The Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, arrives in Israel after being released from captivity by Hamas. Also: Sean Diddy Combs' sex-trafficking trial begins, and can Ancelotti fix Brazil’s football?

Israeli-US hostage reunites with family after being freed by Hamas

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Hear the most important global stories from the BBC, the most trusted name in international news. 
 
With reporters on the ground in every country, we’re always where the story is. We bring you unparalleled access and exclusive updates that you won’t get anywhere else. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. From Israel-Iran missile strikes, to news from Trump’s White House and Putin’s Kremlin. From the Ukraine War to the Israel-Gaza conflict. From Damascus to Delhi, from Silicon Valley to Singapore, from Washington DC to Wuhan. 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. Subscribe now and never miss a moment.Also listen to The Happy Pod, every Saturday, for the best global good news.Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Iran's leader claims US strikes on nuclear facilities achieved "nothing significant". The US defence secretary says otherwise. Also: Iranians share what they want from their leaders, and North Korea’s new beach resort.

Iran's leader says the US gained 'nothing' from its attacks on nuclear sites

Thousands of people protested on the anniversary of the storming of Kenya's parliament. Also: President Trump's emotional encounter with a BBC Ukrainian reporter and the Scottish conman whose tea wasn't homegrown.

At least eight dead in Kenya anti-government protests

President Trump dismisses leaked intelligence report that cast doubt on success of Iran strikes. Also: millions of children at risk as vaccine uptake stalls and could weight loss drugs be changing our shopping habits?

Trump says US strikes set Iran's nuclear programme back 'decades'

The Israeli PM has claimed an historic victory over Iran as a ceasefire seems to be holding. Also: Protesters force Amazon's Jeff Bezos to move his wedding celebration in Venice, and how nightmares damage your health.

Netanyahu claims historic victory over Iran

Donald Trump says he is not happy after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran was violated. Also: NATO leaders are meeting and could a 33-year-old Muslim become the Democratic candidate for New York mayor?

President Trump lashes out at Iran and Israel after ceasefire violations

Iran has launched missiles at a key US airbase in Qatar in response to American attacks on its main nuclear sites. Meanwhile, Israel has attacked government targets in Iran, and Trump announces Iran-Israel ceasefire.

Iran fires missiles at US Qatar base

Israel says it has hit access routes to Iran's main nuclear enrichment site a day after US attacks. The UN's nuclear watchdog says it must be allowed to assess the damage to Iran's nuclear programme.

Israel strikes Iran's Fordo nuclear site in fresh wave of attacks

At an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Antonio Guterres warned that fighting needed to stop and negotiations should resume. Also: 20 people are dead after a suicide bombing in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

US strikes Iran: UN chief warns against cycle of retaliation

Iran's foreign minister says the US crossed a big red line by bombing Iranian nuclear facilities. We ask what options Tehran has now. Also: Markets are reacting calmly so far, but worries remain.

Iran condemns US attacks on its nuclear facilities

President Trump says US strikes have obliterated three Iranian nuclear facilities. The Israeli Prime Minister has called his decision bold; Iran says the attack is outrageous and will have everlasting consequences.

US targets Iran's nuclear sites - extra edition

Israel has been striking targets across Iran amid reports that the US is moving B-2 bombers to a base in the Pacific. Also: The science of revenge, and the healing power of video games.

Israel strikes Iran as US 'moves B-2 bombers'

The woman fulfilling her mother's dreams of travel by launching her ashes out to sea in a bottle. It's brought her happiness amid her grief. Also: Thailand's tigers bounce back; and making hospitals happier for children.Presenter: Nick Miles. Music composed by Iona Hampson

The Happy Pod: Sending my mother's ashes around the world

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed near aid sites since late May. The Israeli military has repeatedly said it will investigate such reports. We ask why this keeps happening.

Gaza aid deaths: Why does this keep happening?

As the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its second week, European ministers are meeting Iran's top diplomat as part of efforts to end the fighting. Also; Spain's political crisis and the tigers making a comeback.

