Trump extends Iran's deadline to open Strait of Hormuz

This episode of the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service covers escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, centered on President Donald Trump's ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday, following the rescue of a downed American aviator. Trump's increasingly aggressive rhetoric—complete with profanity and threats to destroy Iranian infrastructure—has sparked concern both domestically and internationally, with critics accusing him of reckless brinkmanship and potential war crimes. Despite claims of ongoing negotiations, evidence suggests military buildup in the region, raising fears of a wider conflict. Iran has responded by accusing the U.S. of following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s lead, while civilians in Tehran express fear and anger. Meanwhile, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted global oil flows, driving up prices and affecting economies across the Gulf and beyond. The episode also touches on the humanitarian and political fallout in Hungary, where a suspicious discovery of explosives near the Turk Stream pipeline has fueled speculation of a false flag operation ahead of crucial elections. In a lighter segment, the podcast highlights how a 77-year-old museum curator, Alison Looks, has gone viral by using Gen Z slang to explain centuries-old art, successfully engaging a new generation with cultural heritage. Finally, the episode addresses the controversy over Kanye West headlining the UK’s Wireless Festival, amid backlash over his anti-Semitic remarks and the subsequent withdrawal of major sponsors like Pepsi and Diageo.