Newshour

Michael Eisenstadt, director of the Military and Security Studies Program and military/security expert, discusses non-occupational tactics to pressure Iran's oil exports. He explores legal and moral limits of striking energy infrastructure. The conversation also examines escalation risks and how Iran’s calculus has shifted after recent setbacks.

Tense threats against Iranian oil infrastructure and the practicality of seizing Kharg Island are unpacked. Military capability, risks of holding territory and diplomatic negotiations are explored. Global oil price shocks, who is buying Iranian crude and wider economic fallout are examined. A daring Italian museum art theft and why stolen masterpieces are hard to sell are also discussed.

Tom Brook, BBC arts correspondent, shares a clip with Stellan Skarsgård, the acclaimed Swedish actor, about Scandinavian film success. Malcolm Nance, former US naval officer and intelligence expert, discusses US troop movements and military strategy. They talk mediation efforts in Pakistan, battlefield reactions in Iran, and the risks and challenges of possible ground operations.

Jonathan Head, BBC Southeast Asia correspondent reporting on fuel shortages in Myanmar and the region, and James Lynch, a human rights expert on the Gulf, discuss Pakistan's mediation role in US–Iran talks. They cover long petrol queues and rationing in Southeast Asia. They also examine arrests and restrictions on social media across Gulf states.

Amid the devastation in Gaza, remarkable stories of hope and resilience do emerge. Sixteen-year-old Sama Nijm, a gifted violinist from Gaza, is using music to bring comfort and healing to the youngest victims of the conflict. Some of the children have lost their parents, and in some cases, their limbs or arms. BBC Newsday's Charlene Rodrigues spoke to Sama, and began by asking her what inspired her to become a violin teacher in the midst of war.

A tragic school shooting in Graz has left nine dead, revealing the community's grief and the need to address firearm regulations. Meanwhile, protests in Los Angeles highlight tensions surrounding immigration policies as Trump sends the Marines. The podcast also touches on the establishment of Marine Protected Areas in Zanzibar, showcasing a commitment to biodiversity and conservation. Other topics include Japan's rice crisis fueled by extreme weather and the nostalgic legacy of Sly Stone in the music industry.