Newshour

As the Iran war goes into its third week, which countries will heed President Trump's call to help unblock the flow of global oil? We hear from a former British army officer who served as Nato's deputy supreme allied commander of Europe. Also on the programme: whistleblowers tell the BBC social media giants have allowed harmful content on feeds to entice users; and a new study finds that babies experiment with deceptive behaviour much earlier than previously thought. (Photo: US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One on a flight back to Washington on March 15, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump says he's not ready to make a deal with Iran because the terms for one aren't good enough yet. We'll hear from Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi who says his country has never even requested a ceasefire with the US and get the latest on the situation in Iran from a BBC Persian journalist.Also on the programme: Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine tells us concerns for his safety have prompted him to leave the country two months after the disputed presidential election; and who's in the running ahead of this year's upcoming Oscars ceremony? (Photo: Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi speaking to CBS News, 16th March 2026. Credit: "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan", CBS News)

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait all reported attacks overnight, with air defences working to intercept them, though the frequency is much less than in the early days of the conflict. Earlier the Iranians urged the UAE to evacuate the port zones of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah. We hear about Iran's strategy. Also in the programme: Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of crossing a red line by launching drones into its airspace; and how an Oscar-nominee picked a fight with the worlds of ballet and opera. (Photo: Smoke rises in the Fujairah oil industry zone, caused by debris after interception of a drone by air defences, according to the Fujairah media office, during the US/Israel conflict with Iran. Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, March 14, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

The US president has called on the UK and other allies to join the United States in sending ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. His comments come after he said US forces had “obliterated” military targets on Iran's key Kharg Island - a commercial lifeline for the Iranian regime. We discuss these latest developments with Mark Kimmitt, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs under George W. Bush.Also on today's programme: an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon has killed 12 medical workers; and we hear from Cuba, where protesters have attacked a Communist Party office. (Photo: Kharg Island - a military target on Kharg Island, that was struck by the US forces. Source: U.S. Central Command on social media / X / @CENTCOM)

The US military has given more details about its strikes last night on Kharg Island, where most of Iran's oil exports are shipped from. It said it had struck more than 90 military sites, including missile storage facilities. Video on social media showed multiple explosions, including at an airfield. Also in the programme: our correspondent has been to a Kurdish Peshmerga mountain base in Iraq; and we meet the man who did the make-up and prosthetics for the new film Frankenstein. (Photo: A satellite image shows an oil terminal at Kharg Island, Iran, February 25, 2026. 2026 Credit: Planet Labs PBC/Handout via Reuters)

European leaders have reacted with alarm to a US plan to ease some oil sanctions on Russia. The intention, in Washington, is to tackle surging energy costs caused by the war in the Middle East, in particular the blockage by Iran of tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 per cent of the world's oil usually transits. With her country at war with Russia, a Ukrainian MP gives us her reaction to this development. Also on the programme: a look at the current state of Iran's military capabilities as war continues to rage; how spider's silk could be used to treat nerve damage in humans; and the bid to restore the resting place of saxophone inventor Adolphe Sax.(Photo: General view of the Arcelor Mittal plant in Fos-sur-Mer, Southern France, 12th March 2026. Credit: Guillaume Horcajuelo/EPA/Shutterstock)

The massive bombardment of Iran is continuing with explosions heard across Tehran. Iranian state television reported a major blast near where thousands of Iranians are taking part in a Quds Day rally - an annual march in support of Palestinians and opposing Israel. One person is reported to have been killed. There is also growing criticism in Europe of Washington's decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil in a bid to counter rising oil prices caused by the US and Israel's war with Iran.Also, how the White House is selling its war on social media. And we look ahead to the Oscars, where international cinema in the spotlight this year.Plus researchers warn AI toys for children misread emotions and respond inappropriately.(Photo: Iranians collect their belongings among the rubble of their damaged residential buildings in central Tehran, Iran, 12 March 2026. Credit: EPA)

As Iran releases the new supreme leader's first statement, we hear from the country's UN ambassador, Ali Bahreini. We also track the expanding Israeli military assault on Lebanon, and ask how the insurance industry is handling the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a major conduit for global oil supplies. Also in the programme: British tourist among those arrested in Dubai for having missile photographs on his phone; and a tribute album for the jazz musician Miles Davis on the centenary of his birth.(Photo: Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei; Credit: ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA/Shutterstock)

