The Monocle Daily

Will China’s plan to position itself as a peacemaker in the Iran war work?

As China pushes for a swift end to the conflict in the Middle East, we assess whether its role as a peacemaker will work. Plus: Japan’s new rules for cycling come into force today but do they go far enough?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the realistic timeline for ending the conflict in the Middle East?

We assess the possible timeline for ending the war in the Middle East, as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that more than half of his military aims have been achieved. Plus: Why Eurovision is heading to Bangkok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian fuel enters Cuba after another Donald Trump U-turn

The US president has given Cuba a lifeline, despite wanting the country’s socialist leadership to fall. Then: Volodymyr Zelensky uses the Middle East conflict to his advantage and Viktor Orbán flounders on the campaign trail. Plus: how does political satire make light from darkness? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz closed as Trump hints at a ‘final blow’ 

The US considers sending 10,000 more troops to the Middle East. Then: Can Mark Carney’s alliance save world trade from Trump? Plus: British museums consider a tourist fee and funeral directors accused of faking reviews. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump lashes out at Nato as Rutte reports defence spend increase 

Trump takes another swipe at Nato for its caution over the Iran war. Then: is Europe’s far-right firewall fading? Plus: the White House hosts an AI robot and the world’s biggest marathon gets even bigger. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.