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
42 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 26min
Tehran calls reports of US talks 'fake news'
Iran rejects claims of US talks and accuses Washington of playing with oil and financial markets. A special report tracks rising settler attacks in the West Bank. There is also a deadly Colombian military plane crash, uncertainty over the future of OnlyFans after its owner’s death, rare sperm whale clashes on camera, and a look at what pets say about people.
25 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 29min
Donald Trump says there are points of agreement with Iran
Professor Julia Simner, science lead at CrossSense, joins to discuss AI smart glasses for people with dementia. The conversation also tracks Donald Trump’s claimed Iran talks and Tehran’s denial. There is reporting on a deadly New York airport crash, an anti Semitic arson attack in London, a stark UN climate warning, and remarkable new species found in Cambodian caves.
44 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 29min
Is Israel planning a full-scale ground invasion of Lebanon?
Hugh Schofield, BBC correspondent in France, tracks election tremors as mainstream parties recover and the nationalist right gains ground. Sam Kriegman, Northwestern AI and robotics researcher, explores shape-shifting robots built to survive damage. Sumi Somaskanda, BBC journalist in Washington, follows the tense US-Iran calculus as fighting in Lebanon expands and Hormuz fears rise.
8 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 28min
The Global Story:How does war affect a child’s brain?
Fergal Keane, a veteran BBC war reporter, reflects on decades covering Rwanda, Gaza, Iraq and Ukraine. He explores how war shapes children’s minds and why Gaza renewed his focus on young survivors. He also connects his own childhood trauma, PTSD and alcoholism to the pull of conflict reporting, and looks at resilience, recovery and hope.
35 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 31min
Trump gives Iran 48 hours to reopen shipping channel
Trump warns Iran over the Strait of Hormuz as missile attacks hit near Israel's Dimona. The fallout from Robert Mueller's death revives debate over the Russia investigation. In Australia, fear grows over rising Islamophobia after the Bondi killings. Cuba faces a worsening blackout crisis. BTS return sparks huge excitement in Seoul.
9 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 27min
The Happy Pod: Beers, braids and bonding
Lawrence Price, fatherhood advocate and co-creator of Pints and Ponytails, and Matthew Lewis-Carter, fellow co-creator, talk about dads learning braids, bonding with daughters and opening up about parenting and mental health. BBC reporter Lucy Atchison also explores turning plastic waste into Parkinson’s medicine. Plus rhinos return to Uganda, healthy ageing gets a boost, and a Moroccan souvenir rock stuns scientists.
36 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 30min
Trump considering 'winding down' Iran military campaign
Simi Jola Osho, a BBC correspondent in Washington, tracks Trump’s mixed signals on Iran, possible US troop moves, and the political fallout from pressure in the Strait of Hormuz. Emmanuel Fabian, a defence reporter for The Times of Israel, recounts being threatened by online gamblers over missile-strike coverage. Plus Oscars thinness chatter and a rethink of Harold’s route to Hastings.
6 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 33min
Iran renews attacks on Gulf countries
Frank Gardner, a BBC security correspondent on Middle East conflicts, tracks Iran’s widening strikes across Gulf infrastructure and the growing energy alarm. Archana Shukla, a journalist covering business and health in India, looks at cheaper generic weight-loss drugs. Simon Atkinson, a BBC correspondent in Queensland, reports on Cyclone Norell, floods and the emergency response in northeastern Australia.
9 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 24min
Israel holds off attacking Iranian gas infrastructure
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.
36 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 28min
Oil and gas prices surge after energy plant strikes
Energy strikes in Qatar and Iran send oil and gas prices soaring. Washington scrambles for billions as tensions grow over war strategy. Iran deepens its crackdown with executions and arrests. South Africa’s water mafia cashes in on shortages. There is royal pageantry for Nigeria’s UK visit, plus a look at whether doodle dogs are more trouble than expected.
