Iran closes Strait of Hormuz a day after declaring it open

The Global News Podcast from the BBC covers a volatile geopolitical moment as Iran re-closes the Strait of Hormuz just one day after declaring it open, citing the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports as justification. Iranian forces assert full control over the strategic waterway, requiring transit permits and fees, while the U.S. maintains its stance under President Trump, who insists negotiations continue despite escalating tensions. The episode explores the human cost of the conflict, including a seven-week internet blackout in Iran that has isolated over 90 million people from global information, and the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, where a French UN peacekeeper was killed in an attack blamed on Hezbollah—denied by the group. Meanwhile, Pope Leo downplays his public dispute with Trump during a high-profile visit to Africa, where he is celebrated as a symbol of Catholic presence on the continent. The podcast also touches on a rare mass shooting in Kyiv, Nigeria’s struggle to include people with disabilities, and the global rise of snooker, particularly in China, where the sport has surged due to youth academies and state support. Pakistan emerges as a surprising diplomatic mediator in the Iran-U.S. conflict, leveraging its trusted position with both sides to potentially broker a deal.