European ministers hold talks with Iran as conflict continues

The White House says Trump will decide whether to attack Iran within two weeks because there is a "substantial chance of negotiations". Also: why killing a Lithuanian bear outraged hunters, and the search to name storms.

Trump to decide if US will attack Iran 'within two weeks'

An Iranian missile hits a hospital in the Israeli town of Beersheba. Israel vows revenge. Also: Australia's poison mushroom trial draws to a close, and the archaeologists solving a 2000 year old jigsaw puzzle.

Israeli hospital hit by Iranian missile

US president meets national security team again to discuss next steps on Iran. Also: once called the Russian Davos, the St Petersburg International Economic Forum fails to attract western business leaders.

Trump keeps world guessing on Iran strikes

Iran’s supreme leader says he will never surrender to Israel and warned the US not to intervene in the war. Also: More people killed in Gaza near an aid centre, and the tennis legend Martina Navratilova on her career.

Iran warns Trump against joining war with Israel

Donald Trump has demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" and is said to be deciding if the US will join Israeli strikes on Iran. Also: offloading e-waste in Thailand, and how a 3D printed face changed a man's life.

Trump demands Iran's 'unconditional surrender'

Gaza's health ministry says at least 51 Palestinians have been killed while waiting at a food distribution site in Gaza. Also: President Trump says he wants "a real end" to the fighting between Israel and Iran.

Dozens of Palestinians killed in Israeli fire at aid site in Gaza

Israel has hit Iranian state TV as Tehran has reportedly reached out to end the war. Also: The suspect in the killing of a Minnesotan lawmaker is charged with murder, and the owners splashing out on their pet's birthday.

Israel attacks Iranian state TV

Israel says it has full control of the skies over Tehran and destroyed a third of Iran's missile launchers. Also: we hear from inside Iran, and for the first time, a woman takes charge of Britain's MI6 spy agency.

Iran and Israel exchange heavy strikes for fourth day

Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel are "over the skies of Tehran" and have killed an Iran intelligence chief. In response, Iran carries out its first daytime strikes into Israel.

Israeli strikes kill an Iran intelligence chief as conflict intensifies

A tiny dog famous for her big adventure reunites with her overjoyed owners, after 529 days in the wild. Also: the escaped Tennessee Zebra; why a man risked his life to save 41 others; and a footballing first for Senegal.

The Happy Pod: The tiny dog back home after a big adventure

The search in the US for the man who shot dead a Democratic politician in a targeted killing. Also: Israel and Iran threaten to step up their attacks, and getting away from the electro-magnetic radiation of modern life.

Minnesota Democratic politician killed in targeted shooting

The Israeli air force says it is continuing to attack targets inside Iran. Overnight, Iran launched retaliatory air strikes across Israel. We test the mood in both countries and ask where the conflict might go next.

Israel and Iran continue strikes

Loud blasts have been heard across Israel following another wave of retaliatory airstrikes by Iran, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Also: black box flight recorder found at Air India crash site.

Iran retaliates with missile attacks on Israel

Israel's military says Iran fired about 100 drones towards its territory, many of which were intercepted, in retaliation to Israeli air strikes overnight. Also: an update from the scene of crashed Air India flight AI17.

Israel strikes Iran: World leaders urge restraint

Israel has attacked Iran with military strikes that it says are targeting Tehran's nuclear programme. Iran says the head of its armed forces and the top commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard have been killed.

Israel targets Iran's nuclear sites - extra edition

An investigation is underway into the crash of Air India flight AI-171, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. Also: scientists discover a previously unknown species of dinosaur in Mongolia.

Air India plane crash: Only one survivor of 242 people on board

More than 240 people killed in a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The Air India flight crashed into a residential area shortly after take-off. Also, Iran accused of failing to meet nuclear safeguard obligations.

