About this Episode
Countries are discussing ways to restore safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on vessels near the passage. The war involving Iran, Israel and the United States has entered its third week. Iran has threatened to target oil and energy infrastructure across the Gulf region. Around one fifth of global oil normally passes through the narrow waterway and prices have risen worldwide. United States president Donald Trump urged several countries to help patrol the strait and escort oil tankers. Germany, Japan and Australia rejected participation, while the United Kingdom says it is examining options with allies.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv is ready for another round of peace talks with Russia. Washington has proposed holding the negotiations in the United States next week. Earlier talks in the United Arab Emirates were suspended after the Gulf conflict began in late February. Russia continues heavy attacks on Ukraine using drones, missiles and guided bombs, with casualties reported in several regions.
In France, voters took part in the first round of municipal elections across about 35,000 municipalities. Around 48.7 million people were eligible to vote. In Paris, socialist-green candidate Emmanuel Grégoire leads with 36.5 percent ahead of conservative Rachida Dati. In Lyon, green mayor Grégory Doucet is tied with Jean-Michel Aulas. The far-right Rassemblement National won in Perpignan and Toulon, while Marseille re-elected outgoing mayor Benoît Payan in a close race. Turnout fell again, with estimates between 56 and 58.5 percent.
