US blockade begins on Strait of Hormuz

US blockade begins on Strait of Hormuz

Author: BBC World Service April 13, 2026 Duration: 8:54

The US has begun its blockade  of the key shipping route the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran failed to reach an agreement. President Donald Trump says it's in response to Iran "knowingly failing" to reopen the strait. Iran says the blockade is illegal and has accused the US of piracy. It's estimated that around 800 vessels are stuck in the Straits, many loaded with cargo. As the blockade begins we look at what guidance is being offered to shipping companies shipping companies.

As the people of Hungary wake up to a new political leadership we look at the challenges facing its ailing economy after Viktor Orban steps aside, and closer ties with the EU are firmly on the agenda for the winner Peter Magyar and his Tisza party.

And we pay tribute to the woman who inspired the 90s classic song 'Brimful of Asha' as thousands gather in Mumbai to celebrate the life of one of Bollywood's biggest playback singers Asha Bhoslay  who has died aged 92 and leaves behind an empire worth almost 27-million-dollars.


Every weekday, the World Business Report from the BBC World Service cuts through the noise to deliver essential global business and finance intelligence. This isn't just a summary of market movements; it's a grounded analysis of the forces shaping economies, industries, and livelihoods across continents. You'll hear directly from the BBC's unparalleled network of correspondents, on the ground in financial hubs and emerging markets alike, providing context that turns headlines into understanding. Each episode focuses on the day's most pressing stories, from corporate mergers and policy shifts to technological disruptions and trade dynamics, all explained with the BBC's trademark clarity and depth. Tuning into this podcast means getting a truly international perspective, hearing how decisions in one corner of the world ripple out to affect prices, jobs, and opportunities elsewhere. It's designed for anyone who needs to grasp the interconnected nature of modern commerce, whether you're directly involved in the business world or simply want to comprehend the economic currents influencing daily life. The reporting is timely, authoritative, and always prioritizes factual accuracy, making it a reliable resource in a fast-changing landscape. For a concise yet comprehensive daily briefing on global economic affairs, the World Business Report delivers consistent insight.
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World Business Report
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