Global News Podcast
The Global News Podcast from BBC World Service delivers breaking news and current affairs twice daily on weekdays and daily on weekends, with special bonus episodes for urgent stories. It covers politics, economics, climate, business, technology, and health with expert analysis and insight.
Episodes
UK defence secretary resigns over military spending
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 all
US launches fresh attacks on Iran
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, G
BBC goes inside Myanmar with rebel fighters
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
US retaliatory strikes against Iran
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
New Israeli strikes in Lebanon after Iranian warning
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
Donald Trump tells the BBC Israel did not defy him
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
Iran says it's stopping strikes against Israel
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 Chur
Israel and Iran carry out fresh airstrikes
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 Global Story: The battle to save James Bond from becoming slop
Casting is finally underway for a new James Bond. But why has it taken five years to even begin the search? Since Daniel Craig retired as Bond in 2021, there have been reports of a behind-the-scenes David and Goliath battle between the family business which has held creative control of the franchise since the 1960s and its new owners, Amazon. It is now up to Jeff Bezos’s tech giant to decide who w
Hegseth attacks Europe over migration in D-Day speech
Pete Hegseth has used a D-Day anniversary speech in northern France to criticise European nations for allowing what he described as an "invasion" on their shores. The US defence secretary said Europe's beaches were being ''stormed by migrants with dangerous ideologies.'' His comments mark a further criticism of European migration policy by senior members of the Trump administration.
Also: Iran has
The Happy Pod: Kinder medicine for millions of cancer patients
A new DNA test can distinguish between patients who are likely to benefit from chemotherapy and those who are not, meaning many with the most common form of breast cancer can avoid the brutal treatment. Also, scientists have found a daily pill that could double the survival time for people with advanced pancreatic cancer. Daraxonrasib appears to be a breakthrough in managing a disease that has the
US grants visas to Iran World Cup footballers
Washington has confirmed that Iran's World Cup players have been issued visas to enter the United States, ten days before their first match in Los Angeles. The team will be based in Mexico during the tournament, but all three of their group stage matches will be held in the US. Iranian media are reporting that some staff travelling with the national team are yet to be given visas. Also: Downing St
Anthropic: AI could escape human control
One of the biggest artificial intelligence developers, the US firm Anthropic, has proposed a coordinated global slowdown on building advanced AI systems, saying that the latest large language models could escape human control. Also: President Putin delivers a keynote address at an annual economic forum in St Petersburg, insisting that the Russian economy remains strong. The director-general of the
Zelensky proposes face-to-face meeting with Putin
Volodymyr Zelensky has written to Vladimir Putin inviting him to a face-to-face meeting with the aim of negotiating an end to their war. In an open letter to the Russian leader, the Ukrainian President said it would be "wrong to simply wait" until the war in Europe becomes the focus of the US's attention once again.Also: President Trump says he's spoken directly to Hezbollah about a possible end t
Hezbollah rejects Lebanon's ceasefire with Israel
Israel and Lebanon agree to a truce - but Hezbollah, backed by Iran, refuses to stop fighting while villages are under attack. The Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, says this is the last chance for meaningful peace. Also, Ukraine is accused of killing four people in Russian-occupied Crimea in a drone attack. SpaceX reveals the price for the biggest stock market flotation in history - which could ma
US House votes to curb Trump's war powers
The US House has passed a resolution directing Donald Trump to withdraw American forces from the Iran war, in a largely symbolic move that nonetheless deals a political blow to the president. Four Republicans backed the Democrats, who accuse Trump of violating the Constitution by launching strikes without congressional authorisation.Also in this podcast: US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, warns t
One killed and dozens injured in Kuwait by Iranian drones
Kuwait says one person has been killed and at least 63 injured after Iranian drones strike a terminal building at its international airport. Officials say the dawn strike damaged civilian facilities, including diplomatic missions. Kuwait’s foreign ministry called it an act of aggression. Also: Ukraine says a Russian warship was among targets hit in a large-scale drone attack on St Petersburg ahead
Shell accused of ignoring pollution evidence in Nigeria
British oil giant Shell continued to operate major pipeline in Nigeria even though bosses knew it was causing widespread pollution, according to secret documents obtained by BBC. Shell has always rejected the accusations, blaming the theft and illegal refining of oil taken from the pipeline. Also: the Trump administration drops plans for a fund to compensate people claiming to be victims of politi
