Trump warns 'clock is ticking' for Iran

Trump warns 'clock is ticking' for Iran

Author: BBC World Service May 18, 2026 Duration: 29:59

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 highlights Iran's increasing use of the death penalty; Russian civilians are shocked by Ukrainian drone attacks; Britain's royal guards allegedly fall asleep on the job; and are street preachers a blessing or a curse?


Staying informed means navigating a constant stream of events, and the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service provides a grounded, thorough digest of that flow. This isn't just a headline service; it's a twice-daily briefing that situates you within the day's most pressing stories, particularly focusing on complex, unfolding situations. Right now, that means dedicated coverage from across the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf states, offering clarity on regional dynamics and their global implications. Alongside that essential regional focus, the podcast consistently pulls back for a wider lens, bringing reports and context from every corner of the world. What you'll hear is the BBC's signature blend of on-the-ground reporting and measured expert analysis, all designed to build understanding rather than just summarize events. For a reliable, in-depth audio briefing that updates each weekday morning and evening, this podcast delivers a comprehensive picture of our world as it happens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global News Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Lebanon accuses Israel of war crime after journalist killed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:27
The Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun, accuses Israel of deliberately targeting journalists, a day after another reporter, Amal Khalil, was killed in an Israeli attack. Also: a UN official tells the BBC that even if the Ir…
Iran seizes two cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:55
Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, says the US blockade is the main obstacle to peace negotiations and accused Washington of using "endless hypocritical rhetoric". The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, sai…
EU approves $100bn loan to Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:53
EU ambassadors approve a promised $100bn loan to Ukraine after Hungary dropped its veto, following Viktor Orban's election defeat. Ukraine has now started pumping Russian oil towards Hungary again. Also: three container…
US announces a ceasefire extension with Iran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:58
President Trump has announced an extension to the ceasefire with Iran until talks come to a conclusion. In a social media post, he said the US blockade of Iranian ports would continue until Tehran presented what he calle…
Trump says US in 'very strong position' for Iran talks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:56
The US-Iran ceasefire deal is set to end on Wednesday but Donald Trump says he does not want to extend the deadline. The US President believes the US is in a very strong negotiating position. Iran has not yet confirmed i…
Uncertainty over US-Iran peace talks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:56
Iran's chief negotiator has cast fresh doubt on whether a second round of peace talks with the United States will go ahead in Pakistan. Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf said Tehran would not accept negotiations under the shadow o…
Are insider traders making millions from the Iran war? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:54
The BBC has found a pattern of spikes in trades on financial markets ahead of public announcements by President Trump, including during the Iran war. It's raised suspicions of insider trading, where bets are made based o…
US seizes Iranian-flagged cargo ship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:31
The US military says it has intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman as part of its naval blockade. Iran has promised to retaliate. The announcement came after the White House confirmed US Vice-Presi…
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz a day after declaring it open [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:16
Iran says its forces are in full control of the Strait of Hormuz and passage through the vital oil waterway would remain restricted, unless the US removed its blockade of Iranian ports. President Trump has said the US wi…