Middle East crisis live: Iran reportedly wants Lebanon included in any ceasefire as Israel says it is expanding ‘buffer zone’

<p>Tehran says end to war must include halt to Israel’s offensive in Lebanon after Netanyahu comments prompt fears of protracted occupation</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/25/trump-iran-war-analysis">Analysis: Trump pitches Iran peace plan but military buildups rarely veer to off-ramp</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/25/iran-gives-negative-response-to-us-ceasefire-plan-amid-push-for-talks">Iran rejects US ceasefire plan and submits its own amid push for talks</a></p></li></ul><p>Iranian nationals with valid Australian tourist visas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/10/labor-moves-to-block-some-temporary-visa-holders-traveling-to-australia-amid-middle-east-war">will be blocked from entering the country</a> for six months, Australia’s home affairs minister said, <strong>citing concern some may decide to stay longer than they’re allowed.<br></strong><br>
Tony Burke said the direction was necessary as there was a risk Iranians on tourist visas visiting Australia may be unable or unlikely to leave when their visa expires.<br>
The order only applies to people with a valid tourist visa outside of the country. <br>
The government said <strong>“sympathetic consideration” would be given to citizens with Iranian parents.</strong> <br><br>
The government said it would closely monitor global developments and adjust settings as required.</p><p>If you’re just joining us, here’s a quick recap of the day:</p><p><strong>An</strong> <strong>Iranian military spokesperson mocked US attempts at a ceasefire deal</strong>, <strong>insisting Americans were only negotiating with themselves. </strong>Lt Col Ebrahim Zolfaghari’s st