Prepare for a more intense El Niño, UN warns
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, says the world must treat the new phase of the weather pattern, El Niño, as an urgent climate warning. He said it would pour fuel on the fire of a warming globe. The World Meteorological Organisation says preparations are needed for a potentially strong El Niño event with an eighty percent chance of conditions developing in the next fe
Night of large-scale Russian attacks across Ukraine
Russia uses drones and missiles to bombard Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. A number of people were killed and injured. Kyiv's mayor said two high-rise apartment buildings in the capital had been hit, and people could be trapped under the rubble. President Zelensky had earlier warned that intelligence suggested Russia was preparing for a major attack, and urged people to pay special attention to a
Israel orders attacks in Beirut suburbs
Israel has ordered attacks against Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut - prompting many residents to evacuate the Lebanese capital. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the military would strike what he called 'terrorist targets' in the area, in response to attacks on Israeli civilians and other violations of a US-brokered ceasefire. Also, Iran and the US launch renewed attac
Right-wing outsider wins Colombian election first round
Abelardo de la Espriella will face left-winger Ivan Cepeda in Colombian presidential run-off in three weeks. The two offer strikingly different visions of how to tackle Colombia's challenges, including violence and drug crime. Also: France and Germany have condemned Israel's deepest incursion into southern Lebanon in a quarter of a century. Berlin said it was a cause for serious concern, while Par
The Global Story: World Cup 2026: The most political of all time?
Politics, power and money have always been part of international sporting competitions, and football (or soccer) is no exception. However, this year’s World Cup faces new challenges. The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, and its relationship with its neighbours has at times been rocky. Two countries at war with each other – the US and Iran – have never played in th
Fans rampage after Paris St-Germain win Champions League
Several hundred people have been detained by police in Paris after football fans went on the rampage when Paris St-Germain won the European Champions League. Vehicles and businesses were damaged, and several police officers were injured. It's the second year in a row that PSG have won the Champions League - but Arsenal didn't make it easy for them. Also: The first suspected case of Ebola outside A
The Happy Pod: The simple plastic sheet saving lives
Researchers say a simple sheet of plastic is helping to prevent women dying after childbirth. The drape measures blood loss, which allows doctors to provide faster treatment. It's been successful in Nigeria, and now the health professionals want it used across the globe. Plus, meet Joy and Diane who have been friends for 60 years. It all started with one letter when they were 12 years old and they
Ghana passes bill criminalising promotion of LGBTQ rights
Ghana's parliament has approved a bill that contains some of the most repressive anti-LGBTQ laws in the world. The legislation bans any promotion of LGBTQ rights and activities. It still needs to be approved by the president. Also: A US judge orders the removal of Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center; Laos rescuers extract the first of seven men trapped inside a flooded cave; Novak Djokovic
Russia blamed for drone crash in Romania
Romanian authorities say a Russian drone has crashed into a residential building in eastern Romania, causing a fire and injuring two people in the major port city of Galati. The episode has sparked a chorus of condemnation from NATO and EU leaders, who have accused Russia of acting recklessly. The Romanian president, Nicușor Dan, has described this as the most serious security incident to occur on
Drones become Hezbollah's primary weapon against Israel
The BBC reports from the Israel-Lebanon border, where fibre-optic drones have become Hezbollah's primary weapon of war. Also, Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Israeli troops to take control of even more of the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the UN has added Israel and Russia to its blacklist for sexual violence in conflict zones. A 21-year-old Austrian man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for planni
Deadly fire rips through boarding school in Kenya
The fire at the Utumishi Girls Academy started in the early hours of Thursday, killing at least 16, as the students were asleep in the dormitory block. More than 800 children were in the school at the time. Kenyan officials say the cause of the fire has not yet been established. Boarding schools in the country have experienced several fatal fires in recent years, with overcrowding and poor safety
US and Iran exchange fire
The US has launched more strikes against Iran, claiming to hit drones and a military site in Bandar Abbas. Tehran says it's fired at ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, including an American oil tanker with its radar system turned off. Also: Matthew Perry's former assistant is sentenced for his role in the "Friends" actor's death; FIFA is investigated over the price of World Cup tickets; m
Samsung workers secure $400,000 bonus deal on AI profits
