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

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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

Aid agencies say the Israeli military's ground and air assault on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza has intensified. Also: air force jet crashes into a school in Bangladesh, and a camel learns to walk again with false leg.Image: Smoke rises during Israeli strikes amid the Israeli military operation in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, July 21, 2025 Credit: Reuters

Israel launches ground and air assault on Gaza's Deir al-Balah

Dozens of Gazans die near to an aid convoy; Israel says its troops fired warning shots but rejects Hamas death figures. Also: D-Day veteran "Papa" Jake Larson dies at 102, and how Russia indoctrinates Ukrainian children.

Dozens of Gazans die in shooting near to aid convoy

The Syrian government says it has halted sectarian clashes in Sweida despite signs it's struggling to enforce the ceasefire. Also: more than 30 die in Vietnam when a tourist boat capsizes, and the young poets of Gaza.

Syria deploys troops to enforce fragile ceasefire

We meet some of the swimmers participating in this year's swim across the Arctic Circle. Also, the groundbreaking science behind three parent babies, and the grandchildren available for hire in Bulgaria.

The Happy Pod: The thrill of swimming the Arctic Circle

Donald Trump is suing the Wall Street Journal over a report claiming he wrote a "bawdy" note to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. Also: a Coldplay concert embrace goes viral, and bats make a woman homeless.

Trump sues newspaper over Epstein story

British surgeon documents injuries inflicted on wounded Palestinians. Also: Gaming recruitment strategy in Ukraine, oldest ever ice offers glimpse of early Earth and boy band debut for North Korean defectors.

Patterns of injury in a Gaza war hospital

The personal details of British spies and special forces soldiers were included in one of the worst security leaks in modern UK history. Also: Rosebud - the wooden sled from Citizen Kane - sells for millions at auction.

British spies and special forces named in Afghan data breach

Dozens die in a fire at a shopping centre in the Iraqi city of Kut, opened only five days ago. Also, Syrian government forces pull out of Sweida province, and a Malian photographer whose work is displayed on local buses.

Dozens killed in Iraqi shopping centre fire

Syria says its army has begun to withdraw from the mainly Druze city of Sweida - after days of deadly clashes. Also: eight babies have been born in UK using three people's DNA to prevent genetic disease.

Syria withdrawing its army from Druze-majority Sweida city

Israel launches strikes on Syria, including the capital Damascus. Also: at least 20 people killed by crowd surge at US backed food distribution point in Gaza, and pressure grows on Donald Trump to release Epstein files.

Israel strikes Syrian military headquarters

UK government apologises to thousands of Afghans potentially at risk from Taliban after personal details leaked. Also: Trump says Ukraine shouldn’t target Moscow, and 114-year-old marathon runner dies after car accident.

Afghans moved to UK in secret scheme after data breach

In an exclusive BBC interview, President Trump says he's disappointed with President Putin but he's "not done with him”. Also: the world's biggest human imaging project, and what a tomato plant sounds like.

Trump tells BBC 'I'm not done with Putin'

The US says it will sanction Moscow's trade partners if a ceasefire in Ukraine is not reached. Also: review finds BBC Gaza documentary breached guidelines, and WHO endorses twice-yearly HIV prevention injection.

Trump gives Russia 50 days to make peace in Ukraine

As the US envoy meets President Zelensky in Kyiv, Donald Trump says the US will send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine. Also: Bitcoin hits a new high, and a new look at Superman

Donald Trump to send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine

The IDF has blamed a "technical error" for a Gaza strike that hit metres from the target, killing six children collecting water. Also: the prisoner who escaped hidden in a bag, and the beetles who love eating books.

Israel blames 'technical error' for Gaza children's deaths

The EU and Mexico criticise Donald Trump after he says he will impose 30% tariffs on their exports to the US. Also: why Nicaragua is replacing pavements with concrete, and the British habit of saying sorry.

EU and Mexico hit back at Trump's tariff threat

The trio hoping to soothe global tensions through musical collaboration. They mix Chinese and American songs to focus on similarities not differences. Also: helping disadvantaged teens go to the prom; and a K-pop first.Presenter: Valerie Sanderson. Music composed by Iona Hampson

The Happy Pod: The trio bringing countries together with music

A first report into the Air India crash finds fuel switches were in cut off position just after takeoff. Also, President Trump visits flood victims in Texas, and how emergency vaccines have saved thousands of lives.

Air India crash report: fuel switches cut off after takeoff

Kurdish militant PKK group begins disarming, starting a process designed to end the Turkish conflict. Also: Southern Gaza’s last hospital is forced to stop admitting patients as Israeli troops surround the facility.

Kurdish rebels burn guns in step towards ending Turkey conflict

Keir Starmer announces a "one in, one out" pilot scheme to deter illegal migration. Also: The original Jane Birkin handbag sells for millions, and why chimps have been wearing blades of grass.

UK to return some migrants to France in weeks says PM

Ukraine's security service say one of their officers was gunned down in Kyiv after an overnight Russian bombardment. Also: Houthis destroy a ship in the Red Sea, and preventing cancer patients from losing their hair.

Ukrainian security service say their officer shot dead

Kenya’s President denounces anti-government unrest, saying protesters who use violence should be shot in the legs. Also, Nvidia becomes world's first company valued at 4 trillion dollars, and a new Barbie with diabetes.

Kenya's president denounces anti-government unrest

After President Trump's criticism of Putin, Russia launches major attack on Ukraine, in heaviest single bombardment of the war. Also: Taiwan begins biggest war games, and what do emojis say about us?

Russia launches major attack on Ukraine after Trump criticism of Putin

President Trump and the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, have met for a 2nd time to discuss efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. Also: King Charles and president Macron toast “ever closer” UK-France ties.

