Ngumoha, 16, scores late Liverpool winner at Newcastle

In the 100th minute, four minutes into his Premier League debut, in the week he will turn 17, in a game when 10 men had come from 2-0 down against the champions, it was a wondrous moment for the wonderkid. Every aspect of it was remarkable. Rio Ngumoha became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history but his winner was so much more than that.

It was beautifully taken, for starters, curled in after a lovely dummy by Dominik Szoboszlai. It was desperately cruel on Newcastle, who had rallied wonderfully in adversity. It robbed Will Osula of his own status as the super-sub who had the final say in an extraordinary affair. Denied victory at St James’ Park by an injury-time equaliser last year, Liverpool got victory now with a still later goal. “So many things happened, it was complete chaos,” smiled Arne Slot. “We were lucky to get the win over the line.”

And it was a sequel for him. Last week Federico Chiesa was the substitute who delivered the decisive goal, also after Liverpool gave up a 2-0 lead. Like him, Ngumoha may have languished unused had Liverpool got the attacking reinforcements they wanted. Each nevertheless showed a strength in depth. Liverpool, once again, found an astonishing way to win on another night when they did not require Isak.

But it turns out Eddie Howe was wrong when he described the Isak saga as a “lose-lose” situation for Newcastle United. It became worse than that. Lose-lose-lose, perhaps, or lose-lose-lose-lose.

Newcastle lost to Liverpool, the club who have spent much of the summer trying to sign Isak. They lost with a goal from Hugo Ekitike, the striker they had hoped to sign to either partner or replace the on-strike striker. They lost Anthony Gordon, the man masquerading as a centre-forward, to a sending off borne of stupidity that will come at a further cost with a three-match ban. They lost Sandro Tonali, too, with a suspected shoulder injury and Joelinton, who departed in tears, with two-thirds of a superb midfield sidelined; Howe feared the worst for both. They lost despite a stirring, stunning comeback and what Howe called “a great performance from us”.

Newcastle could be forgiven for thinking that everything that could possibly go wrong did. The Isak saga is damaging them. Howe wants it resolved even before deadline day. “I think that is the ideal from our side. We want clarity to move forward and the narrative to change,” he said.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are unharmed by the impasse, finding goals from five forwards already this season, but not the one they were willing to pay £110m for. Theirs has been a flawed start to their title defence, their capacity to lose leads glaringly apparent again, but they nevertheless took three points in a hostile environment. In a game that began in predictably fast and furious fashion and ended with the frenzy of replacements trading goals, a Liverpudlian and a Liverpool fan lost his head: but it was Gordon, the forward who was tempted to go to Anfield last year.

Perhaps he took co-owner Jamie Reuben’s pre-match tweet urging the players to get “into them” too far when he slid into Virgil van Dijk. Referee Simon Hooper had initially showed a yellow card. “It was strange he had to go to the monitor,” said Van Dijk. When Hooper did, he brandished red. The sight of the studmarks down the Liverpool captain’s calf proved persuasive.

The challenge was needless and reckless by Gordon. “I think he wanted to help too much,” said captain Bruno Guimaraes generously. Howe looked distinctly unimpressed as the forward walked off but claimed: “There is no intent from Anthony, he has gone in probably too quickly and tried to pull out and not commit any damage to Virgil.”

But Gordon’s suspension will compound Newcastle’s striker shortage. It may make it harder for them to countenance the sale of Isak or force a club who have bid for Yoane Wissa and Jorgen Strand Larsen to up their offers. “We are running out of options,” said Howe, who often points out that Newcastle have not replaced Callum Wilson; now they are without Gordon as well.

Even before his departure, Gordon had shown some of his other shortcomings. The winger masquerading as a striker went a 16th consecutive league match without scoring and headed over from Harvey Barnes’s cross. He missed a similar chance last week at Aston Villa. “The quality of Alex, I think he would have made a difference in the two games,” said Howe.

Without Gordon, Newcastle mustered a valiant effort. “We have shown our unity and spirit,” said Howe. He was delighted by the leaders in his camp. “Those guys do make me proud,” he added. “They are entwined into Newcastle. They want to be here and want to play.” Unlike, say, Isak.