Unionised workers at Samsung Electronics in South Korea approve a landmark profit-sharing deal, putting them in line for bonuses averaging $400,000. The agreement with the world's largest memory chipmaker avoids a strike that had threatened the global supply chain. Workers had demanded a bigger slice of the tech giant's surging profits amid the AI boom.Also: Israel says it has killed the new head
Nasa reveals plans for a permanent base on the Moon
Nasa announces details of its plans to establish a permanent base on the Moon. Nasa chief Jared Isaacman said construction of the proposed twenty-billion-dollar facility is planned to happen over the next seven years, with the completed base expected to cover hundreds of square kilometres. Also: Israel expands its operations in Lebanon; Tehran promises to retaliate for strikes in southern Iran; El
Train hits Belgian school bus in fatal crash
Several children and adults have been killed in a collision between a train and a school bus in Belgium. Federal police said the vehicle had been on its way to a special education school. Police have launched an investigation into the crash, with officials saying safety barriers on the level crossing had been down.Also: Iran vows to retaliate after Monday's US strikes. Israel says it will intensif
US launches new strikes on Iran
The US says it's launched new strikes on Iranian missile sites and boats, despite the ongoing ceasefire and diplomatic moves towards a peace deal. Meanwhile, Tehran says it will lift the nationwide internet shutdown today. Also: Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon exchange fire; Ukraine calls Russian strike threats "shameless blackmail"; WHO warns the Ebola spread in central Africa is outpacing respon
Pope Leo issues AI warning
In his first teaching document, Pope Leo warns AI risks accelerating war and threatens humanity. It was published at an event in the Vatican attended by AI experts including the co-founder of Anthropic. Also: Muslims begin annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca as Saudi city hits 42C; the “revolutionary” gene editing therapy that could lower bad cholesterol by up to 62% for life; a new species of tiny bl
African countries join forces to prevent Ebola spreading
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan co-ordinate their response to the Ebola outbreak as the number of suspected cases in the DRC surpasses 900. Also: a pro-Palestinian activist makes serious allegations about her treatment after being detained on board a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, which Israel denies; President Trump says Iran and the US "must take their time" to reach an
The Global Story: The American mayor accused of working for China
The mayor of the Californian city of Arcadia has agreed to plead guilty to charges she acted as an illegal agent for China. Prosecutors say Eileen Wang was directly co-ordinating with a Chinese official to disseminate news stories downplaying human rights concerns in China, with the aim of trying to influence US government and public opinion.US authorities say the extent of China’s covert activity
Trump says agreement with Iran 'largely negotiated'
President Trump says an agreement with Iran to end the war has been "largely negotiated", writing on social media that the deal will include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Contradicting his statement, Iranian media reports say the vital waterway will remain under Tehran's control. Our North America correspondent assesses the latest claims. Also: US secret service agents kill a shooter who
The Happy Pod: The art of ageing gracefully
We find out why art could be the secret to living longer and how you can view the National Gallery's world-renowned collections from the comfort of your home, wherever you are, with its virtual tours. Plus, the German golfer Leonie Harm wins her first professional title, 13 years after she was given a 1% chance of survival. She was hit by a drunk driver and ended up in a coma. Also, we meet the ma
Tulsi Gabbard resigns as US national intelligence director
Donald Trump's Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigns, citing her husband's recent cancer diagnosis - but Ms Gabbard had also struggled with the president's decision to enter into foreign wars. Our North America editor looks back at another tumultuous week for Mr Trump. Also: the Democratic Republic of Congo says Ebola cases have now been reported across several conflict-hit easte
Rubio: US is constantly reassessing its relationship with NATO
At a summit in Sweden, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, says the Trump administration is constantly reviewing its relationship with NATO. The chief of the military alliance, Mark Rutte, insists it has grown closer and will become less reliant on the United States.Also: students at one of Turkey's oldest private universities protest over its closure; the WHO upgrades its risk for ebola in th
Crowd sets Ebola hospital tents on fire in DRC
An angry crowd has set fire to part of a hospital in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after the death of a suspected Ebola victim. The BBC understands relatives stormed the facility and tried to remove the body after health workers refused to release it. Medical staff at the Rwampara Hospital are under military protection. Also: President Trump says he will be sending 5,000 more troops to
Outrage over Israel's treatment of Gaza flotilla activists
There has been international condemnation of Israel's treatment of pro-Palestinian activists who were on board a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing himself taunting activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs. Also, Iranian state media is reporting that Pakistan's military chief is visiting
US charges Raúl Castro with murder
