun a blockade of Iranian ports as part of his effort to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking outside the Oval Office overnight, Mr Trump suggested the U.S. is still willing to engage with Iran, after 21-hour long peace talks failed at the weekend. 

Also, an extraordinary feud is growing between US President Donald Trump and the Pope.

The global leader of the Catholic church has said he plans to continue speaking out against war, despite scathing comments from the US president.

While in Australia, energy prices are on the rise due to the war in the Middle East, but the cost of electricity hasn't seen a similar jump, we'll unpack why that is.

There's also a lot of movement in the defence industry.

You'll hear about the billions of dollars set to be invested in drones, and major changes in the top military.

Recap the morning's news, politics and global affairs with the Breakfast Wrap.