Trump and Netanyahu meet again in push for Gaza ceasefire

A new malaria treatment designed for babies is expected to be rolled out in Africa within weeks. Also: Fresh warnings of the dangers linked to aid distribution sites in Gaza, and a look at the rise of e-sports.

First malaria treatment for babies approved

The Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu, meets US President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss ways to end the Gaza conflict. Also: Russian minister sacked by Putin found dead, and gangs burn down Haiti's Oloffson hotel.

Netanyahu meets Trump at White House amid Gaza ceasefire talks

Australian Erin Patterson guilty of murdering three relatives with a beef wellington laced with death cap mushrooms. Also: 20 years since the London 7/7 bombings, and the latest on rescue efforts after Texas floods.

Australian woman guilty of murder in toxic mushroom trial

The authorities in Texas say dozens remain missing after recent flash floods, with search efforts continuing. Also: Qatar hosts Gaza ceasefire talks, and France's top TV game champion eliminated after 647 episodes.

More bodies recovered in Texas after Friday's catastrophic flash floods

The billionaire, Elon Musk, is launching a new political party after falling out with President Trump. Also: Israel is sending a delegation to Qatar for Gaza ceasefire talks, and swimming in the river Seine in Paris.

Elon Musk says he is launching a new political party

A surgeon who left his wedding to save a life says it's inspired him to help more people. Also: one man's adventures with a pet goose; a police officer reunited with a baby he rescued; and why we should eat more custard.

The Happy Pod: The surgeon who left his wedding to save a life

Hamas says it has delivered a "positive response" to mediators on Gaza ceasefire proposal - but wants guarantee that Israel's bombardment will not resume. Also: President Trump signs flagship tax package into law.

Hamas submits positive response to Gaza ceasefire proposal

Dutch and German intelligence accuse Moscow of 'widespread' use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. Also; Donald Trump says a ceasefire is nearing for Gaza, and today is gonna be the day. Oasis are back!

Russia accused of 'widespread' use of chemical weapons

A contractor who worked at aid distribution sites in Gaza says he saw colleagues firing on Palestinians waiting for food. The GHF categorically denies the allegations. Also: objects in space, and big Roman footwear.

Gaza aid contractor says he saw colleagues fire on hungry Palestinians

Liverpool and Portugal footballer, Diogo Jota, killed in car crash in Spain, aged 28. He had three young children and had just married his long-term partner. Also, Thailand gets a second caretaker prime minister in a week.

Footballer Diogo Jota dies in car crash

A New York jury clears Sean "Diddy" Combs of sex trafficking and racketeering but finds him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. Also, dining on foie gras in space and marking moths' decline in sound.

'Diddy' cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering but guilty on other charges

Ukraine fears US suspension on weapons deliveries could "encourage" Russia. Also: Trump says Israel has agreed to a 60 day ceasefire in Gaza and tells Hamas to accept. Plus, the killer whales offering food to humans.

Trump blocks Ukraine weapons deliveries

US Senate approves Trump's mega-bill on tax and spending, after Vice-President JD Vance casts tie-breaking vote. Also: Delhi bans fuel sales to old cars to tackle air pollution, and TV evangelist Jimmy Swaggart dies.

US Senate narrowly passes Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'

Thailand's PM is suspended after a leaked call sparks outrage. Turkish police arrest more than a hundred city officials in Izmir, an opposition stronghold. Also: can robots play better football than us?

Thailand PM suspended over leaked phone call

Many Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli air strike at a popular seafront cafe in Gaza. Also: Microsoft AI system diagnoses patients "much better than doctors", and big wins not so big in Norwegian lottery.

Israeli strike on Gaza seafront cafe

The UN is warning that millions of Sudanese refugees fleeing war are at risk, after drastic cuts to food programmes. Also: Palestinians in Gaza report one of the worst nights of Israeli bombing in weeks and why Wimbledon is changing one of its oldest traditions.

UN warning: Millions at risk after Sudan food aid cuts

Israel has ordered Palestinians to evacuate from parts of northern Gaza ahead of increased military action. Also: Spain records temperature of 46C in Europe heatwave, and would you eat bugs if they taste like bacon?

Israel orders evacuations in northern Gaza

A state funeral has been held in Iran for military commanders and nuclear scientists, killed during the 12-day conflict with Israel. Also: Budapest Pride march draws huge crowds in defiance of Orban legal threats.

Iran holds state funeral for military leaders killed in Israel conflict

We meet Jack Pepper, the composer who's written a song for King Charles. The piece celebrates the harmony between people and the natural world. Also: hope for Alzheimer's patients; and how tourism could help stray dogs.

The Happy Pod: A song fit for a King

The top court in the US has ruled judges in lower courts have limited ability to block presidential orders. Also: DR Congo and Rwanda sign long-awaited peace deal, and should we be letting maggots eat our food waste?

US Supreme Court curbs judges' power to block Trump orders

The US pumps millions into Gaza Humanitarian Foundation - but MSF calls the scheme "slaughter masquerading as aid." Also: US set to get rare earth metals after deal with Beijing, and a breakthrough against a rare disease.

Gaza: US pledges $30 million to controversial aid system

The US defence secretary insists their strikes undermined Iran's nuclear plans. Also: Journalist Anna Wintour is to step down as US Vogue editor, and a man whose crimes helped create the term Stockholm Syndrome has died.

US insists attack on Iran was a success as Iran's leader dismisses it as 'showmanship'

A special episode answering your questions about the Iran crisis. BBC experts discuss Iran's nuclear ambitions, possibilities of regime change and the impact on the wider Middle East.

Iran crisis: your questions answered

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

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

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

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

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

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?