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
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Abelardo de la Espriella claims to have won the tight presidential race in Colombia against left-wing rival Ivan Cepeda. It's estimated only a few hundred thousand votes separate the two candidates. Mr de la Espriella, who's backed by President Trump, wants to use force to combat drug cartels and rebel groups. Also, Pakistani and Qatari mediators say the first round of Iran-US talks in Switzerland have ended with encouraging progress made. Reaction from Bolivia, where police and soldiers used bu...
On Wednesday, President Trump met with Iranian leaders to sign an initial memorandum of understanding towards ending the months-long war. In a press conference after the signing, Trump was triumphant. Specifically, he touted the deal’s firmness on one of the US’s key priorities: ensuring that Iran can never develop a nuclear weapon. Whilst Iran has agreed to “not procure or develop nuclear weapons," there are many questions left unanswered. What does it actually look like to police the weapons p...
The US vice president, JD Vance, is set to negotiate with Iran in Switzerland after Tehran said it had again shut the Strait of Hormuz - in response to Israel's continuing attacks in Lebanon. The White House disputes the claim that the Strait has been closed. Also: ten Palestinians are killed in the latest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza; Colombians prepare to choose a new president; King Charles is to become Britain's first monarch to reveal his personal tax bill; why the popularity of cassette play...
In this special World Refugee Day episode, hosts Holly Gibbs and Tam Patachako (a former refugee himself) explore extraordinary success stories. Hear from Razan Alsous, a Syrian refugee who built a thriving cheese business in the UK, and Mohamed Semra, who fled Sudan to become Australia's first mayor from sub-Saharan Africa. The episode also features Viola Minala, a hairdresser in a Ugandan refugee camp, and Jindod, who created an online therapy platform for displaced people, showcasing immense resilience and the power of community building despite difficult beginnings.
Rescuers in Nabatieh say several Israeli attacks have hit southern Lebanon after the ceasefire with Hezbollah came into effect. Meanwhile, US media reports Steve Witkoff is heading to Switzerland for potential Iran talks. Also: the White House confirms it's ending funding for South Africa's HIV programmes, linking the decision to unevidenced claims that the white-minority Afrikaner community is being persecuted; Afghanistan says it's launched strikes on two provinces in Pakistan targeting suspec...
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed a ceasefire after deadly new exchanges in Lebanon put the fragile deal to end the US-Iran war under immediate strain. Health officials in Lebanon say dozens have been killed in Israeli strikes, while Israel said it was retaliating for the killing of four soldiers by Hezbollah. The US President Donald Trump and his administration have shown growing frustration with Israel, its ally and partner in the Iran war, calling for a complete ceasefire "on all fronts". Also...
This episode delves into the controversial US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, with analysis on its strategic implications and the "spoilers" like Lebanon that threaten its progress. Domestically, British politics are shaken by Andy Burnham's by-election victory, signaling a potential leadership challenge for Keir Starmer amid national challenges. Additionally, Cuba announces significant liberal economic reforms under US pressure, honeybees reveal their clever dietary regulation, NATO faces a US-led defense review, the Obama Presidential Center opens to mixed reviews, the world's first immersive art competition takes place, and a rare Elizabethan amber pendant goes to auction.
Marine tracking platforms say at least four tankers have sailed through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on ending their war. The first to pass into the Gulf of Oman was a French-flagged vessel carrying liquefied natural gas. Three Saudi-flagged oil tankers followed. Our chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, assesses where next for the Middle East. Also: Ukraine carries out one of the biggest ever attacks on Moscow. We speak to ...
The podcast explores the new US-Iran memorandum of understanding, detailing its terms, US and Iranian perspectives, and Israel's concerns. It also covers the rise of xenophobic sentiment in South Africa due to unemployment, Japan's significant shift towards strengthening its military capabilities amidst regional tensions, and the successful separation of conjoined twins using advanced AI technology. Additionally, the episode reports on Russia's mounting fuel shortages impacting its war effort and the discovery of an ancient precursor to Stonehenge.