More than 240 people dead in Air India crash

Air India flight to London crashes after take-off in Gujarat. It's reported there are no survivors. The airline says 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, a Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals were on the flight

Air India flight to London crashes in Ahmedabad with 242 on board

Two people are facing the first federal charges in the LA unrest and could serve up to 10 years in prison. Also: Harvey Weinstein is found guilty on one charge of sexual assault, and rare good news from Gaza.

LA unrest: First federal charges for protesters

Police in LA say there have been mass arrests, amid protests over immigration raids. Also: dozens more Palestinians are killed trying to get to aid centres in Gaza and the latest on Austria's school shooting.

LA protests: Mass arrests after curfew kicks in

Israel says it's "outraged" by sanctions imposed by the UK and four other countries on ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for "inciting violence." Also: Assad's Syrian prison enforcers, and recording the sounds of glaciers.

Israel 'outraged' after UK sanctions far-right ministers

The Israeli army is investigating reports that drones fired on civilians. Also: Austria is in mourning after students and teachers were killed in a school shooting, and Japan's rice crisis.

Shootings in Gaza claim the lives of Palestinians desperate for food

California sues Trump for deploying National Guard without Governor's permission. Also: another prisoner swap gets underway between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump to deploy 700 marines to Los Angeles

Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid yacht, carrying human rights activists. Trump deploys national guard at LA protests. UN Oceans talks open in France. Plus: South Korean sci-fi musical wins big at the Tonys.

Israel blocks activist Gaza aid ship

Tensions escalate in LA as 2,000 National Guardsman arrive, and crowds protest for a third day against raids on undocumented migrants. Also: Palestinians shot dead near an aid site, and the Galapagos Islands' postman.

Los Angeles: Clashes erupt for a third day as the US National Guard arrives

Hamas says six people were killed by Israeli gunfire near an aid distribution centre in Gaza. Israel says it fired warning shots. Also: Trump says his relationship with Musk is over and Coco Gauff wins the French Open.

More shootings in Gaza near aid distribution centre

Joy in China as Beanbag the Capybara returns after months on the run. The giant rodent's adventures had gripped social media. Also: an ingenious idea making cities greener; and the flatpack furniture world champion.

The Happy Pod: Rodent on the run returns

Kilmar Ábrego García is returned to US to face criminal charges, three months after he was mistakenly deported. Also: Republicans try to contain Trump-Musk row, and study finds dehorning rhinos sharply cuts poaching.

Man wrongly deported is back in US to face charges

Donald Trump has said Elon Musk has 'lost his mind' as the explosive row between the two men continues. Also: solving a brutal medieval murder, and what makes chimpanzees yawn.

Trump says Musk has 'lost his mind'

Donald Trump and Elon Musk are involved in a rapidly escalating row, a week after the billionaire businessman left his job as a US presidential adviser. Also: gaming fans queue to buy the Nintendo Switch 2.

Trump-Musk relationship implodes with insults and threats

Israeli minister says the retrieval of two Israeli hostages' bodies in Gaza shows only force will bring back those who are still alive. Also: Nintendo's newest console, and are the Dead Sea Scrolls older than thought?

Israeli military recovers two hostages' bodies in Gaza

The US has vetoed UN Security Council's draft resolution calling for an "unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza. The other 14 members voted in favour. Also: how a daily cup of chickpeas can lower cholesterol.

US vetoes UN call for unconditional Gaza ceasefire

The head of the International Red Cross says the situation in Gaza has become 'worse than hell on Earth'. Also: The search for South Africa's illegal mining boss, and could we see data centres in space one day?

Red Cross chief: 'Gaza worse than hell on Earth'

Anna Foster is joined by Afif Safieh, Daniel Levy, Michael Kleiner, Baroness Helena Kennedy KC and the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, to discuss the war in Gaza. With claims from both sides in this conflict, have we witnessed war crimes in Israel and Gaza?

Israel-Gaza: Are we witnessing war crimes?

