Middle East crisis live: Iraqi tankers hit as Iran targets oil supplies; US orders petroleum reserve release in bid to calm markets

<p>Iraq officials say at least one person was killed in the attack on the tankers; US to release 172m barrels of oil from strategic reserve</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/11/iran-escalates-attacks-on-infrastructure-and-transport-networks-across-the-gulf">Iran escalates attacks on infrastructure and transport across the Gulf</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/12/israel-bombards-beirut-southern-lebanon-hezbollah">Israel bombards Beirut suburbs and southern Lebanon</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/01/tell-us-affected-by-latest-events-in-the-middle-east-strikes-iran-us-israel-dubai">How have you been affected by the latest Middle East events?</a></p></li></ul><p>Over in Senate question time, the foreign affairs minister, <strong>Penny Wong</strong>, has confirmed <strong>embassies in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv and the consulate in Dubai all physically closed</strong> in the last week.<br><br>
Wong said the government’s number one priority is to <strong>“keep Australians safe at home and abroad”</strong>. <br><br>
She continued: <br><br><em>“The dangerous and destabilising attacks by Iran put civilian lives at risk, including Australian lives.”</em><br><br>
More than <strong>3,200 Australians over 23 commercial flights have returned to Australia</strong> since the US and Israel attacked Iran, setting off a regional conflict and grounding thousands of international flights.<br><br><strong>Wong criticised Nationals senators</strong> for “winding up people and stoking fear” to panic buy fuel.<br><br>
The senator said:<br><br><em>“Petrol compan