Australia news LIVE: Ship attacked near Strait of Hormuz as Iran says it is reviewing US response to 14-point proposal to end war

Iran said on Sunday that the United States had responded to its 14-point proposal via Pakistan and that it was reviewing the response, state media reported.

“At this stage, we do not have nuclear negotiations,” an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said, according to state media.

Iran’s nuclear program and enriched uranium have long been the central issue in tensions with the US, but Tehran would rather address it later.

Iran’s proposal wants other issues resolved within 30 days and aims to end the war rather than extend the ceasefire, according to Iran’s state-linked media.

Reuters, AP

A cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz said it was attacked by multiple small craft, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre, marking at least two dozen attacks in and around the strait since the Iran war began.

All crew on the unidentified northbound carrier were safe after the attack off Sirik, Iran, east of the strait, the monitor said. Iranian officials have asserted that they control the strait and that ships not affiliated with the United States or Israel can pass if they pay a toll.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, the first reported in the area since April 22, when a cargo ship reported being fired upon, the monitor said. The threat level in the area remains critical. Tehran effectively closed the strait by attacking and threatening ships.

AP

Good morning and welcome to the national news blog from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Follow along for rolling coverage of breaking news from Australia and around the world.

Here’s what you need to know this morning:

• Iran said on Sunday (Washington time) that the United States had responded to its 14-point proposal to end the war via Pakistan and that it was reviewing the response, state media reported.

• US President Donald Trump had previously expressed doubt it would lead to a deal.

• A search is under way for two US service members who went missing in a training exercise in Morocco.

• The accused killer of Kumanjayi Little Baby, 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, has been charged with murder. He is expected to appear in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday.
• A man charged with killing his brother and parents in a drug-induced frenzy in their Sydney home will appear in court today.
• A decision on whether to extend the three-month cut to the fuel excise tax will come after the federal budget. The cut was introduced at the start of April, with petrol and diesel costs slashed by 26.3 cents a litre in response to soaring prices caused by the US-led war on Iran.