The Israeli military says it's to investigate the reported killing on Tuesday of twenty-seven Palestinians near a US-backed aid distribution centre in Gaza. Also: Musk calls Trump’s tax bill a “disgusting abomination”.

IDF says it will investigate the deaths of Palestinian civilians near an aid distribution centre in Gaza on Tuesday

Twenty-seven people collecting aid in Gaza are reported to have been killed by the Israeli military. Also: the impact of civil war on children in Sudan, and a library of books that won't be published for 100 years.

Palestinians killed while collecting aid in Gaza

Moscow gave a list of demands known to be unacceptable to Kyiv. Also: Israel condemns the UN's call for an investigation into Sunday's killings of Palestinians and why Paraguay could be South America's Silicon Valley.

President Zelensky calls for tough sanctions on Russia

Russia and Ukraine wrap up a brief round of peace talks - after Ukraine launched an attack on Russian airbases. Also: why Britain is moving to war readiness, and the world's largest digital camera capturing the cosmos.

Russia and Ukraine hold brief talks despite heavy drone attacks

Ukraine claims to have left more than 40 Russian bomber planes burning in a large-scale drone attack. Also: the ICRC in Gaza says it's treated dozens of casualties after a reported attack near an aid distribution centre.

Ukraine launches drone attacks on Russian bombers

The US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has called Hamas' response to a Gaza ceasefire plan 'totally unacceptable'. Also: What two astronauts did when they were stuck in space, and the life of India's 'Tiger Man'.

US rejects Hamas' response to Gaza ceasefire proposal

Why the ancient English tradition of chasing a giant cheese down a steep hill is gathering crowds from around the world. Also: a life saving donation from a stranger half a world away; and Brazil's beatboxing nuns.

The Happy Pod: The joy of chasing a giant cheese

Donald Trump has heaped praise on Elon Musk at a press conference marking his exit from the US government. Also: The scientist behind the abortion pill dies, and Taylor Swift buys back her master recordings.

Musk leaves Trump administration

UN says the world must do more to save the entire population of Gaza from famine. Also: BBC finds the EU has spent more on Russian oil and gas than aid to Ukraine, and do parents know best when it comes to child health?

UN warns entire Gaza population at risk of famine

US President Donald Trump can keep collecting import taxes, an appeals court has ruled, a day after a ruling found the sweeping global tariffs to be illegal. Also: Chinese paraglider survives 8,000m-high flight.

US appeals court rules that Trump tariffs can stay in place for now

Israeli ministers say 22 new Jewish settlements have been approved in the occupied West Bank - the biggest expansion in decades. Also: A US federal court blocks many of President Donald Trump's trade tariffs.

Israel announces major expansion of settlements in occupied West Bank

A special report from the frontline in eastern Ukraine where Russian forces are advancing. Also: remembering the renowned Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o, and saving lives with a defibrillator on Mount Everest.

Dodging Russian drones in Donetsk

Germany's Merz promises to help Ukraine produce long-range missiles. Also: the latest from Gaza, 20 years in jail for French paedophile, experts warn the Earth is 'profoundly ill' and a flying car takes off in England.

Germany promises Ukraine long-range missiles to fight Russia

Thousands of Palestinians have stormed an aid distribution site in Gaza set up by a US and Israeli-backed group, a day after it began working there. Also: a Turkish bakery revives a 5,000-year-old bread recipe.

Crowds overrun new aid distribution site in Gaza

The first aid delivery into Gaza by a US and Israeli-backed group has been dismissed by the UN as a "distraction". Also: King Charles is to deliver a key speech in Canada's parliament, and the world's oldest human fingerprint.

US and Israeli-backed group distributes aid in Gaza

The US envoy Steve Witkoff rejects a claim by Hamas that it has accepted an American plan for a Gaza truce. Also: car drives into Liverpool football fans, and the Blue Danube waltz is to be broadcast to deep space.

US envoy rejects Hamas claim that it has agreed to American terms for a Gaza ceasefire

Family of George Floyd promise to continue campaign for racial justice. Also: Spain calls for arms embargo against Israel over the war in Gaza. And male MPs in New Zealand describe their clothing to support female colleague.

