Strait of Hormuz will reopen says Trump

The Global News Podcast reports on a dramatic diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East, where the U.S. and Iran have agreed to a framework peace deal that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a move hailed by President Trump as 'toll-free' and a major economic relief. However, the agreement remains fragile, with Israel reluctant to comply, Hezbollah still active in Lebanon, and Iran reportedly demanding maritime service fees in the strait, undermining the deal's credibility. The war's economic toll is already severe: nearly a billion barrels of oil have been removed from global supply, refineries are damaged, and repair could take years. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces renewed devastation as Russian forces strike the ancient Kiev Puchek Lavra Monastery, a UNESCO site, just as EU accession talks begin. In the UK, a sweeping ban on social media for under-16s is set to take effect in spring 2027, citing mental health and safety concerns—though critics warn it may push youth to unregulated platforms. Norway's royal family is rocked by the conviction of Crown Prince’s stepson for rape, while Starbucks Korea faces backlash for a tank-themed tumbler campaign that evoked a 1980 military massacre, leading to a company-wide history lesson and CEO resignation. The episode closes with a glimmer of hope from the DRC, where Ebola recovery rates are boosting trust in healthcare systems despite early resistance and attacks on clinics.