Global News Podcast

Global News Podcast

BBC World Service

7148 - US military launches wave of attacks against Iran

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

7148 - US military launches wave of attacks against Iran
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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

Episode's summary

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers a range of international stories, including escalating military tensions between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and investigations into the deceptive recruitment of Bolivians to fight for Russia. The program also explores Australia's new regulatory plans for the AI sector and the removal of border checks between Spain and Gibraltar. Additionally, the episode features historical and technological insights, such as how a simple felt-tip pen played a crucial role in saving the Apollo 11 mission, tensions in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, and the introduction of a new digital tool for simulating acoustics in concert halls.

Chapters

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Highlights

This is deceptive recruitment. It is a form of trafficking.

00:08:14 · A reporter explains that the recruitment of Bolivian citizens into the Russian military involves luring individuals with false promises.

By some kind of miracle, the diameter of that plastic tip was the same as the diameter of the switch. And it fit perfectly in that hole and armed the engine and saved their lives.

00:15:03 · An expert describes how a felt-tip pen was used to repair a broken circuit breaker during the Apollo 11 mission.

one small writing instrument for man, one giant life-saving marker pen for Apollo.

00:15:16 · The speaker uses a play on Neil Armstrong's famous words to describe the importance of the felt-tip pen in saving the Apollo 13 crew.

I think that the Gibraltar economy will go from strength to strength as a result of this treaty.

00:21:23 · Gemma Arias Vásquez expresses optimism about the economic impact of removing border checks between Spain and Gibraltar.

They're not carrying the baggage of history on their shoulders.

00:25:27 · Sports writer Paul Hayward suggests that modern football players are less affected by historical political conflicts like the Falklands War.

Episodes

7148-

US military launches wave of attacks against Iran

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers a range of international stories, including escalating military tensions between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and investigations into the deceptive recruitment of Bolivians to fight for Russia. The program also explores Australia's new regulatory plans for the AI sector and the removal of border checks between Spain and Gibraltar. Additionally, the episode features historical and technological insights, such as how a simple felt-tip pen played a crucial role in saving the Apollo 11 mission, tensions in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, and the introduction of a new digital tool for simulating acoustics in concert halls.

15 Jul 2026
7147-

Trump scraps threat of 20% fee on Hormuz cargo

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international and domestic stories, including President Trump's policy reversal regarding tolls in the Strait of Hormuz and escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The report also examines record-breaking profits for major US banks amidst economic uncertainty, a directive to halt certain ICE vehicle stops following fatal shootings, and an extreme heatwave affecting much of the United States. Additionally, the episode explores international developments such as a record-breaking T-Rex auction, corruption investigations involving a senior Chinese official, and the dispute over St. Catherine's Monastery in Egypt. The program also features sports commentary on the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France.

15 Jul 2026
7146-

ICE officer kills a Colombian man in Maine

This episode of the BBC Global News podcast covers a range of international developments, including an ICE shooting in Maine and escalating US-Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The program also explores the rapid expansion of solar power in Europe and the achievement of a 17-year-old pianist passing her Grade 8 exam using only one hand. Additional stories include the development of new piano syllabi for one-handed playing, the rescue of kidnapped teachers and pupils in Nigeria, and research into how hormonal changes impact ADHD symptoms. The episode concludes with an interview with Andy Serkis regarding his animated adaptation of Animal Farm and a preview of a series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

14 Jul 2026
7145-

US reinstates naval blockade on Iran

This episode covers escalating military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz involving US and Iranian actions, alongside new European anti-ballistic missile initiatives following Russian attacks on Kyiv. The program also examines political shifts in Hungary regarding constitutional amendments and legal challenges against a major Hollywood media merger. Additionally, the news explores an investigation into the death of a British politician and the legal debates surrounding euthanasia in Spain. Finally, we look at the economic decline of the natural diamond industry due to lab-grown alternatives and a unique collaboration between a Portuguese bookshop and Dua Lipa to promote banned literature.

14 Jul 2026
7144-

Trials of new Ebola vaccine set to begin

This episode of the Global News Podcast covers a range of international developments, from the approval of human trials for a new Ebola vaccine in the UK to escalating tensions between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The report also examines how Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure are causing fuel shortages and investigates how weak espionage laws in Japan may allow Russian intelligence to exploit high-tech components. Additionally, the episode explores investigations into Japanese technology exports to Russia via Vietnam, devastating wildfires in Spain's Almería region, and the impact of Typhoon Bavi in China. The episode concludes with an extensive tribute to the life and career of actor Sam Neill.

13 Jul 2026