US remembers George Floyd

Ukraine says almost all prisoners released by Russia in the latest exchange were beaten, isolated and brainwashed. Also: an Iranian film shot in secret wins the top prize in Cannes, and the Viagra of the Himalayas.

Ukraine accuses Russia of torturing Ukrainian prisoners of war

We hear how a man travelling the world with a cuddly duck has encouraged thousands to open up about mental health problems. Also: a roaring success for India's lions; and Kermit the Frog urges graduates to leap together.Presenter: Valerie Sanderson
Music: Iona Hampson

The Happy Pod: The unlikely duo getting men talking about mental health

President Trump threatens a 50% tariff on all goods sent to the US from the EU. Also: a gang is found guilty of the Kim Kardashian jewellery heist in Paris, and the Brazilian photographer Sebastiao Salgado dies aged 81.

Trump threatens 50% tariffs on EU and 25% on smartphones

Ukraine and Russia exchange hundreds of prisoners, which President Trump says "could lead to something big." Also: we look at the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and in Norway a man finds a ship in his garden.

Ukraine and Russia take part in biggest prisoner swap since invasion

The Trump administration bans Harvard from enrolling foreign students. Also: Israel blames critics of its war on Gaza for the murder of two US embassy staff, and why the Netherlands accuses Belgium of stealing wind.

The Trump administration stops Harvard from enrolling foreign students

US President Donald Trump confronted his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, claiming that white farmers were being "persecuted" in the country. Also: climbing Everest using Xenon gas.

Trump confronts South African leader with claim of Afrikaners being 'persecuted'

Sudan's army says it has liberated all of Khartoum state from the paramilitary RSF. Also: the UN says new aid supplies have still not been distributed in Gaza, and rapid test could improve treatment for brain tumours.

Paramilitaries pushed out of key state

The United Nations says no aid has yet been distributed in Gaza despite aid lorries starting to cross the border after an 11-week blockade. Also: Sesame Street heads to Netflix after Trump cut PBS funding.

UN says no aid yet distributed in Gaza as international pressure on Israel mounts

The UN says Israel to allow 100 aid lorries to enter Gaza; Also: President Trump's real estate company in talks to build tower in Vietnam as it tries to head off huge US export tariffs, and why does the universe exist?

UN says Israel to allow 100 aid trucks into Gaza

US President Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine will "immediately" start negotiating towards a ceasefire, after a phone call with Vladimir Putin. Also: videos show capuchin monkeys kidnapping babies of another species.

Trump says Russia and Ukraine to 'immediately' start ceasefire talks

The former US president Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday after seeing a doctor for urinary symptoms. Also: Israel says it will allow "basic amount" of food into Gaza, ending 10-week blockade.

Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

Donald Trump has said he will call Vladimir Putin on Monday to stop the Ukraine 'bloodbath'. Also: Reuniting Chile's stolen children with their birth parents, and the theft of a statue of Melania Trump.

Trump to call Putin to stop Ukraine 'bloodbath'

Listener Tania tells us how stories on The Happy Pod helped her fight for life after a near fatal mountain fall. Now she's determined to inspire others. Also: a park designed in a computer game becomes a reality; why happiness boosts vaccines; and the cheerleading businessmen.

The Happy Pod: Climbing a mountain 64 times to inspire others

The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years have ended without a ceasefire agreement. Also: a man who attacked the author Salman Rushdie is jailed for 25 years

Ukraine and Russia agree prisoner swap after direct talks

Airstrikes in north Gaza kill nearly 100 Palestinians. Trump ends Mideast trip with business deals but no Israeli hostage breakthrough. Russia-Ukraine peace talks start in Turkey. Plus: Eurovision finalists confirmed

Trump leaves Middle East while strikes on Gaza intensify

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Ukraine breakthrough not likely until President Trump meets Vladimir Putin. Also: power cuts in Sudan after drone strikes on power stations.

