Global News Podcast
BBC World Service
The latest from Iran and the Middle East, and the rest of the world’s news, from the BBC World Service. As the US-Israel war with Iran continues, The Global News Podcast brings you the news from across the region – including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. We also continue to bring you stories from around the globe, including expert analysis and insight.Episodes are published twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories.Follow or subscribe now and never miss an episode. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Apr 4, 2026 • 28min
US in desperate search for missing aviator in Iran
Jonathan Hackett, a retired US Marine special operations specialist, breaks down the tense search for a missing American aviator in Iran and what survival on the ground could look like. The conversation tracks risky rescue scenarios, pressure around the Strait of Hormuz, Cuba’s mass prisoner releases, a powerful film on school shootings, and why the Winter Games were unusually clean.
6 snips
Apr 3, 2026 • 31min
Iran says it has shot down US fighter jet
Caroline Davies, BBC Islamabad correspondent, tracks fuel price spikes in Pakistan. Katie Watson, BBC reporter in Doha, covers Gulf damage and a subdued Holy Week in Jerusalem. Mikey Kay, BBC News presenter and military aviation analyst, digs into Iran’s claimed downing of a US jet. Also: threats to desalination plants, food inflation, and the mystery of octopus mating.
11 snips
Apr 3, 2026 • 27min
Artemis II leaves Earth's orbit and heads for Moon
Jonathan Head, BBC Southeast Asia correspondent covering conflict and politics, unpacks Myanmar’s junta boss becoming president. Ione Wells, BBC Washington reporter on US politics and legal affairs, explains Pam Bondi’s abrupt firing. Also: Artemis II pushes astronauts beyond Earth orbit for the first time in 50 years, and a viral claim that Jonathan the tortoise had died turns out to be fake.
22 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 26min
UK and allies discuss reopening Strait of Hormuz
Anbarasan Ethirajan, BBC global affairs reporter, covers a newly found Danish warship in Copenhagen harbour. Tim Peake, retired astronaut and science broadcaster, talks through Artemis II and its trip around the Moon. Also: tense plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, digital recreations of dead stars, and smart glasses helping a blind man tackle a solo marathon.
19 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 30min
Reach for the Moon
Simi Jolaoso, a BBC correspondent covering US politics in Washington, joins the conversation as NASA sends astronauts moonward again. There is tension around Donald Trump's latest remarks on the war with Iran. A strange Wuhan robo-taxi breakdown sparks questions about driverless tech. The fight over Li Rui's diaries opens a rare window into Chinese political history.
35 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 31min
Iran war: World leaders respond to economic impact
Rising energy prices and shaky markets push world leaders into action as the Iran war fuels economic anxiety. Voices from inside Iran describe fear, blackouts and deep divisions. India launches a huge census with caste back in focus. Russia tightens pressure on Telegram, South Africa sends in soldiers, and World Cup qualifiers bring heartbreak for Italy and celebration for Iraq.
31 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 28min
Trump: US to leave Iran in '2 or 3 weeks'
Gary O'Donoghue, the BBC’s North America correspondent covering Washington and US politics, unpacks Trump’s shifting line on Iran and the political divide in America. There’s also debate over a possible King Charles trip to Washington, Australia’s scramble over fuel costs, a court block on the White House ballroom plan, a North Sea carbon capture project, IVF donor mix-up claims, and NASA’s Moon mission countdown.
10 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 25min
Hegseth: US 'closer than ever' to defeating Iran
Jeremy Bowen, veteran war correspondent, tracks Washington’s shifting stance on Iran and the risks around the Strait of Hormuz. Karine Torbey, BBC Arabic journalist in southern Lebanon, reports fear, displacement and plans for a border buffer zone. Barbara Plett Usher, BBC Africa correspondent, covers shocking reports of sexual violence in Darfur. Plus Eurovision eyes Asia and a Barbie festival sparks refunds.
40 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 28min
US downplays suggestions it could commit war crimes in Iran
Tensions rise as Washington talks tough on Iran and the UN scrambles after more peacekeepers are killed in Lebanon. Myanmar faces worsening fuel shortages, while Israel advances a controversial death penalty law. Australia probes social media age-check failures. Celine Dion prepares a big Paris comeback.
65 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 28min
Can the US really take control of Iran's oil?
James Landale, BBC diplomatic correspondent, tracks Washington's Iran strategy and the fight over Kharg Island. Joe Inwood, conflict reporter, paints daily life in battered Tehran. Jonathan Head, longtime Southeast Asia correspondent, follows Min Aung Hlaing's grip on Myanmar. Dr Lindsay Browning, sleep specialist, explores why night owls clash with modern schedules and mood.
