Is Australia 'participating' in the Middle East war?

The Prime Minister has confirmed Australia will deploy a military surveillance plane and missiles to the middle east, after a request from the UAE. Anthony Albanese has reiterated that Australia's involvement is "purely defensive", noting his first priority is to keep Australians safe, as many remain stranded in the region.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed five Iranian women's football players will remain in Australia after seeking asylum, with the Government leaving the door open for the other players to do the same. It comes after the Prime Minister fielded an early phone call from US President Donald Trump over the fate of the women — but what else did they discuss at 2am?

Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.

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