US-Iran Exchange Strikes; Nepal Races to Find Missing

Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.

On today's podcast:

1) The US and Iran exchanged strikes as American forces hit an island in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran responded by launching attacks on the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Iranian media said the country's authorities seized a bulk carrier near the port of Bandar Abbas and claimed an oil supertanker was hit by mines early on Monday. The incidents underline the high tensions between Washington and Tehran, with crude oil prices rising and several current and former US and Iranian officials expecting the conflict to drag on for months.

2) Bond investors are skeptical about speculation that Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh is poised to raise interest rates after his speech on Friday. Investors have doubts due to Warsh's past comments and actions, which have not always been clear, and are bracing for the risk that he keeps rates steady again. The reaction of the market will depend on upcoming economic data, including employment and inflation figures, with some investors warning that the Fed's credibility could be at risk if it does not follow through on expected rate hikes.

3) Nepal is racing to find thousands still missing after a glacial collapse unleashed catastrophic flooding along the border with China, with rising water levels and worsening weather threatening to hamper rescue efforts. More than 8,700 people have been rescued, with almost 20,000 security personnel mobilized, and at least 752 people have been confirmed dead, while over 3,000 are still unaccounted for. Rescue personnel have been told to exercise "utmost caution" as they work to retrieve bodies and provide relief services, with challenges mounting as days pass and weather conditions weigh on rescue efforts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.