At least Newcastle, who had failed to score in their previous four league games the Swede had missed, got two goals. Guimaraes headed in Tino Livramento’s cross; Milos Kerkez, poor against Bournemouth on his Premier League debut for Liverpool, was outmuscled too easily. Liverpool’s defensive jitters continued. When Nick Pope punted the ball forward, Ibrahima Konate, shaky all night, missed his header and Osula, the one specialist striker available to Newcastle, finished calmly.

So did Liverpool, on three occasions. Ryan Gravenberch’s start to the season was delayed by paternity leave and suspension. He made a false start to the game, booked after six minutes. But, as Guimaraes stood off him, he showed a precision to drill in a shot from 20 yards, a motionless Pope watching it go in off the post.

When he was beaten again, it was of scant consolation for Newcastle to realise they were on the right track in targeting Ekitike. The Frenchman’s third goal in as many games for Liverpool was placed past Pope, 23 seconds into the second half, so quickly Slot missed it.

Ekitike’s has been a stunning start. He became the first player since Daniel Sturridge to score in each of his first three games for Liverpool. His name rang around St James’ Park, but from the section of Liverpool fans at the top of the Leazes Stand. The Newcastle supporters had tried taunting Ekitike with the suggestion he was just a “s**t Will Osula”. If they got proof he is considerably more than that, Newcastle then saw evidence they can celebrate Osula for his own ability.

But at 22, he is a relative veteran. Ngumoha became the Premier League’s fourth youngest goalscorer, behind only James Vaughan, James Milner and Wayne Rooney. He isn’t yet old enough to drive. He was good enough to give them three points to take on the road back to Merseyside.

Trump offers simple explanation for why Putin won’t meet Zelensky

Donald Trump says he believes Vladimir Putin is avoiding meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky simply due to personal animosity.

The US president has been pushing to arrange a peace summit between the two leaders but his efforts have so far been rebuffed by Moscow.

Asked yesterday why Putin was refusing to meet Zelensky, Trump appeared once again to sympathise with the Russian leader.

“Because he doesn’t like him,” Trump said, adding: “I have people I don’t like, I don’t like to meet with them.”

Trump also admitted that he has spoken on the phone with Putin again since their call on the sidelines of a summit with European leaders in the White House last Monday.

Meanwhile, Zelensky said US and Ukrainian officials would meet later this week to discuss plans for a possible summit with Putin, as well as the broader issue of post-ceasefire security guarantees for Ukraine.

Battle of Hastings drama King & Conqueror is almost unwatchably dark

If you’ve been a schoolchild in Britain over the past half-century, you’d be forgiven for believing our nation’s history exists only in four key moments: the Second World War, the industrial revolution, Henry VIII, and the Battle of Hastings. Of these canonical events, the clash between Saxon and Norman forces in 1066, which brought the High Medieval Period to our sceptred isle, is perhaps most ripe for small screen translation, which it achieves this week, through BBC One’s (overripe) King & Conqueror.

After years of civil war, three rival English nations – Wessex, Mercia and Northumbria – come together to anoint a single king: Edward the Confessor (Eddie Marsan). But Edward’s ascension rapidly alienates the Wessex clan, led by the Earl of Wessex, Godwin (Geoff Bell), and his earnest second son Harold (James Norton). In exile across the Channel, Harold bonds with a Norman noble, William (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who has dynastic struggles of his own. Despite their burgeoning friendship – and the sense of destiny driving both men to their thrones – we know that they will end up, in 1066, head-to-head on the battlefield at Hastings. One king, one conqueror.

“Harold fears the worst,” his father confides. “That’s a good quality for a leader, but not while we’re at peace.” But peace, in late-Saxon Britain, proves fleeting. King & Conqueror is a story of two self-serious men attempting to drive their kingdoms towards something resembling modernity. Both Norton and Coster-Waldau embrace this sober fate. Their kings, Harold and William, are rather bland vessels, bobbing along on the tide of internal politics. Their wives – Edith (Emily Beecham) and Matilda (Clémence Poésy)– are equally staid. The history of this period is filled with large, unknowable gaps – as is the characterisation. “How time escapes us,” the French king Henry (Jean-Marc Barr) opines, but it’s not just time that proves elusive. The figures that emerge most distinct from these mists are brow-beaten Edward and his venomous mother, Lady Emma (Juliet Stevenson).