Donald Trump has warned that the Iran deal - which is set to be formally signed on Friday - is "not final". Speaking on the last day of the G7 summit, Mr Trump said the US could resume attacks if the agreement doesn't work out, warning "we'll go right back to dropping bombs". Meanwhile, the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz appears to be easing. Three Iranian oil tankers have now passed through, although as many as 600 vessels are still stranded. Also in this podcast: Amazon is dethroned as th...
The Global News Podcast brings the latest headlines, including President Trump's strong criticism of Israel's continued strikes in Lebanon, potentially jeopardizing the US-Iran deal. The episode also details an investigation into a Russian warship firing warning shots near a British yacht in the Channel, and explores US Vice President JD Vance's new memoir on faith and its political implications. Further reports cover the impact of AI on job markets, the dangerous world of illegal Iranian oil smuggling into Pakistan, and the highly anticipated return of Serena and Venus Williams to Wimbledon for doubles.
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky meet at the summit of G7 nations in Evian, as European leaders urge Washington not to pressure Kyiv into accepting concessions demanded by Moscow. Also: three years on from the Church of England's promise to spend millions on slavery reparations, not a single dollar has been spent. A new report by the UN has found that half of the world’s children are now exposed to at least three climate hazards, threatening their health, education and survival. Hundreds of c...
Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire again, despite the US-Iran peace deal. It's not clear if the agreement includes an end to the fighting in southern Lebanon. Also: there are protests at Iran's opening match in the football World Cup; how AI can help save plants from extinction; an interview with sculptor Anish Kapoor; and could Sherbro Island be the next Singapore? The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current a...
Countries across the world have welcomed the announcement of a peace deal between the US and Iran. Donald Trump has said on social media that the Strait of Hormuz will soon be open "toll free". But Iranian state media are reporting that Tehran added the imposition of "maritime service fees" in the Strait in the final moments of negotiations. Oil prices have fallen sharply, and shares have surged following the announcement of a deal. Also in this podcast: A brutal night of strikes in Ukraine kill...
The United States and Iran say they've reached a deal to halt their war, which would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and removal of the US naval blockade. The agreement includes the end of the war in Lebanon. The deal is due to be signed on Friday. Also in this podcast: Swiss voters reject capping the population at 10 million. We speak to the Kremlin's teenage enemy, Alexander Browder. And the Dutch try out a speed limit for cyclists. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking...
As a Florida senator, Marco Rubio seemed to hold an opposing world view to Donald Trump; on Russia-Ukraine, on China, on USAID, and more. He notably called Trump a “con man”, and Trump in turn dubbed him, “little Marco”. And yet now, as US Secretary of State, Rubio has made himself indispensable to the president on foreign affairs, bringing his own background to play in policy on Venezuela and Cuba, and shaping the US’ approach to further interventions abroad. Trump has even indicated that he wa...
This episode covers President Trump's optimistic claims about an impending US-Iran deal, contrasted with Iranian caution, alongside escalating West Bank settler violence prompting international sanctions. It also examines Switzerland's upcoming referendum on capping its population at 10 million due to immigration concerns. Other topics include the controversial launch and takedown of a powerful AI tool, the removal of Trump's name from the Kennedy Center, a documentary on chefs who cooked for dictators, and a World Cup football update.
We hear from the man who survived for nearly a week on one of the most dangerous parts of Mount Everest with little food, no water and few supplies. Dawa Sherpa became separated from his group after running out of oxygen during bad weather and his family had begun mourning his death. But, after six days, he was found by a cleaning crew, crawling and sliding his way back to base camp. Also: The teenager who was surprised to find his exam paper included a poem he'd inspired. It had been written by...
Featuring insights from former captains Gabriel Zakuani and Steven Caulker, alongside Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh, this podcast delves into whether an African team can finally lift the World Cup trophy. They examine the impact of Morocco's 2022 semi-final run, the importance of improved infrastructure and attracting diaspora talent, and provide detailed analyses of competing nations like Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, ultimately predicting when this historic achievement might occur.