The US justice department has unveiled criminal charges against the former Cuban president, Raúl Castro. The accusations against the 94-year-old include conspiracy and four counts of murder. They stem from a 1996 incident in which Cuban military jets shot down two planes flown by Miami-based Cuban exiles. President Trump has described the indictment as a "very big moment". Also: SpaceX is poised
US offers Cuba a new relationship
America's top diplomat, Marco Rubio, has offered the Cuban people a "new relationship" in a video message marking the anniversary of Cuba's independence. He blamed the island's hardships on its communist leadership and not the US fuel blockade, which has exacerbated the economic crisis. Mr Rubio made the comments as US media reported that the Justice Department would unveil charges against Cuba's
Xi greets Putin in Beijing - days after Trump's China visit
China's leader Xi Jinping hosts a colourful welcome for visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The two leaders have met dozens of times. Mr Putin arrived in China shortly after President Trump ended his trip to the Chinese capital. Also in this podcast: Donald Trump tightens his grip on the Republican Party after orchestrating the defeat of a congressman who defied him. Pro-Palestin
Desperation in Afghanistan leads to sale of children
Afghanistan is facing a dire lack of food exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis caused by dramatic aid cuts, the Taliban government’s policies and severe drought. Such is the desperation, Afghan fathers have spoken of their impossible choices: selling children to survive. Also: President Putin arrives in China for his 25th visit, hot on the heels of Donald Trump. As he left Russia, he said the
Elon Musk loses court battle against OpenAI
The court battle that has gripped Silicon Valley for three weeks is over - for now - after the jury found Elon Musk had left it too late to sue the artificial intelligence company OpenAI and its boss Sam Altman. The billionaire slammed the court verdict as a "technicality" and vowed to appeal. Musk had accused Altman of breaching a non-profit contract by shifting the ChatGPT-maker to a for-profit
What we know about latest Ebola outbreak
There have been more than 390 suspected cases and more than 80 reported deaths from the new species of Ebola, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection has already spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighbouring Uganda, while Rwanda and South Sudan are now on "high alert". Health officials are warning that the variant is deadlier than previous o
Trump warns 'clock is ticking' for Iran
President Trump has again issued a warning to Iran amid stalled peace negotiations - saying unless they act quickly to agree a deal, there won't be anything left of them. Tehran says the US has failed to make any concrete concessions to bring about an end to the war. Also: Rwanda tightens its border security as neighbouring DRC struggles to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak; Amnesty International hi
The Global Story: Operation Ajax: The CIA’s Iran coup
At the outset of the war in Iran, US President Donald Trump suggested that regime change was one of its goals. He later said it had been had achieved, a claim that is disputed by critics who point out that the same repressive forces in Iran still hold power.
American attempts at regime change in Iran have a long history. In 1953 the CIA, assisted by British intelligence, led a deadly coup that top
WHO declares an Ebola public health emergency in the DRC
Nearly ninety deaths have been recorded so far in the Democratic Republic of Congo with medical experts warning that the current strain of the Ebola virus has a very high mortality rate. The DRC's health minister said that no vaccine or specific treatment was available. Also, more than fifty children between the ages of two and five are abducted in northeast Nigeria during attacks on three schools
The Happy Pod: My college designs on display at the Met
We meet a teacher whose college fashion designs have gone on display at the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Nadia Pinkney says she was shocked when the curator said they wanted to display her collection, which was inspired by a family history of Alzheimer's disease. She describes seeing the exhibition as an out-of-body experience and hopes it will encourage more people to talk about
Israel carries out attack against a Hamas leader in Gaza
Israel says it's targeted the head of Hamas's military wing - describing him as an architect of the October 7th attacks. It's not clear if Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed in the airstrike in Gaza City but there were civilian casualties. Also: the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is to be extended; the alleged murder of an Aboriginal girl highlights Australia's deep inequalities; Bolivia's government strik
Trump hails 'fantastic' new trade deals with China
Donald Trump has left China after talks with Xi Jinping that the US president says have settled "a lot of different problems". President Xi called it a "landmark" visit, but gave no details of any new agreements. On Iran, President Trump said the Chinese president would pressure Tehran to re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Mr Trump also said he didn't think there was a risk of conflict between China
CIA chief holds talks with Cuban officials in Havana
