The Monocle Daily

As Washington plays down disruption, how safe is the Strait of Hormuz?

We assess the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as the US secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, downplays the disruption. Plus: Joanna Dudley and Rufus Didwiszus look ahead to their arts projects around the world.   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Iran vows to keep blocking Strait of Hormuz as three more cargo ships are attacked in the Gulf

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly vowed that Iran will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: Tira Shubart sends us a letter from Oaxaca.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The widening global conflict at the US diverts South Korean missile defences to the Middle East

We assess the scale of the global conflict as the US rattles South Korea by redeploying its missiles to the Middle East. Plus: Taiwan issues penalties for pedestrians crossing the road.     See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

With promises of a short war, how likely is a quick collapse or popular uprising in Iran?

We explore whether expectations of a swift popular uprising inside Iran are proving to be unfounded. Plus: why China and North Korea are resuming their train service after a six-year suspension.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

As oil prices pass $100 a barrel, the G7 holds off releasing emergency stockpiles

France hosts a G7 finance meeting as the war in the Middle East fuels fears for the global economy. Plus: can rappers make good world leaders? See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.