Ben Roberts-Smith denies war crimes allegations – As it happened

<p>This blog is now closed</p><ul><li><p><strong>Get our </strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl"><strong>breaking news email</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3"><strong>free app</strong></a><strong> or </strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl"><strong>daily news podcast</strong></a></p></li></ul><p>Defence Minister <strong>Richard Marles</strong> says the success of Australia’s alliance with the United States should not be measured against a single president or federal government in Canberra, insisting the longstanding ties will endure.</p><p>US President <strong>Donald Trump</strong> has repeatedly criticised Australia for not assisting with the war in Iran, while federal Labor, including Marles and Prime Minister <strong>Anthony Albanese</strong>, say the White House has not made any specific request for assistance.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/apr/19/australia-news-live-free-public-transport-in-victoria-extended-man-charged-with-in-nsw-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>