Global News Podcast Israel holds off attacking Iranian gas infrastructure
9 snips
Mar 20, 2026 
Lucy Williamson, BBC Middle East correspondent, tracks Israel’s pause on striking Iranian gas sites and the politics behind it. Simi Jolo, BBC Washington reporter, follows America’s divided mood. Michelle Fleury, BBC business correspondent, looks at oil market jitters. Ben Chu, BBC economics journalist, speaks to a scientist about microplastics and fertility. Will Chalk, BBC producer, adds eerie numbers-station intrigue.
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How US And Israeli War Goals Could Diverge
- Lucy Williamson says US and Israeli goals overlap, but could diverge over striking energy sites and pushing regime change in Iran.
- She says Israeli officials hint at weeks more fighting, thousands of targets, and possible covert moves exploiting cracks in local security forces.
Why US Support Could Fade Quickly
- Simi Jolo says US support is shallow because voters back strikes more than a long war with casualties, high costs, or no clear endgame.
- She says analysts think Donald Trump expected killing Iran's leader to fracture the state, but Iran proved more durable and escalatory.
Why Energy Infrastructure Attacks Hit Harder Than Blockades
- Michelle Fleury says traders now fear attacks on energy production more than a shipping blockade because damaged gas infrastructure takes months or years to restore.
- She notes Qatar supplies 20% of global gas, so attacks there could keep oil, petrol, fertilizer, and grocery prices elevated.