Strikes by the US and Israel on Iran have led to an escalating war across the Middle East.
It’s also led to economic uncertainty and rises in the price of oil, with the disruption of crucial shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz. But amidst the chaos, what choices does Australia have to respond?
The Wire’s Aspen Beilharz talked to Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer at The Australia Institute, and Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist at UTS’ Institute for Public Policy and Governance.
Image: Old concrete silos alongside the coal loading wharf in Queensland at the port of Gladstone.
Produced By: Aspen Beilharz
Featured In Story: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, The Australia Institute, and Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, Institute for Public Policy and Governance (University of Technology Sydney)
First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 11 March 2026