Strong winds continue to fan bushfires across the eastern coast of Australia.
Firefighters continue to battle more than 50 wildfires across New South Wales.
Hazardous smoke is also spreading, prompting health warnings for more than five million people.
Israel, Lebanon to begin 10-day ceasefire
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that Israeli and Lebanese leaders had agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire at 5 p.m. EST (2100 GMT).
US military: ready to strike Iran's power plants, energy industry if ordered
The US naval blockade of Iran is just an example of 'polite' behaviour during the ongoing ceasefire and US forces are ready to strike Iran's power plants and energy industry if ordered, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said on Thursday.
GCC parliamentary speakers stress unified stance against Iranian attacks
Speakers of the legislative councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council have stressed the importance of adopting a unified Gulf position and working toward resolutions at the Inter-Parliamentary Union condemning recent Iranian attacks on GCC states.
Countries to discuss Hormuz mission for when conflict ends
France and Britain will chair a meeting on Friday of around 40 countries aimed at signalling to the United States that some of its closest allies are ready to play a role in restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow.
Hopes for deal to end Iran war grow, but nuclear issues unresolved
Optimism grew on Thursday that the Iran war may be near an end, with a key Pakistani mediator having made a breakthrough on "sticky issues", a source said, although Iran warned the fate of its nuclear programme had not been resolved.