US plays down prospects of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine

President Trump announces a series of deals between the US and Qatar, including a huge order for Boeing jets. Also: President Putin is not on the Kremlin list of officials attending Ukraine peace talks in Turkey.

Trump signs major trade deals with Qatar

Donald Trump has met Syria's president Ahmed al-Sharaa after announcing a surprise decision to lift US sanctions on the government in Damascus. Also: the remarkable first aid abilities of chimpanzees.

Donald Trump meets Syrian leader

President Trump agrees $142bn arms deal with Saudi Arabia during a trip to the Gulf. Also: new hope for patients with breast cancer BRCA gene, and Basel hosts first Eurovision semi-final.

Trump agrees huge arms deal on Saudi visit

President Trump has met Saudi Arabia's crown prince in his first foreign trip since returning to the White House. Also: tennis stars Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic end their working partnership after just six months

Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia

Stock markets rally as US and China agree to slash tariffs for at least 90 days. Also: Kurdish PKK militants end armed struggle against Turkey and Mounjaro and Wegovy go head to head in weight loss trial.

US agrees trade deal with China

President Zelensky has challenged President Putin to meet him after Donald Trump demanded they talk. Also: Hamas to free a hostage after direct talks with the US, and Pope Leo's call for an end to all wars.

Zelensky challenges Putin to meet him

Pakistan and India have accused each other of violating the truce which ended four days of attacks. Also: Syrian Jews return home, and some confusion over the return to Earth of parts of an old Soviet spacecraft.

Pakistan and India accuse each other of violating ceasefire

We meet a man learning to read in his thirties, and inspiring others. He overcame embarrassment to share his journey on his TikTok, Oliver Speaks. Also: laughter yoga; rehoming chimps; and an 81-year-old female Ironman.

The Happy Pod: Learning to read in your 30s

President Putin marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day by defending his invasion of Ukraine. Also: Ukraine arrests two people allegedly working as spies for Hungary and Pope Leo gives his first homily.

Putin hosts Russia's Victory Day parade

Pope Leo XIV addresses Vatican crowd as new leader of the Catholic Church. King Charles marks 80 years since Nazi defeat in Europe. Bill Gates pledges to give away his billions. Plus: David Attenborough turns 99.

Pope Leo XIV - the world reacts

The new pope is Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV - the first American to be elected leader of the Catholic Church. Hear from our correspondent in Rome, as well as reaction from around the world.Image: Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful as he appears from the Central Loggia of St. Peter's Square on 8 May, 2025 in Vatican City (Credit: Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis via Getty Images)

Robert Prevost becomes first American pope: Special episode

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the three-day truce declared by President Putin. India and Pakistan have targeted each other in drone attacks. Also: the spacecraft due to crash back to Earth.

Ukraine labels Russian ceasefire 'a farce'

Black smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, as 133 cardinals fail to elect a new pope after the first ballot. Also: the White House responds to Joe Biden's BBC interview, calling him a disgrace.

First conclave vote ends in black smoke

Why are tensions escalating between India and Pakistan? Our team of BBC experts explain, after India launches missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Five Indian jets were downed, Pakistan says.

Kashmir crisis questions

Pakistan says India's missile attack has ignited an "inferno in the region". India claims it targeted terrorist infrastructure. Also: Joe Biden speaks to the BBC, and cardinals gather to elect the next Pope.

Pakistan vows to respond to Indian strikes

India says it has targeted nine sites in Pakistan in response to a deadly attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir two weeks ago. Also: Canada's new PM tells Donald Trump his country will never be for sale.

India strikes Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Is Friedrich Merz the new German chancellor after he unexpectedly lost an initial vote in parliament? Also: Russian fears for victory parade after Ukrainian attack, and what kind of Pope do Catholics want?

Crisis vote in German parliament

There's been criticism in Israel and internationally of its plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. Also: Zhao Xintong has become the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship.