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
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.
20 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 27min
Iran attacks energy facilities in the Gulf
Sebastian Usher, BBC Middle East correspondent in Jerusalem, unpacks a dangerous turn in the Iran-Israel conflict. The conversation tracks strikes on major Gulf gas sites, threats from Donald Trump, and US intelligence clashing with White House claims. It also touches on Iran’s women footballers, AI shaking up hiring, and why fashion keeps circling back.
87 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 28min
Israel's third top-level assassination in two days
Frank Gardner, BBC security correspondent and Middle East analyst, tracks Israel’s latest assassinations in Iran and the shockwaves through Tehran. He also looks at a strike on a major gas field, Iran and Hezbollah’s retaliation, and why Volodymyr Zelensky fears the widening conflict could hurt Ukraine.
33 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 28min
Deadly Israeli strikes hit central Beirut
Wyre Davies, BBC correspondent reporting from southern Lebanon, hears from families in Tyre refusing to flee as strikes intensify. John Bennett, BBC Sport journalist, unpacks the AFCON ruling that handed Morocco the title. Also: fear and repression in Iran, a court rescue for Voice of America, a Hiroshima survivor remembered, and bull sharks with surprising social circles.
6 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 28min
Israel says it's killed Iran's top security chief
Israeli strikes on Iran's leadership dominate the headlines, alongside growing cracks inside Washington over the conflict. A deadly airstrike in Kabul raises questions over civilian casualties and Pakistan's clash with the Taliban. There is also a look at AI firms recruiting weapons-risk experts, a tribute to spy writer Len Deighton, and a haunting 1949 whale song recording.
41 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 29min
US allies reject Trump's call for help in Strait of Hormuz
Tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz as US allies push back on calls to patrol a vital oil route. Fuel shortages squeeze homes and food stalls in India, while Lebanon faces mass displacement and fears of a wider war. Cuba is hit by blackout chaos. There is also a look at booming AI scams, plastic bottles turned into Parkinson’s medicine, and a record football fine.
75 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 29min
Germany and UK tell Trump this is 'not Nato's war'
Lucy Williamson, BBC Middle East correspondent, looks at how Israelis view the war with Iran and the fear of endless conflict. Marianna Spring, BBC investigator of online harms, examines whistleblower claims that platforms rewarded outrage. Lise Doucette, veteran foreign affairs journalist, unpacks the US-Iran war, NATO tensions and the scramble over the Strait of Hormuz.
64 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 32min
The big winners at the Oscars
Wessam Hamada, mother of Hind, speaks briefly about the film using her daughter’s recorded voice. Bobi Wine, Ugandan opposition leader and musician, recounts fleeing and hiding after contesting the election. Paul Adams, BBC international correspondent, reports on the US-Iran tensions and the Strait of Hormuz. David Willis, LA-based BBC correspondent, covers the big Oscar winners and Hollywood reactions.
50 snips
Mar 15, 2026 • 13min
Attacks continue after Trump says Iran deal not good enough
Azadeh Moshiri, Dubai-based BBC correspondent covering UAE evacuations and economic fallout. Taraneh Fatalian, BBC Persian Service reporter on Iranian domestic reactions and leadership shifts. Matt McGrath, BBC Environment correspondent on energy markets and renewables. They discuss Iran’s continued missile and drone strikes, regional port warnings and evacuations, intercepted attacks on Israel, and the conflict’s impact on oil and clean energy investment.