The two remaining hosts of the men's football World Cup, Canada and the US, have joined Mexico in holding their opening ceremonies. They also played their first matches. Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the US beat Paraguay 4-1. Also in this podcast: Elon Musk becomes the world's first trillionaire. Iran's foreign minister says his country and the US have never been closer to an agreement to pause fighting for a further 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. And the Chinese governm...
We look back on the life of David Hockney - one of the world's most influential modern artists and one of the best-known British contributors to Pop Art. Unlike artists such as Andy Warhol or Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney's art often focused more on personal experiences, portraits, landscapes and intimate scenes. Also: SpaceX is making its stock market debut in New York, setting Elon Musk on course to be the world's first trillionaire. Iran says major parts of an agreement to end the war with ...
After months of waiting the World Cup is finally underway with the first match held in Mexico where the co-hosts played South Africa following an opening ceremony that featured a performance from Shakira. The United States and Canada will also be home to football's biggest competition which the organisers hope will be a focus for sport rather than politics and controversy. Also, President Trump cancels an attack on Iran and claims that a deal to end the war is not only imminent but has the backi...
Britain's defence secretary, John Healey, has resigned, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to commit the resources needed to protect the nation from rising threats. Mr Healey said a long-delayed investment plan fell well short of what was required to bring defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030 - a NATO target. He highlighted Mr Starmer's recent warning that Russia could attack the alliance as soon as that year. Also: Iran says its ceasefire with the US is now practically meaningless...
The United States says it's now completed the latest wave of airstrikes on Iran early Thursday morning local time. Iran says it responded with attacks of its own. Earlier on Wednesday, President Trump promised to keep up military pressure on Tehran because Iranian leaders were taking “too long to negotiate”. Also, on the eve of the men's football World Cup kicking off in Mexico the boss of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has defended the handling of the event amid mounting criticism. Billionaire Microso...
Rebels fighting the military government in Myanmar have told the BBC they're losing ground because of a shortage of manpower and equipment. Also: after exchanging attacks overnight, the US and Iran accuse each other of damaging negotiations; Afghanistan says Pakistan killed 13 civilians in cross-border air strikes; police in South Africa launch a manhunt after 12 people are shot dead; and how you can tell if your dog favours using one paw over another. The Global News Podcast brings you the brea...
The US has said that it's completed a series of strikes against Iran which targeted air defence systems, ground control stations and radar sites following the downing of an American helicopter. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards said they hit back with strikes on US bases in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. Also, France has said that it will ban Israel's finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, from entering the country because the far right politician has been actively promoting the annexation of Palestini...
The Israeli military has carried out strikes on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, a day after Iran called for attacks on Lebanon to stop. Thousands of people have fled the city. Also: medical sources say Taliban forces in western Afghanistan have killed two people demonstrating against the detention of women who'd ignored religious dress codes; Honduras approves a series of reforms to tackle the high rate of femicide in the country; rescuers in the Philippines are working to reach isolated are...
Donald Trump has told the BBC that Benjamin Netanyahu did not defy his orders to stop attacking Iran; the Israeli missiles were already on their way to Iran when he spoke to the Israeli Prime Minister. Israel and Iran have agreed to halt strikes on each other, but Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon continued on Monday. Open AI, which makes ChatGPT, plans to sell shares through a stock listing in the US. Sudanese children return to school, despite four years of civil war. The Somalian football r...
Iran's military has said it's halting military operations against Israel, after the first direct hostilities between the two sides in two months. It said it had delivered what it called a 'painful response' to Israel, warning it against further attacks, including in southern Lebanon. Also: On a visit to Spain, the Pope has been speaking about child abuse carried out by members of the Catholic Church. The British prime minister Keir Starmer gives tech companies a three-month deadline to stop chil...
Israel has struck targets in western and central Iran, hours after Iran fired a wave of missiles towards northern Israel -- the first since a ceasefire was declared in April. The Israeli strikes came despite President Trump saying he did not want Israel to retaliate. Iran said its attack marked the beginning of a week of continuous strikes. Also: The presidential election runoff in Peru is close. The right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of the late president Alberto Fujimori, and he...