Iran's new supreme leader vows to keep blocking Strait of Hormuz in his first statement released by the regime after more attacks on cargo ships in the Gulf in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, causing another spike in oil prices.Can American naval power keep those shipping lanes open? We'll assess the options and hear what people in America's heartland think about the war.Also in the programme: Will a new "ethnic unity" law in China lead to more disunity?; and a piece of rock music history goes up for a sale - a rather battered guitar that belonged to Nirvana's Kurt Cobain.(Photo shows the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree on fire after being hit by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, on 11 March 2026. Credit: Royal Thai Navy)

Three vessels have been hit by 'unknown projectiles' in the Strait of Hormuz, maritime authorities say. We are joined by Dr Harry Broadman, a former US Assistant Trade Representative to discuss how disruption in the shipping channel might affect global supply chains.Also on today's programme: Chile sees its biggest shift to the hard right in decades with the inauguration of Jose Antonio Kast as president. British organ preservation charity Pipe Up says five pipe organs are sent to a landfill each week. Plus, as Iran says it will not play in the World Cup, we hear from Afshin Ghotbi, who coached both the US and Iranian national football teams.(Photo: An LPG gas tanker at anchor as traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, in Shinas, Oman. 11 March 2026. Credit: Benoît Tessier/Reuters)

Israel has launched more attacks against suspected Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including an apartment building in the capital Beirut. The Hezbollah militia is an ally of Iran.It comes as the Lebanese health ministry has announced that 570 people have been killed in Lebanon since strikes began on 2nd March as part of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Israel's evacuation orders have driven more than three quarters of a million people from their homes. We'll hear from the Lebanese capital and we'll hear from Dubai and Riyadh about the disruption to energy shipments from the region.Also in the programme: Russia's campaign of sabotage against Ukraine's European allies; how Britain's old church organs are being dumped, and how some dogs really can sing along to music.(Photo shows smoke rising after an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs on 11 March 2026. Credit: Raghed Waked/Reuters)

The White House press secretary warns that US combat operations in Iran are intensifying while Iran's defence capabilities are in decline.Also in today's programme: Tehran residents describe intense bombing in the city. With oil prices soaring across the globe we hear from Mark Menezes, CEO of the US Energy Association, who previously served as Deputy Energy Secretary in President Trump's first administration. And we also discuss Iran's world heritage sites under threat from US-Israeli attack.Plus, to mark the 150 years since the first ever telephone call we hear from Marty Cooper, the inventor of mobile phone. (Picture: A dredger sits anchored as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz. Credit: Reuters/Benoit Tessier)

The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has insisted America's war aims are clear, at a Pentagon press conference. We'll hear from those inside Iran caught up in the bombardment, and from our correspondent, Tom Bateman, who attended that news conference.Also on the programme: Authorities in the US state of New Mexico have launched a search of a ranch previously owned by the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; and the German carmaker Volkswagen has said it will cut 50,000 jobs in Germany by 2030 as its profits fell by over 40 percent in 2025.(Photo: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a press conference at CENTCOM headquarters in Florida on the 5th of March 2026. Credit:Cristóbal Herrera/EPA/Shutterstock)

G7 finance ministers have said they're ready to take measures to support the global energy supply, after meeting to discuss the economic turmoil caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran. Oil prices eased back below 100 US dollars a barrel, after they indicated this could include the release of strategic reserves. But they're still about 40 percent up since the start of the war, which has halted most exports from the Gulf. Concerns about the impact on the global economy have caused stock markets to fall in America, Europe and Asia.Also in the programme: Reports that members of Iran's women's football team are seeking refuge in Australia - we'll hear from a former Iranian sportsman who fled the country; and how AI is predicting the risk of serious heart disease from breast cancer screenings.(File Photo: A maze of crude oil pipes and valves pictured during a tour by the Department of Energy at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Freeport, Texas, US. Credit: Reuters/Richard Carson/File Photo)

As the US and Israel's war on Iran enters its second week, concerns are rising about surging oil prices.Crude has jumped above $100 a barrel and stock markets slumped over the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran. What are the effects likely to be?Also in the programme: We'll profile Iran's new Supreme Leader, the son of the former cleric; we'll hear how the war is affecting daily life in the Gulf state of Qatar; and how the master artists of ancient Egypt may have invented correction fluid.(Photo shows smoke rising following a strike on the Bapco Oil Refinery on Sitra Island in Bahrain on 9 March 2026. Credit: Reuters)

The United States and Israel have continued their bombardment of Iran for a ninth day. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen in the skies above Tehran as the US and Israel struck an oil refinery and depot in the capital. We'll bring you the latest in the war including from the second front in southern Lebanon.Also in the programme: a high-ranking executive at OpenAI has resigned over the company's deal with the US government; and India has retained the men's T20 cricket World Cup title. (Picture: Thick plumes of smoke rise above the Shahran oil refinery in Tehran which was hit in US and Israeli strikes on the country. Credit: BEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA/Shutterstock)

