

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. The Global News Podcast brings you the news from across the region and what you need to know from the US. 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

25 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 27min
TikTok completes deal to avoid US ban
Lily Jamali, a seasoned technology correspondent, discusses TikTok's significant divestment to secure its US operations amid data security concerns. Steve Rosenberg, the BBC's Russia editor, explores the complexities of Ukraine's peace talks and what’s at stake for President Zelensky. Nawal al-Maghafi sheds light on alarming detainee testimonies from Yemen's detention facilities. Dr. Sandy Hetherington reveals fascinating insights about the 410-million-year-old Prototaxites fossils, sparking a reevaluation of ancient life forms.

36 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 31min
Trump launches Board of Peace
Donald Trump has presided over a signing ceremony inaugurating his Board of Peace. Speaking in Davos, he expressed his belief that it'll help forge what he called a "glorious and everlasting" peace for the Middle East and the wider world. Nearly twenty other dignitaries have signed the agreement. Mr Trump said the board would work in conjunction with the United Nations. Critics say it is designed to replace some of the UN's functions. Also: Denmark's prime minister has insisted her country's territorial integrity must be respected, a day after President Trump said a possible deal on Greenland will achieve everything he wants. Two people have died and several are feared buried after landslides in New Zealand's North Island. Wildlife rangers in Pakistan have seized 11 lions illegally kept in Lahore after one of the animals escaped and attacked a girl. And the nominations for this year's Oscars are out - with the vampire horror Sinners up for a record 16 different awards.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight.
Get the news that matters, delivered 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 a moment.
Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

12 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 25min
Trump wants 'immediate negotiations' to acquire Greenland
Joining the discussion are Merlin Thomas, a BBC Verify journalist specializing in casualty verification during protests, and Shaima Khalil, a BBC correspondent from Tokyo who reports on significant political events. They dive into the chilling details of leaked mortuary photos from Iran while addressing the ongoing turmoil there. Additionally, Shaima shares insights on the sentencing of Shinzo Abe's assassin. Other highlights include analysis of President Trump's controversial Greenland negotiations and updates on OpenAI's enhancements for child safety.

11 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 24min
European Commission chief promises unity on Greenland
Faisal Islam, Senior BBC economics editor, reports from Davos, providing a deep dive into the escalating tensions around Greenland and the response from the EU. He discusses Trump's controversial remarks and their implications on global economic leaders. Joining him is Paul Moss, a BBC global affairs reporter, who uncovers the historical context of the Chagos Islands and its impact on U.S. strategies, revealing how these geopolitical disputes intertwine. The conversation offers illuminating insights into complex international relations and economic concerns.

19 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 28min
Deadly train crash in Spain
Katya Adler, BBC Europe editor, shares insights on the escalating European response to Trump's controversial Greenland comments, emphasizing the balancing act between diplomacy and collective action. Lee James, a sports reporter, recounts the intense and chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final, highlighting Senegal's hard-fought victory amidst fan disruptions. Meanwhile, Nick Marsh, Asia business correspondent, delves into China's surprising 5% growth amid looming economic challenges, including demographic issues and a sluggish housing market.

56 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 29min
The Global Story: The post-World War II era is over. What comes next?
Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's International Editor with decades of experience in foreign reporting, discusses the decline of the post-World War II order. He explores the origins and significance of this order and critiques its Western-centric nature. Bowen highlights both successful instances, like the UN coalition in Kuwait, and failures, such as the 2003 Iraq invasion. He warns of rising chaos without a framework and emphasizes that modern states resist old imperial spheres of influence, reflecting a shifting global landscape.

41 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 30min
US threatens tariffs over Greenland
Join David Willis, BBC North America correspondent, as he breaks down Trump's surprising tariff threats regarding Greenland and the diplomatic chaos that ensues. Tom Bateman provides a gripping on-the-ground report from Minneapolis about ICE protests and government oversight. Sivash Ardalan analyzes Ayatollah Khamenei's shocking admission about protest casualties in Iran. Meanwhile, Rebecca Murrell shares exciting details about NASA's Artemis II mission, marking a significant step in lunar exploration. Get ready for a whirlwind of global news and insights!

18 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 25min
The Happy Pod: The injection that saved my sight
Nicki Guy, a patient whose determination led to the creation of a low-cost gel treatment for eye hypotony, shares how an injection restored her vision and allowed her to watch her son grow up. Fergus Walsh, BBC medical editor, discusses the groundbreaking CAR-T therapy now available in the UK, which can extend lives of leukaemia patients. Tarika Christian talks about her role in protecting the waters around Pitcairn Island, balancing tourism and natural resource conservation. The episode is filled with inspiring stories of innovation and resilience.

26 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 23min
Donald Trump names Gaza 'Board of Peace' members
Bernd de Boosman, a BBC Washington correspondent, unpacks the implications of Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, highlighting the absence of Palestinian voices. He also reveals intriguing internal schisms within the White House stemming from recent comments by Susie Wiles. Meanwhile, Philip Frank, a psychiatrist from University College London, sheds light on six midlife symptoms that could elevate dementia risk over time, opening a thoughtful discussion on mental health in adulthood.

71 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 33min
China makes trade deal with Canada amid US tariffs
Stephen McDonnell, a BBC correspondent in Beijing, shares insights on Canada's new trade deal with China amidst rising US tariffs, questioning if Trump's policies are driving allies closer to Beijing. Amy Donilon, author of "Off the Scales," explores the evolution of GLP-1 drugs from diabetes treatment to weight-loss aids, discussing their societal impact. The conversation touches on strategic shifts in global alliances and the potential influence of health innovations on public policy.


