NewsHour
Global news and analysis from the BBC World Service, twice a day, every day of the year. Join our leading team of presenters for the best interviews, features and analysis of world events.
Trump says negotiations to end war happening "right now"
US President Donald Trump says negotiations to end the Iran war are happening "right now" and Tehran is "talking sense". His comments come a day after Iranian officials denied any contact with the US had taken place, calling claims of talks "fake news". Also on the programme: We hear from…
Confusion about talks between Washington and Tehran
As confusion surrounds the prospect of talks between Washington and Tehran over a possible end to the war, could Iran's parliamentary speaker play a role? We learn more about that speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Also in the programme: The AI company Anthropic vs the Pentagon; and rescuing moon bears from…
President Trump: the US and Iran have held talks
US President Donald Trump says the US and Iran have held talks on the "complete and total resolution of hostilities" in the Middle East. However, Iran's parliament speaker denies discussions have taken place, saying "fake news" is being used to "manipulate" the oil markets. Also on the programme: With world…
Trump postpones strikes on Iran power plants
Donald Trump says the US and Iran have held talks on the ‘complete and total resolution of hostilities’ in the Middle East. We discuss what behind-the-scenes discussions may have been taking place between the two sides. Also on the programme: Italian voters consider significant changes in its justice system; and…
Israel steps up offensive in southern Lebanon
The president of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, says Israel's military action in the south of his country is a prelude to a full-scale ground invasion. Israel has started blowing up bridges over a crucial river in southern Lebanon, saying it is targeting infrastructure used by Hezbollah. Could Israel be about to…
Israeli Prime Minister visits site of latest Iranian strike
More than 160 people have been injured - some seriously - in Iranian missile strikes on two southern Israeli towns close to a nuclear facility, according to Israeli emergency officials. We hear about the medical situation on the ground and take a look at Israel's nuclear capabilities. Also on the…
UK condemns Iranian attack on Diego Garcia base
Britain has insisted it will not be drawn into a wider conflict after a key military base in the Indian Ocean was targeted by an Iranian missile attack. Also on the programme: Robert Mueller, who led the investigation into whether Russia interfered in the 2016 US presidential election won by Donald…
Iran says its nuclear facility at Natanz has been attacked again
The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has said the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility in Iran has suffered “some recent damage” as US-Israeli attacks on the country continue. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the damage was confined to entrance buildings to the underground fuel enrichment plant. Also on the programme:…
Trump calls Nato allies 'cowards'
US President says Nato allies are "cowards" for refusing to help open the Strait of Hormuz, as the head of the International Energy Agency claims the closure of the waterway poses the "greatest global energy security challenge in history”. Also in the programme: Iranian-American artist Shirin Neshat on celebrating the…
Iran marks Persian new year under US-Israeli bombardment
Nowruz is a traditional festival that marks the spring equinox, the rebirth of nature and the start of the new year in Iran and other countries. But this year's Nowruz will be the first many in the country have experienced at war. And across the Gulf, millions of Muslims are…
The global impact of energy price rises
It has been a day of turmoil on the world's financial markets after Israel - on Wednesday - struck an Iranian facility in the South Pars gas field, part of the world's biggest natural gas field, which Iran shares with Qatar. That, in turn, prompted Iran to retaliate against energy…
Gas price soars after strikes on Qatar hub
Oil and gas prices have risen sharply after fresh strikes hit energy infrastructure in the Middle East, including Qatar's main gas facility. Gas prices jumped by about 25% on wholesale markets in the UK and Europe in early trading, before easing slightly. We've also been hearing from the US defence…
Israel attacks Iranian petrochemical complex
There is "extensive damage" from missile attacks on the Ras Laffan industrial site, Qatar's state-owned petroleum company says. The site was among those listed by Iran in a warning that it would take "decisive action" after its South Pars gas field facilities were reportedly hit by Israeli strikes. Earlier, Israel…
Israel bombs the heart of the Lebanese capital
Israel bombs the heart of the Lebanese capital as it escalates its offensive against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. We hear from a former Lebanese health minister in Beirut and ask a former senior Israeli army officer about his country's aims. Also in the programme: anger and delight in African football…
Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war
Joe Kent, the head of the US National Counterterrorism Centre and a long-time Trump supporter, has announced his resignation from the role. He said he could not in good conscience back the administration's war. The BBC’s US State Department correspondent gives us more details on this development. Also on the…
Israel claims to have killed more senior Iranian leaders
Israel claims to have killed more senior members of Iran's leadership; we ask what the death of security chief Ali Larijani could mean for the war. Also in the programme: in the Afghan capital Kabul, dozens of people have been killed in an airstrike on a drug treatment centre, which…
16/03/2026 20:06 GMT
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.
Trump pressures Nato to reopen Strait of Hormuz
As the Iran war goes into its third week, which countries will heed President Trump's call to help unblock the flow of global oil? We hear from a former British army officer who served as Nato’s deputy supreme allied commander of Europe. Also on the programme: whistleblowers tell the BBC…
Iran says no reason to “talk with Americans”
US President Donald Trump says he’s not ready to make a deal with Iran because the terms for one aren't good enough yet. We'll hear from Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi who says his country has never even requested a ceasefire with the US and get the latest on the…
Iran war: Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait report attacks
Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait all reported attacks overnight, with air defences working to intercept them, though the frequency is much less than in the early days of the conflict. Earlier the Iranians urged the UAE to evacuate the port zones of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah. We hear…