BBC News

How Russia turns Ukrainians into spies | Global News Podcast

Jun 26, 2026

A former high-ranking Ukrainian intelligence officer, Dmytro Kozyura, has been sentenced to life in prison for spying for Russia. Once a counter-terrorism chief in Kyiv's security service, he was convicted of high treason for sharing state secrets with Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's government has conducted hundreds of investigations into domestic spying since Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Earlier this month, the head of a district court in Poltava region was reportedly sentenced to 15 years in prison for collaborating with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). Civilians have also been accused of documenting and sharing intelligence, including troop movements, with Russia. We ask the BBC's global affairs reporter Paul Moss what motivates Ukrainians to spy for the Kremlin, and how Moscow's intelligence gathering has affected the war in Ukraine. New episodes of the Global News Podcast are published twice a day. You can listen here: https://link.mgln.ai/GNP-YT And you can find more of our YouTube episodes here: https://bbc.in/GlobalNewsPodcast Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews #ukraine #russia #putin #zelensky #war #ukrainewar #news 00:00 Introduction 00:21 Convicted Dmytro Kozyura 01:29 How Ukraine caught Kozyura 03:08 Ukrainians spying for Russia 04:14 Why people spy for Moscow 07:46 Spying against Russia 08:59 How important is espionage for Russia's war effort?

Europe heatwave sees Paris restrict alcohol sales as temperatures move east | BBC News

Jun 26, 2026

French authorities have announced public alcohol consumption and sales bans in Paris, in a bid to ease pressure on the capital's hospitals during the heatwave. Parisians will be restricted from drinking alcohol in public from noon on Friday until 07:00 on Saturday. The measures will be in place during the same hours from Saturday to Sunday. Heatwave conditions that have left Spain, the UK and France sweltering for days are set to shift to the east, with forecasters in Germany and the Czech Republic warning of extreme conditions. Temperatures in Germany could hit 40C across the country on Friday, while an extreme weather warning is now in place in much of the Czech Republic. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #Heatwave #Europe #BBCNews

What’s going on in Trump’s relationship with South Africa? | The Global Story

Jun 26, 2026

For two decades, PEPFAR, the US program to curb Aids/HIV, enjoyed support and financial backing from both Republicans and Democrats, saving an estimated 26 million lives in what is described as the largest ever commitment by any nation to address a single disease. Previous presidents - including Donald Trump in his first term - continued to praise and support the effort. But last week, the State Department announced that it would be ending its support for PEPFAR in South Africa. The UN has warned the decision could end up costing lives. US officials told the BBC that the funding cut was in part a response to South Africa's alleged failure to protect the white-minority Afrikaner community, an accusation Pretoria rejects. Asma speaks to the BBC’s Senior Africa Producer Ed Habershon about what drove this decision and what the impact could be. New episodes of The Global Story are released daily. If you’re in the UK, listen on BBC Sounds. If you live outside the UK, listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts. LINK: https://app.magellan.ai/listen_links/the-global-story-ytl Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews #trump #HIV #Aids #southafrica Chapters: 01:40 What is PEPFAR? 02:45 Has it saved many lives? 03:22 Why has PEPFAR been cut? 05:15 What’s been the impact of Trump’s cuts to the foreign aid? 13:05 What does this all have to do with white farmers in South Africa? 16:16 Is there a ‘white genocide’ in South Africa? 17:34 What happened when the South African president visited the White House? 20:00 Is the PEPFAR cut political? 21:38 What is the South African government doing about it? 25:13 What is the global impact?

Have you eaten a 'Frankenchicken'? | In Case You Missed It

Jun 26, 2026

Why did the chicken cross the road...? ... to find out why fast-growing chickens are reshaping the poultry industry and dividing opinion. So-called “Frankenchickens” are bred to grow to slaughter weight faster than standard chickens - fuelling a growing debate about animal welfare and sustainability. Supporters say they’re an efficient way to meet demand by keeping costs down and environmental impact low, but critics argue they cause serious health and wellbeing issues for the animals. At the centre of this debate is Northern Ireland, one of the UK’s biggest poultry producers. Here’s what we explore in the video; 00:00 - Have you heard of a 'Frankenchicken'? 00:59 - A history of chicken in Northern Ireland 01:37 - Meeting the UK's demand for chicken 03:11 - The birth of the ‘Frankenchicken’ 03:54 - The view from animal rights campaigners 04:21 - The Sustainable Chicken Forum and the Better Chicken Commitment 06:08 - Companies leave the Better Chicken Commitment 07:55 - SCF explained - the argument around sustainability 10:35 - Northern Irish chicken production 11:19 - What does this all mean for Northern Irish farmers? 11:50 - What will companies decide to do? For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews #Poultry #Farming

