Overview

• Anthony Albanese described the latest call with President Donald Trump as "warm and constructive," with talks covering trade, critical minerals and shared security interests.
• It was their fourth conversation since Trump returned to office, and there is still no confirmed date for a first in-person meeting.
• Officials are exploring a possible leaders’ meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month.
• Australia continues to press for relief from U.S. tariffs that include a 10% baseline levy on goods and 50% duties on steel and aluminium.
• Security issues frame the diplomacy, with a Pentagon review of AUKUS under way and U.S. pressure for higher Australian defence spending, as figures such as Ambassador Kevin Rudd and Deputy PM Richard Marles engage counterparts.