The US blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz could make the fuel crunch in Australia even worse. The government’s urging Australians to do what they can to use less fuel, but when will more severe restrictions kick in? Today, Saul Kavonic, energy analyst at MST Financial on why we’re facing a ‘doomsday’ scenario that’s been war gamed for decades. He’s warning that fuel prices will not return to pre-war levels for at least a year. Featured: Saul Kavonic, energy analyst at MST Financial
How Iran is becoming Trump’s forever war
13/04/2026 | 16 min
The peace talks failed, so now US President Donald Trump wants to further disrupt the vital oil shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz. A US blockade will stop ships entering or departing Iranian ports, but will it really work to bring an end to the conflict? Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on what happens next and why the Iran conflict is starting to look like a ‘forever war’ for Trump. Featured: Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute
Alan Kohler’s case to nationalise childcare
12/04/2026 | 16 min
The ABC’s Alan Kohler thinks the treasurer should nationalise the childcare system and take centres out of the hands of for-profit businesses. With lingering concerns about the quality and safety of some centres and families struggling to afford the bills, is now the time for such a radical shake up? Today, Alan Kohler on the case for change and childcare policy expert Elizabeth Hill on whether it could really work. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert and host of “That's Business with Alan Kohler” podcast Elizabeth Hill, Professor in the Department of Political Economy and Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work at the University of Sydney
What the shaky Iran ceasefire means for fuel prices
09/04/2026 | 15 min
A fragile two week ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel has raised hopes ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz will soon be on the move. Disruptions to the oil and gas supply have raised fears of a global economic slowdown as surging fuel prices punish households and businesses. Today, Susan Stone, the Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, on whether a ceasefire changes expectations about the economic fallout and whether petrol and diesel prices are set to fall. Featured: Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at Adelaide University
Can Iran and Trump really agree on a peace plan?
08/04/2026 | 15 min
Donald Trump was threatening to wipe out ‘a whole civilisation’, then about an hour before his deadline the US president announced a ceasefire deal had been struck with Iran. Iran and the United States will now spend two weeks negotiating a peace plan, but it seems there’s little they can agree on. Today, Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center on why Trump ‘blinked’ and what comes next. Featured: Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and a lecturer in international affairs at George Washington University
ABC News Daily is the podcast that helps you understand the issues affecting your world. Every episode, host Samantha Hawley walks through one story with the help of an ABC colleague or expert in under 15 minutes. When you want coverage you can trust, listen to ABC News Daily.
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The podcast covers news from America, with analysis of the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including threats of massive tariffs have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
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