Iran Special: Q&A
In this special edition of the Global News Podcast, BBC correspondents answer your questions about the anti-government protests that spread across Iran. Can the Iranian regime survive? Will Donald Trump intervene? How would regime change affect the world? Matthew Amroliwala speaks to two of the BBC's diplomatic correspondents - Caroline Hawley in London and Paul Adams in Washington - as well as Siavash Ardalan, from BBC Persian. 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
Iran foreign minister responds to Trump intervention threats
As protests in Iran continue into their third week, the country's foreign minister claims the situation is "under total control". President Donald Trump has warned that the US could intervene and has "very strong options". In response, Iran says it's "prepared" for war, but "does not seek" it. Also: Myanmar is accused of genocide over attacks on the Muslim Rohingya minority in 2017. The chairman of the US Federal Reserve is facing legal action. He claims it's a political attack. Hamas says it's prepared to hand over power in Gaza -- but is it? We hear how the campaign to end child marriage in the US has some powerful opponents. And, the chimpanzee who beat humans at a memory test has died.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
Death toll rises as Iran protests enter third week
Videos verified by the BBC and eyewitness accounts appear to show security forces in Iran ramping up their response to protests that have spread across the country. Activists say dozens of bodies seen piled up in black bags outside a morgue near Tehran are dead protesters. US President Donald Trump says Iran's leadership is seeking to negotiate following his threat of military intervention, but warns that he "may have to act before a meeting".Also: President Trump tells Cuba to "make a deal" with Washington or face consequences, warning the flow of Venezuelan oil and money to the country will stop. The UK government has paid "substantial" compensation to a man who was tortured by the CIA before being shipped to Guantanamo Bay where he is still imprisoned. Greenland residents tell the BBC they want to be left alone, as their island becomes embroiled in a geopolitical storm. Six skiers have been killed in a series of avalanches across the Alps. Doctors say they have achieved the previously impossible - restoring sight and preventing blindness in people with a rare but dangerous eye condition. Timothée Chalamet, Jessie Buckley and Seth Rogen were among the winners at this year's Golden Globe Awards. And how soon could humanoid robots carry out our household chores?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
The US ran a war game on the aftermath of Maduro’s fall – it predicted chaos
When the US government captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro, on Saturday, most of the world was shocked. But US officials had for years been gaming out different scenarios, including predicting what would happen if Maduro was ousted. According to one man who took part, each ended in disaster. On today’s episode, we speak to the former Washington Post journalist Douglas Farah, who participated in war games on Venezuela during Donald Trump’s first term, as well as during the Obama and Biden administrations. The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.
Iran protests: hundreds feared dead
A medic at one Tehran hospital reported "direct shots to the heads of the young people, to their hearts as well", while a doctor said an eye hospital in the capital had gone into crisis mode. Despite this, large crowds have returned to the streets of Iran's capital, including entire families with children, defying increasingly severe warnings from the authorities. Also: the US military has carried out 'Operation Hawkeye' strikes in Syria against the Islamic State, as revenge for the killing of two American soldiers. We hear from Venezuelans who have fled to Colombia, after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Why a deadly train crash in 2023 in Greece could lead frustrated voters to turn to new political options in the 2027 election. The case of a Google employee made redundant after reporting sexual harassment. Why a rare Superman comic that was once stolen from Nicolas Cage has sold for $15m. And how much are dogs eavesdropping on us?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
The Happy Pod: The 88-year-old veteran given nearly $2m by strangers
The Australian 'kindness influencer' who raised nearly two million dollars to help an elderly US veteran. Samuel Weidenhofer flew thousands of miles to find Ed Bambas after being told he needed help. Ed, who's 88, was still working in a shop because he couldn't afford to retire, having lost his pension and healthcare. Also: one of the few people ever to walk around the world says he was inspired to keep going by the rescue dog he adopted along the way. Tom Turcich spent seven years making the journey with Savannah, who he describes as the best possible companion. The family of a US Air Force serviceman have been reunited with his dog tag, seventy years after it was lost. We hear how a young woman in the UK is trying to dispel the stigma surrounding a medical device known as a stoma bag, by turning them into fashion accessories. Plus some very big baby news as a US zoo prepares to welcome a very rare elephant calf. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world. Presenter: Alex Ritson. Music composed by Iona Hampson
The Happy Pod: Christmas with the man I saved
A US woman whose bone marrow saved a father of three in Australia has spent Christmas with him and his family. Gennaro Rapinese, whose leukaemia was cured by the donation, greeted Cassidy Feeney at the airport in Perth with the words 'you saved my life'. Cassidy, who'd never met Gennaro before, says she decided to donate because she'd want someone to do the same for her loved ones - and believes everyone should care more about others and less about themselves. Also: How a community rallied around to help after customers left a restaurant in Montreal without paying a large bill. The owner of Mama Khan's uses his profits to run a soup kitchen and deliver free meals to those in need. The company in Sweden that's tackling loneliness by giving employees time off dedicated to working on their friendships. A chance encounter and a small act of kindness that led to a couple getting engaged. Plus a very rare pink platypus, and why millions of people around the world sing the Scottish folk song, Auld Lang Syne, to mark the new year. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.Presenter: Oliver Conway. Music composed by Iona Hampson
Coronavirus: How is Astra Zeneca vaccine safety row affecting public confidence ?
