How long could the conflict with Iran last?

This is the Nine News Podcast.

Coming up, I promise the conflict with Iran won't drag on.

Closing the gender pay gap and why eyes will be on the night sky.

I'm Josh Bryant with this morning's Nine News podcast.

Senior US officials are promising the conflict in Iran will not drag on endlessly.

But President Donald Trump says there is still a big wave of strikes to come.

Israel has launched strikes in Lebanon following suspected missile fire from Hezbollah as the conflict spreads through the region.

Donald Trump is promising they are substantially ahead of the initial five week timeframe for American involvement.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegsess has dismissed comparisons to previous American involvement in the Middle East.

This is not Iraq.

This is not endless. I was there for both.

Our generation knows better and so does this President.

He called the last 20 years of nation building wars dumb and he's right.

This is the opposite.

Experts are warning if we'll take weeks to get flights into and out of the Middle East back up and running again.

Even once the airspace reopens.

Travelers are being advised to check in with travel agents airlines and insurers as thousands remain stranded and future travel plans are thrown into chaos.

Smart Traveler has issued do not travel advisories and the insurance council of Australia's Andrew Hall says it's important to follow advice as insurers may not cover losses from acts of war.

People's safety is the number one priority if you don't need to travel through that area.

If you can follow the government's do not travel advice we urge people to make alternative arrangements.

Oil and gas prices are surging globally as the conflicts economic ramifications already hit home.

Crude oil prices initially jumped by 10% before dropping back ever so slightly.

Natural gas prices leapt nearly 50% in some parts as one of the world's largest exporters.

Qatar Energy announced it was holding production of natural gas due to attacks on its facilities.

A federal government report has found the gender pay gap in Australia is smaller today than it was a year ago.

The findings reveal almost a quarter of employers have an income gap within the target range.

Workplace gender equality agency spokesperson Mary Wildrich says there is still plenty more work to do.

We have a slightly more balanced in our workforce with more women earning the higher remuneration and slightly fewer women in the lowest remuneration band.

And we've got momentum and change is happening which is really positive but there's still a fair way to go.

Business groups awarding high taxes on companies are making Australia less attractive for global investors.

The Business Council of Australia ranks Australia 21st out of 42 advanced economies when it comes to investor competitiveness.

The report found Australia's company tax rate of 30% is above the average of 24%.

GPs believe the federal government should increase the Medicare rebate for longer consultations.

The Royal Australian College of GPs is asking for a 40% rise to help patients with complex health needs.

Most people spend about 20 minutes with their doctor doctor Michael Wright says increasing the rebate for the longer consultations will save the government money in the longer term.

More of us are living with chronic health conditions, more of us are living with multiple chronic health conditions.

And GPs are providing really excellent care in the community but to do that it takes time.

And we know that patient rebates with Medicare drop the longer time you spend with your GP and that makes it harder for patients.

And our inspiring astronomical event will light up Australian skies tonight.

The last total lunar eclipse for the next three years will be visible in much of the country, whether permitting it will see the moon turn a dark reddish color.

At a long lost painting by Rembrandt has been rediscovered decades after it disappeared when it was sold to a private collector.

In finance, what Australian dollar buying 70 US since sport.

Australian Formula One Grand Prix organisers are confident all 22 drivers and their teams will arrive in Melbourne tomorrow amid the global travel chaos.

The season gets underway at Albert Park this weekend.

In NRL, the Panthers will start season 2026 at the place where their incredible run came to an end last year.

Pedro is taking on Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. Coach Ivan Cleary insisting he's not out for revenge.

It's just I just think it's an exciting game full stop, you know, whether it's, you know, it's quite romantic.

You turn up to the place we lost in same game last year. Maybe that adds a little bit to it.

I don't know.

Swansford with Logan McDonald is eager to get back on the park after an ankle injury.

So I'd like him for an entire season.

The AFL season begins on Thursday night at the SCG with Sydney taking on Carlton.

And South Korea has dominated around 3-0 in their women's Asian Cup clash in Perth.

I'm Josh Bryant. That's the 9-news podcast for the latest in news.

Tune into 9 news at 6pm.