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
66 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 27min
US Congress receives classified briefing on war with Iran
Orla Gerin, reporting from Erbil on Kurdish and regional military moves. David Willis, covering congressional briefings and political reaction in Washington. Jeremy Bowen, providing on-the-ground analysis of clashes across Iran, Lebanon and the Gulf. Nick Marsh, explaining market turmoil and energy price impacts. They discuss timing of strikes, regional escalation, tanker escorts through Hormuz and market fallout.
45 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 26min
Israel hits Tehran and Beirut with 'simultaneous strikes'
Monica Marks, NYU Abu Dhabi Middle East politics professor, on UAE civilian impacts. Barbara Plett-Usher, BBC Doha correspondent, on Gulf strikes and aviation disruptions. Yolan Nell, BBC Jerusalem correspondent, on Israel-Lebanon border tensions and strategic aims. They discuss strikes on Tehran and Beirut, regional drone tactics, economic fallout and risks to energy and infrastructure.
42 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 27min
Iran widens retaliatory attacks in Gulf countries
Nick Marsh, BBC business correspondent, outlines the oil market shock and soaring tanker costs. Anthony Zerker, BBC North America correspondent, brings vox-pop reactions from Texas voters to US strikes on Iran. David Willis, BBC North America correspondent, reports on widening Gulf attacks and regional US developments. They discuss threats to the Strait of Hormuz, embassy drone strikes, and economic fallout.
50 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 26min
US says Iran war will not be 'endless'
Gonche Habibi Azad, BBC Persian contributor reporting on life in Iran during strikes. Lina Sinjab, BBC Beirut correspondent covering Hezbollah, Israeli strikes and Lebanon’s humanitarian toll. Helena Humphrey, North America correspondent analyzing US Pentagon statements and Washington’s military aims. They discuss the widening regional fighting, US messaging on war limits, Hezbollah‑Israel exchanges and disruptions across the Gulf.
39 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 26min
Trump warns of more US deaths in Iran war
Nick Marsh, a business reporter tracking oil and market moves in Asia; Joe Floto, Middle East bureau chief reporting from Tel Aviv; David Willis, North America correspondent covering US political fallout. They discuss US military deaths and warnings of more casualties. Tensions spreading with Hezbollah and strikes in Beirut. Oil and shipping risks around the Strait of Hormuz.
12 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 26min
The Happy Pod: The chance encounter that became a lasting friendship
Neena Roe, a young New York singer whose returned wallet sparked a viral, intergenerational friendship. They discuss how a chance meeting led to shared music, new perspectives, and lessons about slowing down. The conversation highlights everyday kindness, cross‑generation learning, and the small moments that turn into lasting bonds.
70 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 30min
Israel continues to strike Iran after Ayatollah's death
Helena Humphrey, BBC Washington correspondent on US political fallout and congressional questions. Barbara Platt Archer, BBC Qatar-based reporter on Gulf reactions, trade and airspace disruptions. John Donelson, BBC reporter in Tel Aviv on missile strikes, casualties and public mood. They discuss strikes on Iran, regional ripple effects, risks to shipping and air defences, and US domestic political consequences.
69 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 27min
Iran's Supreme Leader killed in US-Israeli strikes
Neda Tawfiq, BBC UN correspondent covering Security Council reactions. Lise Doucette, BBC international reporter on Iran’s readiness and short-term impact. Caroline Hawley, analyst of Khamenei’s life and political role. Kashyyar John A.D., BBC Persian journalist on protests and succession. They discuss the strikes that killed Iran’s leader, succession challenges, domestic unrest, regional retaliation and global security implications.
67 snips
Feb 28, 2026 • 33min
US and Israel carry out joint attacks on Iran
Sebastian Usher, BBC Middle East analyst, maps military aims and proxy risks. Lise Doucette, chief international correspondent, assesses goals and regime-change risks. G.R. Gohl, BBC Persian contributor, explains Iranian domestic reaction and internet blackouts. Helena Humphrey, Washington reporter, outlines US political and congressional fallout. Barbara Platt-Asher, Doha correspondent, reports missile interceptions and regional responses.
34 snips
Feb 28, 2026 • 30min
Trump blacklists Anthropic in AI battle
Simi Jolasho, Washington correspondent covering Clinton testimony; Lise Doucette, international analyst on US‑Iran talks; Lily Chimali, tech reporter on the Anthropic dispute. They discuss Trump’s ban on Anthropic for federal use, Anthropic’s refusal to allow military surveillance or autonomous weapons, the company’s plan to sue, and how Silicon Valley and defence procurement factors shape the AI standoff.