Concerns voiced over whether Astra Zeneca vaccine causes blood-clots in the brain. Several countries have restricted use of the vaccine until more is known about possible links. Also, China tries to persuade its 'one-child' generation to have more babies, and how Kim Kardashian has joined the ranks of the world's billionaires.
US joins talks aimed at reviving Iran nuclear deal
Diplomats in Vienna are discussing how the US can lift sanctions and Iran return to compliance. Also: Brazil variant drives South America covid surge, and a man is arrested over Van Gogh and Frans Hals art thefts.
Jordanian prince vows to defy 'house arrest'
Prince Hamzah says he won't stay quiet after being accused of plotting to destabilise the state. Also: the Israeli PM's corruption trial is told he sought improper benefits from media bosses, and the business owner who offered a job to the man who tried to burgle his restaurant.
Jordan accuses Prince Hamzah of plotting to destabilise kingdom
The Jordanian deputy PM says King Abdullah's half-brother sought to mobilise tribal leaders against the government. Also: lorry boss apologises over Taiwan train crash, and tighter Covid restrictions for India's Maharashtra state.
Claims of a coup plot in Jordan
The authorities detain the former crown prince and other high profile figures in Jordan for what's been described as "security reasons". Also: the German president tells the country's political leaders to "get it together" in the face of a third wave of coronavirus, and a ceremony unlike any other in Cairo as mummified Pharaohs are moved to a new home.
Tigray conflict: World powers angry over 'human rights abuses'
G7 group of economic powers has condemned killing of civilians in northern Ethiopia. The group also called for investigation into reported crimes, and for those responsible to be held to account. Also, at least 50 people killed as a crowded train crashes in Taiwan, and how animals - just like humans - try to follow the latest trends and fashions.
Fresh evidence emerges of atrocities in Tigray
Videos appear to show the massacre of unarmed civilians by people in Ethiopian army uniforms. There’ve been persistent allegations of serious abuses by all sides in the conflict - but a government media blackout has so far limited attempts to examine them. Also today: The new head of the WTO condemns vaccine inequality. And has home advantage in football really disappeared during the pandemic?
Biden unveils two trillion dollar package to boost economy
The aim is to modernise roads, repair bridges and promote climate initiatives. The plan will be financed by a tax increase on corporations. Also: the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny says he is going on hunger strike to demand better medical treatment in jail, and Russia has registered the world’s first coronavirus vaccine for animals.
Italy: Naval officer 'caught selling secrets to Russia'
Police say officer was caught in act of handing secret documents to Russian official. Russia's ambassador has been summoned to Foreign Ministry in Rome. Also, heavy gunfire close to presidential palace in Niger two days before new leader due to be sworn in, and new report says white-majority countries should look to UK for model of how to reduce racial inequality.
China limits Hong Kong parliament to 'patriots'
The sweeping changes are the latest efforts by Beijing to step up its influence in Hong Kong. Also: world leaders call for treaty on future pandemics, and Nike sues over "Satan Shoes" with human blood.
Final operation to free Suez Canal ship
The 400m Ever Given has been wedged across the canal, one of the world's busiest trade routes. Also, the Thai Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, has said his country is preparing for a potential flood of refugees from Myanmar following the military coup there, and baby Galapagos tortoises wrapped in plastic found in suitcases.
France was 'blind' to Rwanda genocide, report says
French historians say France bears "heavy responsibilities" over the 1994 Rwanda massacres, but they found no evidence of French complicity. Also: at least 32 people are killed in a train crash in Egypt, and Fox News is sued for $1.6bn over an election fraud claim.
Joe Biden gives his first news conference as US President
Mr Biden pledged to deliver 200 million Covid jabs to Americans in his first one-hundred days in office, double his original goal. Also: AstraZeneca has published revised results for the US trial of its Covid vaccine after its earlier report was criticised for using outdated information, and the acclaimed French director Bertrand Tavernier has died at the age of 79.
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