Could this UK startup save Britain from AI oblivion? | BBC News

Jun 26, 2026

As governments and businesses confront their reliance on US tech giants, AI Decoded explores whether Britain can build its own AI future — and how quickly it must act. Now, a sudden decision from Washington is sending shockwaves through the global AI industry, restricting access to some of America’s most advanced systems — even for its allies. For UK companies, it raises a stark question: what happens when the technology you depend on is no longer available? Presenter Marc Cieslak is joined by Yang Li of East London startup Cosine, now racing to build a “sovereign” British alternative as demand surges following the US clampdown. Tech author and Bloomberg reporter Katrina Manson also joins to unpack the national security stakes, alongside co-host Stephanie Hare. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

Former Obama adviser on how the Democrats can win | BBC Americast

Jun 26, 2026

What should Democrats be doing when it comes to challenging Donald Trump, and in particular, why are Democrat politicians struggling to connect with voters? In this episode, Ben Rhodes joins Americast and gives Justin his current view on the Democrats (and whether they should avoid lecturing voters) plus, why Republicans have been more successful at getting their message out in the digital sphere. What are they doing more effectively than the Democrats? Ben Rhodes was a speech writer and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama and is now the co-host of the popular Pod Save the World podcast. They also discuss Ben’s latest book “All We Say: The Battle for American Identity” which explores American history through the lens of 15 speeches; from Benjamin Franklin to President Trump. Are we living through a unique moment in time or can we learn more about our present through a study of the past? Have arguments over immigration, citizenry, race and religion always been part of the American story? And, as negotiations continue between the US and Iran, Ben Rhodes gives us an inside view after his experience negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) directly with Iran in 2015. What sort of deal could Trump strike with Iran and should we trust it? Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

Venezuela earthquakes death toll rises to 235 as search for survivors continues | BBC News

Jun 26, 2026

At least 235 people have been killed and 4,300 injured in powerful back-to-back earthquakes that hit Venezuela on Wednesday. Many more people are feared dead, with others left homeless or too afraid to stay in damaged, unsafe buildings sleeping in the streets after the disaster. Rescuers are searching the rubble in Caracas and the state of La Guaira for the second night, and people have been heard calling for help from under the debris of collapsed buildings. The quakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit a minute apart. The second was the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

UK records its hottest June day ever | BBC News

Jun 26, 2026

The UK has experienced its hottest June day on record after temperatures soared to 36.1C (97F) in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday afternoon. Hundreds of schools shut across England and Wales and transport has also been disrupted, with train passengers advised to avoid all non-essential travel. The heatwave is forecast to continue into Friday, with a high of about 38C possible, the Met Office says. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #UK #BBCNews

40,000 missing as rescuers race to find earthquake victims under rubble in Venezuela | BBC News

Jun 25, 2026

Around 40,000 people are missing with thousands feared dead, after two earthquakes struck Venezuela. Rescue teams are racing to reach the disaster zone in time to save people buried alive under the rubble. The country’s interim president Delcy Rodriquez has declared a state of emergency. The quakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck a minute apart. The second was the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900. Areas worst hit were the capital Caracas and the state of La Guaria, where more than 100 large buildings collapsed. People have been heard calling for help from beneath the rubble. Venezuela's main international airport in Maiquetía on the outskirts of Caracas has been closed due to serious damage. Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Vanessa Silva, Pallab Ghosh and Will Grant. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

What we know about the Venezuela earthquakes | BBC News

Jun 25, 2026

At least 188 people have been killed and more than 1,500 injured after powerful back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela, according to the latest reports. Rescuers are searching the rubble in Caracas and the state of La Guaira, where the UN says more than more than 100 buildings have collapsed. The quakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit a minute apart. The second was the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900. Here's what we know so far about the earthquakes. UPDATE: The President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodríguez has since said 250 buildings have been damaged or lost. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

Venezuela earthquakes: Disaster, poverty and political turmoil | Global News Podcast

