Radio National Breakfast

Mortgage holders copped another interest rate hike from the Reserve Bank yesterday - another financial blow for households as prices at the petrol pump continue to rise.

The government has taken a number of steps to increase the supply of fuel - particularly in regional areas - and hasn't ruled out fuel rationing.

Plus, US President Donald Trump has singled out Australia while criticising allies for refusing to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz in a post on Truth Social.

• GUEST: Andrew Hastie, Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability
• PRODUCER: Isadora Bogle 

US President Donald Trump has singled out Australia while criticising allies for refusing to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump says, "we no longer need, or desire, the NATO Countries' assistance — WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea."

• GUEST: Arthur Sinodinos, former Australian Ambassador to the United States

The Reserve Bank has hiked interest rates for the second time this year - bringing the cash rate to 4.1%.

The most recent data had inflation running at an annual rate of 3.8%, but with the conflict in the middle east pushing up energy prices, there are expectations inflation will go higher. 

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

Borrowers copped another interest rate hike yesterday - the second in two months - in a highly anticipated move by the Reserve Bank.

But it was a a close vote; with five members backing an increase to the cash rate by 25 basis points - and four voting to keep rates on hold.

• GUEST: Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist for ANZ and Global Commodities at HSBC
• PRODUCER: Jason Whittaker

Why has a senior US intelligence official, picked by President Trump, quit over the war in Iran?

We look at Joe Kent's comments, blaming Israel for the conflict, and how they show divisions are deepening among MAGA Republicans over the intervention.

The director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, has resigned saying he “cannot in good conscience,” back the Trump administration’s war in Iran.

Meanwhile US President Donald Trump continues to criticise allies for refusing to provide naval escorts in the Strait of Hormuz, singling out Australia.

• Guest: Nathalie Tocci, Director of the International Affairs Institute (Istituto Affari Internazionali) and former special advisor to EU High Representatives Federica Mogherini and Josep Borrell
• Producer: Grace Stranger

US President Donald Trump has again criticised allies for refusing to send naval escorts to the Strait of Hormuz; singling out Australia.

In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump says, "we no longer "need," or desire, the NATO Countries' assistance — WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea."

The President has been calling for support as Iran continues its de facto closure of the Strait, which is affecting about a fifth of the world's oil supply.  

• GUEST: Malcolm Turnbull, Former Prime Minister

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has confirmed that Iran's top security chief Ali Larijani has been killed in strikes.

Larijani served as secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and was one of the council's two representatives of the late supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Iran hasn't confirmed his death.

• GUEST: Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington DC 

We'll hear from the boss of the United Nations' International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ahead of body holding an extraordinary session to address the escalating crisis in the Gulf.

We'll also get the perspective of a former Iranian Ambassador. 

And hear the latest on the South Australian election with the state opposition, as it faces a challenge from One Nation.

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

Today millions of people around the world are celebrating St Patrick's Day including right here in Australia.

This year, celebrations hold a bit more meaning — as 2026 marks 80 years of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

• Guest: Fiona Flood, Ambassador of Ireland to Australia
• Producer: Tyler Hall