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.

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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.
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