Jun 25, 2026

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez says nearly 600 people are now confirmed dead after two huge earthquakes struck the country. Experts have said the death toll could continue to rise. We ask Luis Fajardo of BBC Monitoring what this disaster could mean for the country's future, at a time of great political and economic turmoil. President Donald Trump - who ordered the removal of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro at the start of this year - has pledged American assistance in the wake of the earthquakes, saying "we will be there for our new and great friends". But there are questions about what effect the devastation could have on the redevelopment and oil industry investment that President Trump promised when US forces seized Maduro. Millions of poverty-stricken Venezuelans were already in dire need of aid before the quakes, according to humanitarian groups. And there are growing calls for Maduro's successor - Delcy Rodriguez - to hold fair and free elections. New episodes of the Global News Podcast are published twice a day. You can listen here: https://link.mgln.ai/GNP-YT And you can find more of our YouTube episodes here: https://bbc.in/GlobalNewsPodcast Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews #trump #venezuela #news #politics #us 00:00 Introduction 00:13 Earthquake devastation in Venezuela 01:39 Venezuela's economic crisis 02:51 Trump and Venezuelan politics after Maduro 04:41 What aid does Venezuela need? 05:39 How could the earthquakes affect Venezuela's economic recovery? 07:37 Calls for fair Venezuelan elections

Fight or Go? Keir Starmer Considers His Next Move | BBC Newscast

Jun 20, 2026

Insiders have told Laura Kuenssberg that the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has joined a list of people who’ve told Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure. He's at Chequers - the PM’s retreat - considering his next move as talk of fighting a leadership challenge quietens. Laura and Paddy O'Connell unpack the shift in mood, and question whether Andy Burnham can appeal to voters outside the North West. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, accusing US and Israel of violating ceasefire deal | BBC News

Jun 20, 2026

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, accusing US and Israel of violating ceasefire deal | BBC News Iran has said it is closing the Strait of Hormuz and accuses the US and Israel of violating the ceasefire deal, after Israel continued strikes on Lebanon. The news comes as roughly two dozen people were reportedly killed by Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, less than 24 hours after a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei says his country's attendance at talks in Switzerland will be aimed at "demanding that the other side fulfil its commitments". US Vice-President JD Vance tells Fox News that the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open, after being asked about reporting in the Wall Street Journal suggesting the Iranian navy were turning away ships. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #StraitOfHormuz #BBCNews

Is Gen Z trapped by AI? | BBC News

Jun 20, 2026

Young people were told artificial intelligence would make them sharper, faster, more creative — and more employable. But for many, that promise now feels more complicated. From students leaning on chatbots to write essays… to graduates sending out hundreds of AI-assisted job applications — only to be filtered out by algorithms on the other side — artificial intelligence is no longer a future story. Presenter Marc Cieslak and AI Decoded co-host Stephanie Hare are joined by author of 'We are not machines' Sarah O'Connor and Rumman Chowdury, Founder of Humane Intelligence. We also hear from students across the UK about their hopes and fears over artificial intelligence and how they feel it will shape their future. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #AI #Tech #BBCNews

Extreme heat will continue to intensify in UK and Europe | BBC News

Jun 20, 2026

The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for parts of southern and eastern England and south Wales. The warning is valid for Monday and Tuesday and warns of temperatures peaking at 35C (95F). The nights will also be hot, remaining above 20C in some locations. It brings the risk of impacts to health, especially for vulnerable people, and the danger of sunburn and heat exhaustion in the wider population. This is only the sixth amber extreme heat warning that has been issued by the Met Office since they were introduced in 2021 - and the first since August 2022. Heat has also been building across Europe this week and will continue to intensify over the next few days. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #Weather #UK #Europe #BBCNews

Drones, dollars and deals - who won the Iran War? | The Security Brief

Jun 20, 2026

The Security Brief is on the road - in Switzerland - where the US and Iran were supposed to begin nuclear negotiations over the future of Iran's nuclear programme. As the two sides sign the 'Memorandum of Understanding', we compare what the document says to the initial war objectives set by the United States. Donald Trump has claimed the US won the war on multiple occasions - but do the facts back that up? This is The Security Brief with Christian Fraser and Mikey Kay. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

One dead and 11 very seriously injured in Bedford train crash | BBC News

Jun 19, 2026

One person has died after two trains collided in Bedford, UK, according to British Transport Police. The East of England Ambulance Service said a total of 89 people have been injured, with 11 of them suffering "very serious injuries". A major incident has been declared, with firefighters, police and ambulance crews at the scene. The trains involved were the 16:40 from Corby to London St Pancras and the 15:50 from Nottingham to London St Pancras. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #Bedford #BBCNews

Agartha and the Nazi ideology invading TikTok | Top Comment Podcast

Jun 19, 2026

The BookTok community has erupted after creator AllieRoseCo announced she had trademarked merchandise featuring the phrase 'Hot Girls Read'. User backlash was instantaneous, with many accusing her of attacking small businesses and even betraying her own followers. On this episode, Marianna explains why BookTok is such an influential marketing demographic on TikTok, and what this controversy tells us about the fragility of influencer careers tied exclusively to a personal brand. Also this week, a viral photo which appears to show Donald Trump meeting with a group of mysterious figures has led to a raft of theories about their identities. One of the most prominent narratives to emerge is that the men are representatives of the mythical kingdom Agartha. Matt dives deep into the lore on Agartha, and its adoption by Nazi occultists. Why has this theory seen such a resurgence among young people on TikTok, and how dangerous is the implicit ideology behind it?