The head of the CIA has visited Cuba as the island struggles with a severe energy crisis - made worse by a US fuel blockade. John Ratcliffe reportedly said Washington was prepared to engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba made fundamental changes. Also: tens of thousands of Israelis have taken part in an annual religious nationalist march through Jerusalem's Old City. Before it b
Xi tells Trump they shouldn't 'mess up' relationship
China's leader Xi Jinping tells visiting US President Donald Trump that there could be conflict if their relationship is not managed properly. In a busy day of diplomacy in Beijing, Mr Trump said the two countries could enjoy greater prosperity and co-operation. Also in this podcast: Ukraine says Russia continues to launch drones on its territory. A senior minister resigns in Britain - throwing th
'It's an honour to be your friend' - Trump tells Xi
The US and Chinese presidents meet face to face in Beijing for a much anticipated summit. Ahead of the talks, Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that the two countries should be "partners, not rivals". In response, President Trump described Mr Xi as a "great leader" and said the relationship between the superpowers will be "better than ever before". However, thorny subjects will be addressed during the
Donald Trump lands in China for high-stakes talks
To the sound of a cheering crowd, US President Donald Trump touches down in China for important talks with the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to discuss tariffs, the Iran war and US weapon sales to Taiwan. It's the first visit to China by a US president since President Trump's last visit in 2017. Ahead of the trip, Donald Trump said he would raise the case of the imprison
Trump heads to China for crucial talks with Xi Jinping
President Trump is travelling to Beijing, on the first trip to China by a US leader since he last went there in 2017. The main focus of his highly significant talks with Xi Jinping will be the tense trade relationship between the two superpowers. President Trump said he would also have a "long chat" with President Xi about Iran. Also: we have the latest from the court battle between two of the big
Israel approves death penalty for October 7 attackers
Parliament in Israel passes a law to set up special military trials for Palestinians accused of taking part in the deadly Hamas-led attack in October 2023. The tribunal will be able to sentence those convicted to death. Also in this podcast: the European Union approves new sanctions against Israeli settlers accused of “supporting the extremist and violent colonisation of the West Bank". Ministers
Pressure mounts on Starmer to resign as British PM
More than 70 MPs from Britain's governing Labour party have publicly called on the prime minister Keir Starmer to stand down, following disastrous local elections results. Several senior ministers have urged him to set a timetable for his departure. Earlier Keir Starmer insisted he would not quit, and would fight any leadership challenge. Also: Iran says it is ready to respond to any aggression, a
Iran says its peace terms - rejected by US - are 'generous'
Donald Trump calls Iran's counter offer to end the war "totally unacceptable". Iran defends its proposals, saying they are "generous". Tehran wants the release of its frozen foreign assets, an immediate end to the war on all fronts and a halt to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Also: the final passengers from the cruise ship with hantavirus are repatriated. The British prime minister, Keir
Evacuation begins of hantavirus ship
A complex repatriation of passengers on board the cruise ship struck by a deadly hantavirus outbreak has begun, with more than 90 of the 150 people on board disembarking on Sunday. Most of those who have left the MV Hondius have been repatriated to their home countries on specially chartered flights, while Spanish health workers and the World Health Organization continue the evacuation operation i
The Global Story: What Elon Musk did next
It’s been a year since billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk left his informal position in President Trump’s White House in May 2025. But behind the scenes, Musk has been busy.Musk has spent the last few weeks in a California courtroom, where he is suing his former business partner, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. In January, Musk applied for permission with the US government to launch a million satellit
Israel continues airstrikes in Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes have continued in Lebanon despite the ceasefire - we report from the site of a residential building in Saksakiyeh hit in the latest barrage. Hezbollah is retaliating with attacks inside Israel and against troops occupying southern Lebanon. Also: Péter Magyar becomes Hungary's new prime minister after 16 years of Viktor Orbán's rule; Russia's Victory Day is marked with muted cele
The Happy Pod: 'Life changing' treatment restored my daughter's vision
Six-year-old Saffie would have gone completely blind by adulthood, if not for a groundbreaking gene therapy. Her mother says she is now "thriving" and the results have been "incredible". Saffie was treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital in the UK.Also, the woman in Ethiopia who has given birth to quintuplets. Bedriya Adem had been trying to conceive for 12 years. She says her five babies are a 'b
Russia and Ukraine begin short ceasefire
President Trump says a short truce between Russia and Ukraine was agreed at his request. They've also each pledged to release 1,000 prisoners-of-war. The deal coincides with Russia's commemorations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. A big parade in Moscow's Red Square has been scaled back, with no tanks or missiles. Also: Britain's prime minister, Keir Starmer, is facing r
