The World

As Iran continues to block ships from moving through the Strait of Hormuz, farmers around the world are seeing their fertilizer supplies coming up short, and some countries are having to shut down down their LNG plants. Also, we wrap up our weeklong housing affordability coverage with a wider discussion about tackling the rising cost of housing at its root. And, a look at the history of US-Cuba relations. Also, the K-pop megastars of BTS are back together after a long break to complete their military service. Plus, a look at a family tradition for Nowruz.

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels for a two-day summit that's been dominated by the war in the Middle East as tensions between the US and Europe continue to escalate. Also, a look at how US and Israeli ambitions overlap and diverge in the war with Iran. And, the housing market in Venezuela is rebounding following the country’s dramatic political shift. Plus, a look at Iran’s Kharg Island, which, in addition to oil installations, is home to a small population, several cultural sites and wildlife.

Israeli forces are intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, as well as hitting targets in Beirut neighborhoods. Also, a meningitis outbreak has public health officials scrambling in the UK. And, Denmark is using heat generated by crematoriums to warm nearby homes. Plus, a look at how Vienna has bucked the trend in dealing with Europe’s rent crisis.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it has killed top Iranian official, Ali Larijani, who was de-facto running the country after the death of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Also, how the war in Iran is disrupting global travel. And, Cuba’s electricity and energy crisis deepens. Plus, a cookbook catering to Ramadan.

The war in Iran suggests many of the doctrines, rules and assumptions that have shaped US military strategy for decades may no longer apply. Also, the South Korean government is stepping in over concerns about the nation’s declining birthrate amid an expensive apartment rental market. And, Serbia is facing an energy crisis with its national oil company under US sanctions because of its majority Russian-ownership. Plus, researchers in Massachusetts discover a haunting whale song on decades-old audio equipment.

The most intense bombing of Iran by the US and Israel has been taking place in the capital, Tehran, a city of roughly 10 million people living in dense areas. In wars, the most vulnerable among the population end up bearing the brunt of the conflicts — children, the elderly, those with disabilities. Also, a documentary about the little-known US occupation of Haiti. And, Asians are among thousands of immigrants swept up in the Trump administration’s deportation campaign, but many have not come forward with stories of being targeted by federal agents. Plus, a look at the international productions that make up nearly half of all the films nominated for Oscars this year.

Israeli strikes on fuel depots in Iran have left residents struggling to breathe after the ensuing fires engulfing parts of Tehran have released toxic fumes into the air. Also, a new law in China will promote "ethnic unity," making it compulsory to use Mandarin in schools, government and other public-facing activities. And, a look at the involvement of Gulf countries in the conflict in Sudan. Plus, a cafe in Vienna where older people bake cakes fresh daily from their own family recipes to spark intergenerational conversations with youth.

After being pummeled for 12 days by airstrikes, Iran has stepped up its asymmetric naval warfare by reportedly  planting an initial tranche of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Also, a look at how Turkey is reacting to the war in neighboring Iran. And, how the Hmong community in Minnesota’s Twin Cities has felt betrayed by the US government amid ICE raids. Plus, as AI rapidly changes math, mathematicians are trying to define how they’ll fit into future equations.

Since the Iran war began, Tehran has been sending drones and missiles into its Gulf state neighbors' territories. The Gulf countries insist this is not their war, but Iran doesn't seen to see it that way. Also, a former Austrian intelligence officer is on trial in Vienna accused of spying for Russia. And, a new report from Human Rights Watch finds that drone strikes targeting Haitian gangs have killed dozens of civilians and children. Plus, a new interpretation of soundtrack music from the late Icelandic composer Johann Johannsson.

The powerful clerical body known as the Assembly of Experts has selected Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. Also, schools have reopened after a week of mourning following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. And, immigrant-owned businesses are a staple around the US but they’re feeling the effects of the Trump administration’s harsh policies. Plus, how to eat surströmming — considered the world’s smelliest food — the Swedish way.