Will Andy Burnham overthrow Keir Starmer as UK prime minister? | Global News Podcast

Jun 19, 2026

Keir Starmer's rival, Andy Burnham, has made significant progress towards ousting him as prime minister after winning the Makerfield by-election with a thumping majority. It means the former mayor of Manchester can now launch a challenge for the leadership of the country. He said the by-election result was a vote for change and "could be a turning point" in British politics. Keir Starmer said he will stand in any leadership contest and fight for his job. New episodes of the Global News Podcast are published twice a day. You can listen here: https://link.mgln.ai/GNP-YT And you can find more of our YouTube episodes here: BBC World Service - Global News Podcast - Downloads 00:00 Who is Andy Burnham? 01:46 Why is Andy Burnham such a threat to Keir Starmer? 03:51 Can Keir Starmer fight back? 04:42 What is Andy Burnham's vision for Britain? 06:04 What do the British people want? 06:54 Growing appeal of the far left and far right 08:13 Why has British politics become so unstable? Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #BBCNews

At least 47 killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon | BBC News

Jun 19, 2026

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed a ceasefire, a US official says, following intense Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon that the government said killed 47 people. The agreement followed concerns that continued clashes, which also saw Hezbollah kill four Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, would undermine the deal to end the war between the US and Iran. An Israeli military spokesman said that the military would "continue to remove immediate threats" while Hezbollah's secretary general, Sheikh Naim Qassem, said: "The project to eliminate Hezbollah has failed." Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #IranWar #Lebanon #BBCNews

Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire as continued strikes in Lebanon reported | BBC News

Jun 19, 2026

Israel and armed Lebanese group Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, a senior US official confirmed to the BBC. The agreement follows concerns that continued fighting in Lebanon could undermine the deal between the US and Iran, which called for an end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. According to local emergency services, strikes have continued in Lebanon since the ceasefire deadline. Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli strikes since midnight have killed at least 47 people, while Israel said four of its soldiers were killed by Iran-backed Hezbollah. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #Israel #Lebanon #BBCNews

How to stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon | The Global Story

Jun 19, 2026

On Wednesday, President Trump met with Iranian leaders to sign an initial memorandum of understanding towards ending the months-long war. In a press conference after the signing, Trump was triumphant. Specifically, he touted the deal’s firmness on one of the US’s key priorities: ensuring that Iran can never develop a nuclear weapon. Whilst Iran has agreed to “not procure or develop nuclear weapons," there are many questions left unanswered. What does it actually look like to police the weapons programmes? Today, Asma Khalid from The Global Story podcast speaks to someone intimately familiar with the weapons inspection process: President of the Institute for Science and International Security, David Albright. In the 1990s, Albright worked in Iraq with the UN, investigating the nation’s weapons programme under Sadaam Hussein. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews #Iranwar #us Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Can Trump stop Iran having a nuclear weapon? 07:42 Iraq and the question of nuclear weapons 10:00 How often did nuclear inspections take place in Iran? 14:33 What's in the peace deal about nuclear weapons? 18:14 What is nuclear dust?

Burnham wins Makerfield: Is the UK about to get another new prime minister? | BBC News

Jun 19, 2026

Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, securing nearly 55% of the vote. The victory has paved the way for him to challenge Keir Starmer for Labour party leadership. Burnham said his win could mark a "turning point" for the country, and Starmer has confirmed he would run in any possible leadership election. But what actually happens now? BBC Journalist Jo Crawford and BBC Politics Editor Chris Mason are in Makerfield to explain. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #UKPolitics #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #Makerfield #MakerfieldByElection #Labour #LabourParty #BBCNews