Right-wing populist party makes big gains in UK elections
Britain's right-wing populist party Reform makes gains as votes are counted in local elections. With a promise to reduce immigration, the party looks set to win council seats across the country, mostly at the expense of the more centrist Labour and Conservatives. Also: South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa faces calls to resign after a court rules he will be investigated over the theft of more
US, Iran exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz
The US says it struck Iranian military facilities after Iran targeted American warships crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran claims the US was violating the ceasefire. President Trump says the ceasefire is still intact. Also: Russia prepares to celebrate Victory Day amid fears Ukraine may launch a drone attack. Fashion companies prepare for the introduction of strict new sustainability laws in Eu
Iran considering US proposal to end the war
US media reports say what's being considered is a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran, which could set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations. A senior member of Iran's parliament has dismissed it as a "wish list", while a foreign ministry spokesman said Tehran would share its views of a US proposal with Pakistani mediators. Pakistan's foreign minister said his country was
Couples looking for surrogates still going to Ukraine
For years, Ukraine has been one of the world’s leading hubs for commercial surrogacy - attracting couples from around the world with lower costs and more relaxed laws. Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion, the industry has continued to operate. But now, a proposed law being debated in Ukraine’s parliament could ban surrogacy for foreign parents. Also: Rumours are swirling that a US-Iran deal could
Trump: Iran war could end with a deal
US media and Pakistan negotiators suggest Washington and Tehran are close to agreeing a deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. Donald Trump has warned the bombing would be more intense than before if Iran doesn’t agree to peace deal. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces continue to strike Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.Also: The World Health Organization has confirmed an eighth case of Han
US pauses operation to reopen Strait of Hormuz
President Trump is pausing efforts to help ships get through the Strait of Hormuz, amid what he called "great progress" towards a peace agreement with Iran. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi holds talks in China to discuss the conflict. Also: President Zelensky has condemned the latest Russian attacks on Ukraine, which left more than twenty people dead; Spain says it'll let a cruis
WHO: Hantavirus may have spread between humans
The World Health Organization says there may have been human-to-human transmission of a rare respiratory virus usually spread by rodents onboard a cruise ship off Africa's west coast. Three passengers have died and another is seriously ill. The ship was denied permission to dock in Cape Verde after cases of hantavirus were confirmed. The WHO says the risk to the global population is "low".Also: th
US strikes Iranian boats in Strait of Hormuz
Growing fears for the ceasefire in the Middle East after the US and Iran trade fire as American forces try to open up the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. President Trump said two US-flagged merchant vessels were able to transit the waterway. The UAE said Iran also launched cruise missiles and drones towards its oil facilities. Also: Two people are killed and several others injured when a
US denies Iran's claim that it hit American warship
The US military says its warships have helped two US-flagged vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz, breaking an Iranian blockade. It's denied Iranian reports that one warship had been forced to turn back. Also: More than 30 world leaders - including the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney - attend the European Political Community summit in the former Soviet republic of Armenia, to discuss the con
Trump plans to reopen Strait of Hormuz
The US is set to deploy navy destroyers, aircraft and troops in an operation to guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz from Monday. President Trump called "Project Freedom" a humanitarian gesture, but Iran has warned that any US interference would be considered a violation of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, human rights groups have accused the authorities inside Iran of carrying out widesprea
The Global Story: The US and Israel entered the Iran war together. Is Israel now being sidelined?
Since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran, there has been an ongoing debate over the role played by Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in convincing Donald Trump to go to war.But when it comes to ceasefire announcements, it has been the US President taking the lead - if the Israelis are present at all. So when it comes to ending the wars in Iran and Lebanon, are the Americans leaving
Republicans criticise Trump's plan to withdraw troops
President Trump is criticised by senior figures in his own Republican Party, as he doubles down on a plan to pull out more than 5000 US troops from Germany. What will a withdrawal mean for global security? Also: Britain's Prime Minister suggests banning some pro-Palestinian protests; JNIM militants launch a large-scale operation in Mali; we meet a former Russian soldier who's fled the fighting in
