The World

Fragile truce begins as US and Iran step back from brink

The two‑week ceasefire between the US and Iran, brokered by Pakistan just hours before US President Donald Trump’s threat of “total annihilation,” remains highly tentative. Also, countries in Africa react to the economic shocks triggered by the war in Iran. And, a high-profile visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Budapest is drawing attention to crucial elections in Hungary this Sunday. Plus, a nonprofit in Bangladesh is studying how heat waves are impacting mental health, and offering counseling to alleviate the burden. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Iran’s ‘whole civilization’ and heritage threatened by war

As US President Donald Trump threatens to destroy Iran’s “whole civilization” we take a look back at Iran’s heritage over the centuries. Also, opposition politician Cheng Li-wun visits China to bolster Taiwan’s ties to the mainland as the war in Iran raises concerns about the US’s military bandwidth. And, people in South India are creating mechanical elephants to replace real ones during Hindu religious services. Plus, a visit to Akira Comics in Spain, which attributes its success to immersive fantasy. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

US ups the ante in the war with Iran

A look at the tensions currently on display between diplomacy and escalation in the Iran war. Also, scientists in Southeast Asia are bio-hacking mosquitoes to curb the spread of disease. And, the editor-in-chief of an independent newspaper in Afghanistan tells the story of trying to protect his paper from the Taliban. Plus, Pakistani American doctor Seema Jilani defines what it means to find home while working in war zones. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A rise in damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran raises alarms

Bridges, vaccine and public health institutes, and cultural sites are among the latest locations targeted by Israeli and American forces in Iran. Also, the military leader of Burkina Faso has said that its citizens should forget about democracy. And, who is Reza Pahlavi, and how did his name suddenly become so prominent? Plus, Gen-Z is all in for Baby Boomer jazz-rock guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

US drops sanctions against acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez

The US lifted sanctions against acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez yesterday. It's the latest in a series of changes that began when President Nicolás Maduro was captured and brought to the US to face criminal charges. Also, Afghan refugees in India face challenges getting government benefits. Also, a conversation with novelist Sahar Delijani on the struggles of Iranians at home and abroad. Plus, we raise a glass to wine-making traditions around the world. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices