US-Iran ceasefire under strain

US-Iran ceasefire under strain

Author: BBC World Service April 9, 2026 Duration: 26:03

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard says it will deliver a "regret-inducing response" if Israeli strikes on Lebanon don't stop immediately, according to state media. Lebanese officials say Israel has killed more than 250 people in a wave of attacks targeting Hezbollah that brought down several buildings in Beirut. The US and Israel say Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire deal.

Despite the internet blackout in most of Iran, we look at how Iranians have been reacting to the two-week ceasefire. And we look ahead to negotiations to end the war due to be held in Pakistan on Saturday.

Also: The challenges facing low-income households across South Africa due to the impact of the US-Israel war with Iran on oil prices. An architect in New York who led a secret life as a serial killer has pleaded guilty to a string of unsolved crimes known as the Gilgo Beach killings. A drug dealer dubbed the "Ketamine Queen" has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in connection with Matthew Perry's ​death in 2023.... and the latest from the Artemis II crew as they prepare to re-enter Earth's atmosphere after travelling further into space than anyone before.

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


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
BBC in Iran as mediation efforts continue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:33
The BBC's Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet gains rare access to report from Iran. Residents living under the fragile ceasefire tell her they feel scared and are unsure if a US deal can be struck. Pakistan's…
Iran warns it will block Gulf and Red Sea [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:43
Iran warns that it will block trade through the Red Sea as well as the Gulf and the Sea of Oman, if the United States continues its own blockade of Iranian ports and shipping. The head of the Iranian military command cen…
Three years of war in Sudan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:08
Sudan marks the third anniversary of its civil war. The fighting has led to a de facto partition of the country and created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The conflict was triggered by a power struggle between…
China calls US blockade of Iranian ports 'dangerous' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:27
China has described the US blockade of Iranian ports as "irresponsible and dangerous". The measure came into force on Monday, after peace talks failed over the weekend. Beijing's foreign ministry said Washington's action…
US Vice President suggests talks with Iran could resume [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:12
JD Vance says progress was made in discussions with Iran at the weekend and the ball is in Tehran's court. But he also accuses the Iranians of "economic terrorism" over the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He was…
Pope: 'I will not debate war with Trump' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:44
Pope Leo has said he has "no intention to debate" Donald Trump, after the US leader criticised the pontiff's comments about the war in the Middle East. The American born Pope said he had no fear of the Trump administrati…
Péter Magyar wins the Hungarian election by a landslide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:57
Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, has promised closer ties with the European Union - and an anti-corruption drive - after winning the Hungarian election. The 45-year-old defeated Viktor Orbán, of the Fidesz party,…
'Historic' US Iran talks end without deal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:55
Marathon talks between senior US and Iranian officials on ending the Middle East conflict have ended in failure. Speaking after the negotiations in Pakistan, US Vice President, JD Vance, said they could not reach an agre…
The Happy Pod: From a small town, to the moon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:23
The mayor of Ingersoll beams with pride at the Canadian town being represented on Artemis II. Ingersoll is home to 15,000 people, including the astronaut Jeremy Hansen - who is the mission specialist. Also, we speak to t…