This can be an issue with historical drama. There is an often-misplaced belief that “world building”, the meticulous illumination of a society and its culture, is the preserve of fantasy. Yet Anglo-Saxon Britain, before the Norman conquest, is a slippery backdrop; its players largely unknown save for fleeting appearances in a famous tapestry. King & Conqueror, however, spells out its domestic context only in a quick title card and then proceeds to present a vision of medieval Europe that largely involves members of the barony having tense conversations on roads between towns we rarely see. It makes the world feel small and, equally importantly, the show feel cheap. This is not Wolf Hall – set 500 years later in the palaces of Tudor London – but a land of tents and huts, where actors smear mud on their faces as though it distracts from their 21st-century dentistry.

All of this is subsumed by a bigger problem: the show is almost unwatchably dark. The two issues are not unrelated. High contrast and a colour grade that crushes every black, like pepper in a mill, can cover shortcomings in the production design or VFX budget. But this has been an issue with so many BBC period dramas (Great Expectations, Jamaica Inn, The Luminaries etc) that it must also be interpreted as a conscious aesthetic choice. This was an era, after all, before electric light, so candlelit parleys have a certain logic. But when Stanley Kubrick used natural light to shoot Barry Lyndon, he accompanied it with a letter to projectionists. “An infinite amount of care was given to the look of Barry Lyndon,” Kubrick wrote. “The careful handling of the film will make this effort worthwhile.” But TV viewers are not aided by a projectionist to monitor the lamberts and adjust the aspect ratio. They watch on TVs, laptops, mobile phones – and much of King & Conqueror will dissolve for them into blackness.

The real question is why shoot for this verisimilitude in a show that takes such liberties with even the scant historical recollections of contemporary encomia? “Power is like a fire,” Earl Godwin warns his son. “It will warm and protect you but if it burns unchecked it will destroy everything.” The treacheries, the violence, the intrigues, and the dialogue are all more George RR Martin than William of Poitiers. In its commitment to ahistorical detail, King & Conqueror becomes a frustrating watch – that is, if you can make out anything at all.

Trump fires Federal Reserve governor after alleging mortgage fraud

President Donald Trump has said he is firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook following unconfirmed allegations of mortgage fraud.

In a letter to Cook that the White House shared on social media Monday night, Trump said, “There is sufficient reason to believe you may have made false statements on one or more mortgage agreements.”

The letter referred to a criminal referral dated Friday August 15 from William Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Pulte claimed Cook declared a property in Michigan as her primary residence in 2021, and then two weeks later, declared a property in Georgia as her primary residence.

The Independent has attempted to contact Cook regarding her firing but did not receive an immediate response.

“It is inconceivable that you were not aware of your first commitment when making the second. It is impossible that you intended to honor both,” Trump told Cook, who former President Joe Biden nominated for the Fed board in 2022.

Trump added: “At a minimum, the conduct at issue exhibits the sort of gross negligence in financial transactions that calls into question your competence and trustworthiness as a financial regulator.”

Trump raged at Cook last week, the first Black woman to serve on the central bank’s board of governors, demanding she “must resign, now!!!” in a Truth Social post about the mortgage fraud allegations.

“I have no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet,” Cook said in a statement released by the Fed on Wednesday.

She added, “I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve, and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts.”

When announcing the criminal referral last week, Pulte wrote on X, “When someone commits mortgage fraud, they undermine the faith and integrity of our System. It does not matter who you are – no one is above the law.”

He claimed in the criminal referral Cook potentially falsified documents to get better loan terms and lower interest rates, The New York Times reported.

The NYT explained in another article mortgage lenders tend to charge a higher interest rate for a second property as they believe there is more risk involved.

Pulte said in his X post the Justice Department “should go wherever the facts may lead them.”

The removal of Cook, which Trump said was “effective immediately,” comes amid the president’s public disapproval of Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Trump has railed against Powell for keeping interest rates the same during his second term. The Fed cut interest rates three times in late 2024 as inflation cooled in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, Powell signaled the Fed may cut interest rates in the coming months.

