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
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.
42 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 28min
Pakistan says it's killed almost 300 Afghan Taliban
Stephen McDonnell, Beijing-based China correspondent, outlines recent removals in China’s military leadership. Yama Bariz, Kabul-based reporter, describes escalating strikes between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban and local civilian impact. They discuss rising cross-border tensions, claims of heavy casualties, on-the-ground reactions in Kabul, and regional diplomatic responses.
48 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 27min
Pakistan strikes Afghan capital
Rob Watson, BBC UK political correspondent, explains the shock by-election upset and its implications for British politics. Cathy Gannon, former AP News Director for Pakistan and Afghanistan, analyses escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan strikes, claims about militants and regional risks. They discuss unfolding border clashes, rising tensions and wider geopolitical consequences.
50 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 30min
US and Iran hold crucial talks mediated by Oman
Lise Doucette, BBC chief international correspondent in Geneva, reports on high-stakes US–Iran talks mediated by Oman. Jake Kwon, BBC Seoul correspondent, covers Kim Jong-un’s conditional offer of better ties if nuclear recognition is granted. Alastair Leithead, BBC foreign correspondent in Portugal, explores Europe’s shift to engineered timber housing and its climate implications.
28 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 30min
A special report from Mexico on the deadly drugs trade
Quentin Somerville, on-the-ground reporter in Mexico covering brutal cartel violence and fentanyl production; Simi Jollaosho, North America reporter dissecting a controversial Cuba–US speedboat shooting; Professor Chloe Orkin, clinical HIV researcher explaining a new single-tablet treatment. They explore cartel civil war and its human toll. They examine the contentious maritime shootout. They outline a major HIV trial result.
35 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 29min
President Trump hails the golden age of America
Shaima Khalil, BBC Tokyo correspondent reporting on Japan’s missile plans near Taiwan. Guy Hedgecoe, BBC Madrid correspondent covering newly declassified 1981 coup files. Barbara Plett Usher, BBC Africa correspondent on UN sanctions against Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces. Lise Dessette, BBC chief international correspondent on US posture toward Iran. They discuss missile deployments, historical documents, sanctions and diplomatic tensions.
46 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 29min
Trump delivers longest-ever State of the Union
Jonathan Head, Rick Kelsey, Barnaby Phillips, Mary-Anne Russon, Katie Razzle, James Kumrasani and Jeremy Bowen — BBC reporters covering international stories like a Thailand tiger park outbreak, a looted Ashanti ram's head, robot vacuum security flaws and Rose Wylie’s Royal Academy show. Simi Jolaoso — Washington correspondent — analyzes President Trump’s record-setting America First State of the Union and its likely political reach.
22 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 31min
Ukraine defiant on the 4th anniversary of Russia's invasion
Abdujalil Abdurasulov, Kyiv-based correspondent covering leader visits and air-defence needs. Paul Adams, on-the-ground reporter recounting Bucha and wartime casualties. They discuss Ukraine’s fourth-anniversary commemorations. They describe international visits, defence and energy concerns. They report from memorials and frontline towns, and outline diplomatic and military pressures facing Kyiv.
29 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 25min
Ukraine marks 4th anniversary of Russian invasion
Paul Adams, BBC diplomatic correspondent, recalls the dramatic first day of the invasion and Kyiv’s commemorations. Jeremy Bowen, BBC international editor, reports from Donetsk on frontline shifts, drone warfare and civilian impact. They discuss the changing nature of the war, recent territorial gains and life under sustained strikes.
26 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 27min
Violence erupts in Mexico after army kills drug lord
Colin Patterson, BBC entertainment correspondent covering film awards; Barman Kalbasi, BBC Persian reporter on Iranian student protests; Luis Fajardo, Latin America crime analyst on cartels. They discuss Mexico's surge of violence after the military killed a major cartel leader, mass student demonstrations in Iran, and wider security and political fallout across the region.
