European leaders have reacted with alarm to plans by the United States to ease certain oil sanctions on Russia, a move intended to curb rising global energy prices. The proposal comes as conflict in the Middle East intensifies, with Iran blocking tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route that normally carries about one fifth of the world’s oil supply.

Washington hopes that allowing more Russian oil onto global markets will stabilise prices and offset disruptions linked to the regional conflict. However, the prospect of loosening sanctions has raised deep concern across Europe, particularly among countries that view economic pressure on Moscow as essential.

A Ukrainian Member of Parliament, speaking as her country remains at war with Russia, warned that easing restrictions could undermine international efforts to hold Moscow accountable. The programme also examines Iran’s current military capabilities, emerging medical research using spider silk to repair nerve damage, and efforts to restore the grave of saxophone inventor Adolphe Sax.