Rivals stunned by Carlos Alcaraz’s new-look at US Open

Carlos Alcaraz’s haircut rather than his tennis was the talk of the US Open as the second seed eased into round two in New York.

The Spaniard arrived at Flushing Meadows on Monday ahead of his clash with Reilly Opelka looking almost unrecognisable after shaving his head.

After impressing in a 6-4 7-5 6-4 victory, Alcaraz quizzed the crowd on his new look, earning loud cheers when he said: “I’ve got to ask to the people if they like the new haircut or not. Do you like it guys? I think they like it.”

Alcaraz’s friend and rival Frances Tiafoe did not approve, though, with the American seen behind the scenes appraising the lack of locks.

“It’s definitely terrible,” said Tiafoe. “He’s my guy though. It’s funny, I looked at him and I was like, ‘I guess you’re aerodynamic’. I don’t know who told him that it’s good. I don’t know who told him to do that, but it’s terrible.”

In his press conference, Alcaraz revealed the real reason behind the cut, saying: “I felt like my hair was really long already, and before the tournament I just really wanted to get a haircut.

“My brother, he misunderstood with the machine. He just cut it. Then the only way to fix it is just shave it off. It’s not that bad, I guess.”

Alcaraz flew his barber Victor Martinez from Spain to Paris earlier this year to give him a more fashionable fade cut midway through the French Open but said New York was too far for a similar intervention.

The new style had divided opinion, the French Open champion added. “Some people like it, some people don’t like it,” he said.

“To be honest, I’m just laughing about the reaction of the people. It is what it is. I can’t do anything else right now, so I’m just laughing about everything they are saying about my haircut.”

Alcaraz said he was unsure if his new streamlined style made him faster on court but said it would all be academic in a few days given how fast his hair grew.

“Every time that I get a haircut, in two or three days it’s gone,” he said. “In three days you’re going to see another hair(style).”

Among those critical of the new trim was American world number 17 Tiafoe, who, despite sporting a close-cropped style himself, described Alcaraz’s new haircut as “horrendous”.

“Frances is lying. Frances is lying,” laughed Alcaraz. “No, come on? He showed up here saying that it is terrible? I know he’s lying. I know he likes the haircut. He likes it. He told me.”

There were only positive reviews, though, for Alcaraz’s performance on court as he impressively maintained his record of never having lost in the opening round of a grand slam.

Alcaraz seized his opportunities when they came on Opelka’s fearsome serve, avoiding the possible danger of tie-breaks to set up a meeting with Italian Mattia Bellucci.

After clinching victory, Alcaraz used his racket to perform a golf swing – a nod to the watching Rory McIlroy.

“Today was a really difficult one,” he said. “Really tough player, tough serve. I couldn’t get the rhythm that I wanted to get but really happy with everything I’ve done today. Overall I think I did a really great performance tonight.”

Summer escapes made easy: find your perfect sunbreak fuss-free

When it comes to booking your summer getaway, finding the perfect break can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge. Whether it’s a fun-packed family holiday, a romantic couples trip, an activity-filled solo break or a group trip where you need to tick everyone’s travel boxes, there’s a lot to consider, and a vast range of options to choose from. So it can be tricky knowing where to start.

To make it easier to plan your perfect break, holiday experts Travel Republic have you covered, whether you’re researching dream destinations or making last-minute plans. With over 20 years of travel know-how, plus big-name airlines, top hotels and exciting attractions – they make booking your next great value getaway easy, affordable and totally stress free.

From trending destinations to incredible money-saving deals and travel ideas tailored to you, Travel Republic has everything you need to find and book your perfect trip. On top of all that, they offer flexible payment plans, super low deposits, are ATOL protected and offer all the holiday extras you need such as car hire, airport parking, transfers and travel insurance.

Ready for some travel inspo? Here’s our guide to four diverse, versatile destinations that offer it all: dreamy beaches, family entertainment, culinary delights, active adventure, and history and culture by the spadeful.

