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
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.
24 snips
Mar 15, 2026 • 25min
Trump urges nations to secure Strait of Hormuz
Liza Fokt, BBC Russia reporter on sudden internet outages in Moscow and St Petersburg and their effects on services. Simi Jolleoso, Washington correspondent on President Trump urging nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz and shifts in US military posture. They discuss maritime security, possible allied escorts, and regional risks in short, punchy segments.
10 snips
Mar 14, 2026 • 28min
The Happy Pod: Turning my toddler's tales into tunes
Prokar Dasgupta, a surgeon who performed remote robot-assisted surgery, talks telesurgery advances and patient outcomes. Stephen Spencer, a New York composer who turns his three-year-old’s stories into viral songs, discusses making music from toddler tales and the surprising emotional reactions they trigger. They explore tech, creativity and the ripple effects of small acts.
18 snips
Mar 14, 2026 • 20min
Iran says US Kharg Island attack a failure
Lina Sinjab and Elektra Naismith, BBC reporters on Lebanon and Gaza dynamics, provide frontline regional reportage. Roland Pease, BBC science reporter, discusses the environmental and health fallout from oil fires. Barbara Pletasha reports on Qatar evacuations and civilian impact. Frank Gardner, BBC security correspondent, analyses Gulf security and military implications. The conversation covers strikes, evacuations and toxic smoke.
43 snips
Mar 14, 2026 • 31min
US strikes Iran’s key oil island
Rory Nicholl, Guardian correspondent in Havana, sketches Cuba’s energy crisis and confirms talks with US officials. He paints everyday hardships in Havana and explains why negotiations matter now. Short, clear, and timely snapshots of politics and daily life.
60 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 29min
Highest daily strike total on Iran, says US
James Ball, a technology journalist who reviews AI-produced audio, and Zoe Kleinman, BBC technology editor focusing on AI risks for children, join Nick Beek, Gulf reporter on drone attacks. They discuss intensified strikes on Iran and regional drone incidents. Conversation shifts to US messaging videos, AI-produced podcasts, and concerns about AI-powered toys for young children.
21 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 26min
US aerial refuelling plane crashes in western Iraq
Weira Davis, BBC correspondent reporting from southern Lebanon with eyewitness accounts of evacuations and airstrikes. Lucy Williamson, BBC reporter covering Israeli statements and regional reactions. Simi Jalaosho, North America correspondent on the US military aircraft incident and casualty reporting. They discuss a US KC-135 refuelling plane crash in western Iraq, rising risks to personnel, and evacuations under Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
37 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 29min
Iran's new leader in defiant first message
Lise Doucette, BBC chief international correspondent giving sharp political analysis. Asmina (Mina) Joshaghani, BBC Persian reporter sharing on-the-ground life in Tehran. They discuss a defiant message attributed to Iran’s new supreme leader and what it means for regional tensions. They also report on civilian fears, disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and market and public reactions abroad.
35 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 31min
UN Security Council demands Iran halt attacks
Sammy Awami, field reporter on drought and humanitarian aid in Kenya; Mark Mazzetti, investigations correspondent on US intelligence and Iran miscalculations; Tom Bateman, US State Department correspondent on Pentagon probes and political fallout; Neda Tofik, UN correspondent on Security Council diplomacy. They discuss the UN resolution on Iranian strikes, competing Russian proposals, US investigations into a school strike, and worsening East African drought.
32 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 34min
Three ships hit in the Strait of Hormuz
Jan Eglund, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, on humanitarian needs and mass displacement inside Iran. Sarah Rainsford, BBC Eastern Europe correspondent, on her investigation into the parcel sabotage plot and an interview with an alleged courier. Yolande Nell, BBC Jerusalem correspondent, on Israeli strikes and strategic aims in Iran and Lebanon. Multiple short reports covering attacks on ships, regional strikes and oil market moves.
