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An aerial view of the Iranian shores and the island of Qeshm in the strait of Hormuz, December 10, 2023 (Credit: Nicolas Economou/Reuters)

Why the Strait of Hormuz matters

The past week's news has been dominated by the rapid escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran. A ceasefire between the two countries is currently in place, but concerns remain over how the situation may develop, including whether Iran could consider blocking the Strait of Hormuz - the primary maritime route for oil exports from the Gulf. Charmaine Cozier hears how significant this route has become, and what might happen next.

'This is a region where geopolitical tensions can have a huge impact on the global economy'

The Inquiry: Answering the news's biggest questions

Major Kara Corcoran (Credit: Sophie Eastaugh/BBC)

'We are fitter to fight when we live our authentic lives'

Early in his second term, President Trump set out to ban transgender people from the US military. Two experienced trans officers chart how this decision has impacted them.

'Is it as bad as I expected? No. It's worse'

Hanya Aljamal on her balcony (Credit: Hanya Aljamal)

'If I was completely present, I would lose my mind'

Hanya Aljamal has been living in a warzone in Gaza for the past 20 months. She describes what she sees and hears from her balcony and in her work for an aid organisation.

'Some drones are so loud that you can't hear your thoughts'

World of Secrets: The Killing Call (Credit: BBC)

'A murder which Punjab will not forget'

He was one of India’s biggest stars — a voice millions followed. Then Sidhu Moose Wala was gunned down. Who wanted him dead, and why?

World of Secrets: The Killing Call

British retiree Liz Jackson, now living in Chiang Mai (Credit: BBC)

The Western pensioners choosing a Thai retirement

Fed up with what they consider to be inadequate and expensive care systems, many elderly Westerners are choosing to retire to Thailand. But what does that mean for Thailand itself?

'People are very gentle and kind, especially to the elderly'

Annice Mukherjee (Image supplied by guest)

'You do not need to fear menopause'

Annice Mukherjee has spent her career helping women deal with menopause. After facing a major health challenge, she wants to help her daughter understand her own hormones.

'I want her generation to be empowered, not fearful'

Untold Legends: Hedy Lamarr (Credit: BBC)

The secret genius of a Hollywood icon

Hedy Lamarr was one of the biggest stars of the golden age of Hollywood. But she was also a gifted inventor whose work helped shape the modern world.

Discover the stories of untold legends

Layla Kudri with street dogs on a hike in Mexico (Credit: BBC)

How walking with tourists helps Mexico's stray dogs

Myra Anubi hears about projects taking a humane approach to the problem of stray animals in cities, including an organisation in Mexico that's helping connect dogs with tourists.

'It shows a side of them people might not often see'

A behind-the-scenes image from the making of the movie Jaws (Credit: Universal Studios/PA Wire)

'People told me they didn't go in the water for years'

It's been 50 years since a giant shark terrified cinema audiences around the world. Writer Carl Gottlieb recalls how Jaws went from behind-the-scenes chaos to devouring the box office.

'Nobody had ever worked with a mechanical creature that big'