With over 6000 islands and islets, 200 of which are inhabited, not to mention a culture-rich mainland, Greece definitely has something for every type of traveller. For couples, friends and singles looking to party, head to the clubs and beach parties of Ios, Zante (Zakynthos) or Mykonos – enjoy the growing foodie scene in the pretty white-washed, streets of Mykonos Town, while adrenaline junkies will feel at home on the water, with kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and jet skiing on offer. For sandy beaches and calm waters, book into the islands of Rhodes or the family friendly Kos. If chilling on the beach is your priority, some of the world’s best can be found in Crete or Halkidiki – sporty types take note of the 13km scenic coastal cycling route. Or head to Faliraki with the kids for banana boat rides, snorkelling and splashing about at Faliraki Waterpark.

History lovers won’t want to leave Greece: explore the archeological wonder that is the Athens Acropolis, walk the capital’s charming old Plaka neighbourhood and stop at one of the many local cafes to enjoy souvlaki, moussaka and gyros. For another UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the island of Corfu’s Old Town and submerge yourself in a world of Venetian cobbled streets, fortresses and tunnels.

Whether you want the perfect package holiday with breathtaking beaches, buzzing bazaars and cafes on your city break or a boutique stay to explore a multitude of ancient ruins, Turkey has a dream holiday for everyone.

Istanbul will keep every generation entertained: visit the impressive Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosques, go haggling in the Grand Bazaar, then grab a traditional pide (folded pizza) and a Turkish tea before making a trip to the array of castles and fortresses. There’s also a zoo, aquarium and entertainment parks.

Turkey has an abundance of historical sites, with many accessible from top beach resorts such as Side and Izmir. Head to the Dalaman region, often referred to as the Turquoise Coast in reference to the picture-perfect Blue Lagoon beach. Make the short journey from Daylan town to the magnificent ancient port city of Kaunos, which dates back to the 9th century BC and be sure to go turtle spotting at the neighbouring İztuzu Beach. Thrill seekers should head to the nearby resort of Fethiye, to spy its rugged scenery and historic sites from a paraglider. While Marmaris offers everything from parties and waterparks to romance. Head inland to Anatolia to experience the ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations of Cappadocia from the skies in a hot air balloon — a true bucket list experience.For resorts that offer a bit of everything, choose Bodrum and Antalya for everything from Roman ruins, bazaars and nightclubs to yacht-filled marinas, waterparks and pristine beaches. Lots to keep little ones entertained, and party goers busy while couples can enjoy luxe adult-only hotels.

From the Costas to the Canaries and Barcelona to the Balearics, Spain really does have it all. If it’s a city break you’re after, choose the cosmopolitan capital of Madrid: take in art at the impressive Prado Museum, stroll through the peaceful Royal Botanic Gardens and tour the famous Bernabeu Stadium, home to the mighty Real Madrid. Or if you like beach vibes with your culture, opt for the city of Barcelona. Visit the Gothic Quarter for breathtaking architecture, marvel at the iconic Sagrada Família and enjoy tapas and cava in the narrow streets of the El Born district – home to the Moco and Picasso museums.

For full-on beach action, stay on the mainland and choose between Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Brava or the ‘Golden Coast’ of Costa Dorada. Here,Salou is a good option for those looking for buzzing restaurants and bars, active types keen on coastal walks, kayaking and snorkelling and kids keen to mix rollercoasters and waterparks at PortAventura theme park.

If you’re more about ‘island life’ there’s no shortage of options: head to Ibiza or Majorca for parties galore and secluded beaches with crystalline waters or opt for one of the equally idyllic Canaries. For a break that feels out of this world, choose volcanic island Lanzarote, which offers pristine white sand beaches across the island, including the main holiday resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa de los Pocillos, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. The latter offers a wealth of bars and restaurants, waterparks, 5km promenade and lively marina with a daily market.

