Natarsha Belling

And that's it for this episode of the Afternoon Edition of The Briefing.

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I'm Natasha Belling.

Thanks for your company.

Hi, Natasha Belling with you and welcome to the afternoon edition of The Briefing.

Coming up in our deep dive, Lifeblood has removed outdated restrictions on blood and plasma donations.

We'll unpack what these new rules, which are effective from today, really mean and how the changes will save thousands more lives every year.

But first, let's check the afternoon headlines this Monday, the 20th of April.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned Australians to expect higher inflation, lower growth and higher unemployment as the fallout continues over the war in the Middle East.

Mr Chalmers was speaking ahead of next month's crucial federal budget, admitting it's hard to give specific forecasts as there is so much global uncertainty, especially in the Middle East.

There is growing speculation the government may announce changes to capital gains tax, the NDIS and superannuation in next month's budget.

Iran is reportedly vowing retaliation after another escalation in the war in the Middle East.

There are claims Iran's top military command is accusing the US of violating the ceasefire by firing at an Iranian cargo ship.

Donald Trump has reportedly claimed US Marines now have custody of the ship after boarding it in the Gulf of Amman.

The US Navy warship ordered the ship to evacuate its engine room in a video that was later posted by US officials onto social media.

According to US Central Command, Navy Marines then boarded the vessel with the president writing on Truth Social, quote, we have full custody of the ship and are seeing what's on board.

The attack on the Iranian vessel is the latest escalation around the waters of Iran.

Over the weekend, Iran's foreign minister declared the Strait of Hormuz was fully open before reversing course a day later, declaring strict control over the strait and attacking two commercial ships passing through.

These latest setbacks come as new peace negotiations are set to resume in Pakistan.

The US Vice President JD Vance is heading to the talks, but Iranian officials are yet to confirm if they will attend.