Inside Elon Musk's empire | BBC Americast

Jun 19, 2026

The US economy backs Elon Musk’s vision for sending people to Mars, the moon and beyond with SpaceX. Elon Musk’s rocket, telecommunications and artificial intelligence company SpaceX has listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange with a value of $2.2 trillion; making him the world’s first trillionaire in the process. Other AI companies, including Open AI and Anthropic have plans to follow suit but what does that mean for the US economy and global financial stability? In this episode, Justin speaks to Ryan Mac - an investigative technology reporter for the New York Times who has extensive experience covering Elon Musk and other leaders in the AI field. SpaceX’s public valuation has made millionaires of many of its past and current employees and generated around $85 billion for the company; money that Elon Musk says is essential to fulfil the company’s plans to build bases on the Moon, put data centres into orbit and send human beings to Mars. But what happens if those plans remain unfulfilled? As more companies offer shares to investors and the general public, Justin and Ryan explore whether America is gambling on the promise of AI? And is the US economy becoming dangerously reliant on one industry? 00:00 Intro 00:55 What does it mean to be a trillionaire? 01:41 SpaceX’s stock market debut 05:21 Why investors rushed to buy SpaceX shares 10:09 Why Elon Musk divides opinion 12:08 The promises Musk has and hasn’t delivered 22:03 What happens if the AI boom slows down? 27:20 Outro Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election - will he now challenge Keir Starmer for PM? | BBC Newscast

Jun 19, 2026

Labour’s Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by election - so how could we see a challenge to Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader? Burnham won almost 25,000 votes, beating Reform UK's Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes. In his victory speech Andy Burnham said "Everyone knows that politics isn't working, and has previously said he would seek to enter any Labour leadership contest. So what happens now? Adam and Chris are joined by Kevin Fitzpatrick political reporter for Radio Manchester and Luke Tryl Director of More in Common. 00:00 Intro 00:33 Andy Burnham wins Makerfield 00:56 What the result means for Labour 03:10 Why the result was bigger than expected 06:23 Burnham’s local campaign strategy 08:35 The issues voters raised in Makerfield 13:54 Burnham’s victory speech analysed 21:57 Greater Manchester mayoral election 22:44 Keir Starmer’s response and what comes next 29:51 Scotland’s by-election results Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election | BBC News

Jun 19, 2026

Labour's Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for him to challenge Keir Starmer as prime minister. "Everyone knows that politics isn't working," he said during his victory speech. Burnham gained almost 25,000 votes, beating Reform UK's Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #UKPolitics #BBCNews

I Came Back from the Dead | It Happened To Me

Jun 18, 2026

How one man survived a cardiac arrest that left him clinically dead for ten minutes after a cricket-ball-sized blood clot caused a medical miracle that left even his doctors in shock.  Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

JD Vance warns Israel over opposition to US-Iran peace deal | BBC News

Jun 18, 2026

The US vice president JD Vance has criticised Israel over opposition to the US peace deal with Iran, saying: “You can’t just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have”. Israels has pushed the US to continue the war with Iran, and its assault on Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, who are backed by Iran, risks destabilising the peace plan. The presidents of the US and Iran have signed an initial peace deal aiming to end the war, allowing it to immediately take effect. The agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a $300bn plan for Iran's "reconstruction", and the US terminating "all types of sanctions" on Iran. But the issue of Iran's nuclear programme, the main reason stated by the US for the conflict, is still to be negotiated over an extendable 60-day period. US President Donald Trump, who signed the deal in France during the G7 summit, defended the proposal, saying it would stave off an "economic catastrophe". He warned, though, that the US would "bomb the hell" out of Iran if no final deal emerged. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signed the document on Wednesday, Tehran confirmed. Iran's parliamentary speaker and key negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told state media his distrust of the US remained. He said Iran's "finger is on the trigger" and "If the enemy does not understand the language of logic, we will enter again with the language of power”. Trump told reporters in France at the lakeside resort of Evian-les-Bains, where the G7 summit took place, that the plan would avert "worldwide depression". Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Jeremy Bowen. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

I Fell 2000ft and Survived | It Happened to Me

Jun 18, 2026

A 2000ft fall off a jagged mountain ridge should have been fatal. Instead, one endurance runner survived the drop and managed to run four miles to find his own rescue on a Scottish island. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

US lifts naval blockade as Iran supreme leader says Trump made deal 'out of desperation' | BBC News

Jun 18, 2026

The US has confirmed it has lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports, as the Iran deal comes into effect. Meanwhile, in a written message Iran's supreme leader says he initially disagreed with the deal, but allowed it to go ahead after assurances from the Iranian president. Mojtaba Khamenei also says that US President Donald Trump came to the agreement "out of desperation". Earlier, US Vice-President JD Vance said the 60-day period to reach a final agreement with Iran had begun. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #Iran #US #BBCNews