Is a diplomatic off-ramp to the war in Iran appearing?

We untangle the mixed messages from the US and Iran and discuss how talks to end the war could move forward. Then: Belarus’s president, Alexander Lukashenko, visits North Korea and Estée Lauder and Puig in talks to merge. Plus: an interview with Argentinian duo Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen finalises a trade deal with Australia after years of talks. Plus: Danish election and Italian referendum results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We cross to Tel Aviv as the war in Iran enters its fourth week. Then: how do the French municipal election results set the stage for 2027’s presidential race? Plus: misinformation in Ljubljana and BTS’s long-awaited comeback in Seoul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaction from Washington and Tokyo after Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, meets Donald Trump following his demands for help to protect the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: Why Finland is still the happiest country in the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Middle East crisis continues, we discuss Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz and Israel’s intensified strikes on Lebanon. Then: China’s strategic economic model, the Passenger Terminal Expo 2026 and business news from Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss Donald Trump’s designs on Cuba as millions are left without power. Then: The UK and Ukraine agree a new defence partnership and Volodymyr Zelensky heads to Spain. Plus: Kering’s new jewellery unit and tech news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The IDF begins a ground invasion in southern Lebanon. Then: How is global aviation being disrupted by war? Plus: Myanmar’s new parliament convenes, Artemis II’s moon mission and cherry-blossom season begins in Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the US and Israel continue to ramp up  strikes on Tehran and Beirut, we discuss the likelihood that diplomacy might bring about a solution. Then: France’s municipal elections, Vietnam’s parliamentary elections and Monocle at Mipim and the Oscars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war in Iran continues to widen as Israel plans expanded strikes in Lebanon, the new Ayatollah Khamenei vows revenge and tankers are hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: will the left lose the Parisian mayoralty after 25 years? And: The Pritzker Architecture Prize winner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World governments, deeply worried about the impact of the Iran war on energy prices, have approved a record release of strategic petroleum reserves. Plus: interviews with  UAE minister of state, Noura Al Kaabi, the British Council for Offices at Mipim and Australian singer Sam Quealy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.