Dramatic coastlines with crystal clear waters, buzzing city life with pop-up restaurants and dolphin and whale watching for wildlife lovers are just some of what is on offer in Portugal, making it a must-visit for group and solo travellers alike. Head to the south coast for the holiday haven of the Algarve, home to some of Europe’s top beaches. There’s 30km of coastline to enjoy at Albufeira alone, peppered with beachfront family friendly and adult-only hotels. Be sure to explore the cobbled streets and palm tree-lined squares of the Old Town before settling down for local seafood specialities including the Cataplana stew. Want to get active? Hike the coastal Seven Hanging Valleys Trail for views of rock formations against the backdrop of turquoise waters. While nightlife lovers should head to the Algarve cities of Lagos and Faro for rooftop cocktails and tunes that play until the sun comes up.

For culture fans, head to capital city Lisbon for countless museums, galleries and beautiful historic buildings including the huge, Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lose yourself in the cobbled alleyways of the Old Town of Alfama and soak up the smells and tastes of Portuguese baking including the delicious Pastéis de Belém. Beach lovers worry not, you can have sand between your toes after a quick bus ride, while surf lovers can train it to Estoril or Cascais to catch some waves.

For more travel ideas, inspiration and great value getaways, visit Travel Republic

Crackdown on ‘honour’ crime to be launched by government

New measures will be introduced to crack down on so-called “honour-based” abuse, the government has announced.

Honour-based abuse (HBA) is motivated by the perception that a person has brought shame to themselves, their family or the community. Related crimes include female genital mutilation, forced marriage and murder.

In 2021, pregnant Fawziyah Javed, 31, died when she was pushed from Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh by her husband after she decided to leave the marriage.

New statutory guidance and a legal definition of honour-based abuse will be brought in to help combat the crime, the government has said.

The Home Office will pilot a study looking at how widespread this crime is, a community awareness campaign will be launched and teachers, police officers, social workers and healthcare professionals will receive more training under the new policies.

The measures have been backed by specialist organisations targeting honour-based abuse.

Yasmin Javed, the mother of Ms Javed, has also welcomed the changes.

“As Fawziyah’s mother, I am pleased that the government has listened to our calls for a statutory definition of honour-based abuse, and that this change has been made in Fawziyah’s memory,” she said.

“I hope that this will help many more people affected by HBA and ensure that the multiple perpetrators of this abuse are properly recognised and addressed.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “All forms of honour-based abuse are devastating crimes that can shatter lives. There is no ‘honour’ in them.

“For too long, these offences have often been misunderstood by professionals, resulting in victims not getting the support they deserve.

“Make no mistake – we will use everything at our disposal to make sure perpetrators face justice and victims are protected.”

Jess Phillips, minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls said: “These crimes can cause unimaginable, long-lasting physical and mental pain for their victims.

“They have no place in our society and we must do everything we can to put a stop to them.

“This starts with a clearer definition of the crime and guidance backed in law so that the government, law enforcement and the voluntary sector can work hand-in-hand to give victims the support they deserve.

“It is also vital that we understand the true scale and nature of these crimes in England and Wales.

“This will enable us and our partners to help make sure that more victims are protected and more perpetrators face time behind bars.”

Australia expels Iranian ambassador, accusing Tehran of arson attacks

Australia is expelling the Iranian ambassador after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Tehran of directing at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil.

Mr Albanese said that Australian intelligence services had linked Iran to incidents targeting a Sydney restaurant and a Melbourne mosque.

The expulsion follows a steep rise in antisemitic events across both cities since the Israel–Hamas conflict began in 2023.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a “deeply disturbing conclusion”, Mr Albanese said.

“The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks.

“Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks.”

The kosher cafe Lewis’s Continental Kitchen, in the Sydney suburb of Bondi, was hit by an arson in October 2024.

Two months later, there was an arson attack on Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne’s Ripponlea.

No one was injured in the attacks, which occurred in suburbs with large Jewish populations.

“These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil,” Mr Albanese said.

“They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable. The Australian government is taking strong and decisive action in response.”

Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi has been given one week to leave Australia, along with three other officials.

The Guardian reported that it was the first time an ambassador had been expelled from Australia since the Second World War.

The Iranian embassy in Canberra, Australia’s capital, has also been shuttered.

Australia has maintained diplomatic relations with Iran since the revolution in 1979.

It had an embassy in Tehran until June, when it was closed following United States strikes on the city.

There are no longer any Australian diplomats in Iran, and any Australians remaining in the country have been urged to leave if it is safe to do so.