Business Daily

The US and Iran are on the verge of a major deal aimed at reopening one of the world's most important shipping lanes. But even if an agreement is signed, how quickly can things return to normal? How soon can oil tankers and LNG shipments return to service? When might energy supplies begin to ease? And how long before drivers, businesses and households actually feel the benefit through lower prices? Markets may react within hours, but the real-world impact could take much longer.
This is the latest episode of our weekly Power Players show. It's hosted by Rahul Tandon in the UK and our North America Business Correspondent Michelle Fleury in New York, in conversation with the BBC's Economics Editor Faisal Islam.
Producer: Niamh McDermott
Editor: Stephen Ryan
Executive Producer: Justin Bones
(Picture: People drive past an anti-U.S. billboard depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz, in Tehran, Iran, May 17, 2026. Credit: Majid Asgaripour/WANA - West Asia News Agency)

Greek-born billionaire John Catsimatidis rose from working in a New York grocery store to build the Gristedes supermarket chain and a wider business empire after leaving university before graduating. Now head of the Red Apple Group, with interests spanning real estate, energy, aviation and media, he remains a prominent figure in US business and politics, regularly discussing business with President Trump, despite setbacks including a collapsed airline venture and an unsuccessful run for New York mayor.
Founders - the stories of the emotions from the highs and lows of starting a successful business
Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Producer: Amber Mehmood
You can email the time: businessdaily@bbc.co.uk
(Picture: John Catsimatidis attends the Economic Club of New York in New York City, U.S., May 28, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Jeenah Moon)

When the US and Israel struck Iran in March 2026, Wall Street was opening as missiles were still flying. Within hours, a small number of investors and companies stood to make billions. The conflict has already cost an estimated $40 billion. Sam Fenwick follows the money; from defence contractors replacing weapons systems, to gas exporters benefiting from disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, and to anonymous traders who appear to have bet on the strikes before the news broke.
Presenter: Sam Fenwick
Producer: Matt Lines
You can email the team on businessdaily@bbc.co.uk
(Picture: Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner fires a missile in support of Operation Epic Fury, Mar. 1, 2026. Credit: U.S. Navy photo)

Off the coast of Sierra Leone, Sherbro Island has been earmarked for an ambitious transformation: a new centre for international business and investment, designed to rival cities like Singapore or Hong Kong. The BBC’s Ed Butler travels to the island to investigate the project and speaks to developer Siaka Stevens, who is leading the effort alongside supporters including film-star Idris Elba, about the vision and what it will take to deliver it. But how realistic is the ambition, and can it become more than a promise?
Presenter/producer: Ed Butler
Editor: Stephen Ryan
Each Monday on Business Daily, we take you around the globe to the heart of the stories and meeting those living through them.
You can email the team: businessdaily@bbc.co.uk

Connecting the timezones we get different perspectives on the key global business stories of the week, setting you up for the weekend. Rahul Tandon discusses OpenAI’s plans to sell shares with Emily Peck from Axios and David Kuo from The Smart Investor. Plus, who are their business heroes and villains of the week?
Presenter: Rahul Tandon
Producer: Josh Martin
You can email the team: businessdaily@bbc.co.uk
(Picture: CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman waves as he speaks with reporters, following meetings on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C. in June 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Kylie Cooper)