Is The Strait Of Hormuz Actually Open (Or Shut) Right Now?

Is The Strait Of Hormuz Actually Open (Or Shut) Right Now?

From Newscast by BBC News

April 19, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the latest news from Iran, Scotland, and UK politics, focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and security vetting issues.

Today, Adam joined Laura and Paddy to chew over the latest news from Iran, Scotland, and Downing Street. Ahead of the Prime Minister’s appearance in parliament, they discuss what we’ve learned today about what Sir Keir Starmer knew, or did not know, about the Lord Mandelson’s vetting by the foreign office. Laura spoke to cabinet minister Liz Kendall, who backed the PM and said that Starmer would have blocked the appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador had he known he failed security vetting. Elsewhere, negotiations continue between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. But is it actually currently open or closed? Has the ceasefire been breached? And what happens next? Paddy has been putting those questions to Lyse Doucet in Tehran. Plus, Laura has been in Scotland speaking to voters and the party leaders about how those issues and others will affect which way voters go in the May elections. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord Get in touch with Newscast by emailing…

People in this episode

Hosts: Adam, Laura, Paddy

Guests: Liz Kendall, Lyse Doucet

Topics covered

  • Iran
  • politics
  • Strait of Hormuz
  • UK elections
  • security vetting

Keywords

  • Strait of Hormuz
  • Iran
  • UK politics
  • security vetting
  • Liz Kendall
  • Sir Keir Starmer
  • Lord Mandelson

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC News

Places: Iran, Scotland, Downing Street, Strait of Hormuz

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