Iran says it's chosen a successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed last week in US-Israeli airstrikes – but the name has yet to be revealed. Meanwhile Israel and the US continue to strike Iran, with oil depots hit, and Iran carries out more strikes on its Gulf Arab neighbours: we hear from Kuwait.Also in the programme: scientists find a mountain range and huge "blue hole" in the deep Caribbean Sea, with life never before seen; and the American gospel musician finally getting recognition after more than fifty years.(IMAGE: A demonstrator holds an image of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after he was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes. Tehran, Iran, March 6, 2026 / CREDIT: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS)

We hear how a week of war is changing Iran. And the attacks in southern Lebanon's Bekaa valley continue, after Israel warned Lebanon that it will pay a "very ​heavy price" if it does not rein in attacks by Hezbollah.Also on the programme: Nepal's rapper turned Prime Minister; and the NASA mission that's shown how we can defend ourselves against a speeding asteroid.(Photo: Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, in Manama, Bahrain Credit: Reuters/Stringer)

The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has said Iran will stop striking its Arab neighbours as long as no attacks originate from their territory. President Trump has characterised the remark as a surrender in response to relentless US and Israeli attacks. Also on the programme: President Trump is hosting Latin American leaders for a summit called 'The Shield of The Americas'; and the slow breakdown of one of the world largest icebergs.(File photo: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran on February 11, 2026. Credit: Iran's Presidential website/WANA)

President Trump says only Iran's unconditional surrender will end American and Israeli bombardment. The US and Israel say much of Iran's capability has been destroyed but Iran is fighting back. We speak to one of the few international journalists in Iran about the latest attacks.Also in the programme: Ukraine and six European nations boycott the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics because of Russian and Belarusian athletes taking part; and a firefighter in Texas recounts how his team rescued two people whose hot air balloon got entangled in a 300-metre tower. Photo: US-Israeli attacks continue in Iran amid escalating conflict. Credit: ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA/Shutterstock

Israel and the United States have continued their heavy attacks on Tehran and other cities across Iran, while Israel has stepped up its bombing of Lebanon.Also in the programme:  a report from Caracas as the US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum became the latest senior American official to visit Venezuela; and we hear from a youth mentor in Haiti's gang-ravaged capital Port-au-Prince, whose film has just won a best documentary award.(Photo: US-Israeli attacks continue in Iran amid escalating conflict, Tehran on 6 March 2026. Credit: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA/Shutterstock)

Explosions have again been heard in locations across Tehran, as darkness fell in Iran's capital. Earlier the United States and Israel stepped up their attacks on Iranian cities, including Karaj and Isfahan, where eyewitnesses described bodies lying in the street. Also, President Trump has said he needs to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next leader. Also in the programme: US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is replaced; and how to recognise a real Stradivarius. (Photo: A view of the Azadi sports complex after the airstrikes in Tehran, Iran, 05 March 2026. CREDIT: ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA/Shutterstock)

The United States and Israel have carried out a sixth day of attacks. Columns of smoke are towering in the sky in the capital, Tehran, where the Azadi football stadium appears to have been severely damaged. We'll also investigate unconfirmed reports that the US is trying to foment a Kurdish rebellion in the north of Iran.Also in the programme: people in Nepal have been voting for the first time since last year's "Gen Z" demonstrations, in which dozens of young protesters died; and the drug trials that have had some terrific results for children with the severest epilepsy.(Photo: People gather on the sides of a road as smoke rises in the background following an explosion, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 5, 2026. Credit: Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via REUTERS)

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said an American submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean.Washington says it's the first time since the Second World War it's used a torpedo to sink an enemy vessel.Also on the programme: we gauge the scale of the attacks inside Iran by speaking to a resident in Tehran and verifying video footage; and a look at a new AI model, trained on the DNA of over 100,000 species, that is capable of designing new genomes.(Photo: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon on 2 March. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)

The Sri Lankan navy says it has rescued 32 people after a distress call from the Iranian IRIS Dena, with around 140 people on board currently missing. We also hear from Iraq's Kurdistan region where reports suggest the US could back the Kurdish armed groups to cross over into Iran in a ground operation.Also on the programme: the latest from the onflict in the Middle East, with a lineup of who is in the running to take over from Iran's Supreme Leader; the controversial 'Moonies' church that has contravened the law in Japan, and proof that a woman's brain does change during pregnancy. (Photo: Iranian warship IRIS Dena is seen in the Bay of Bengal during International Fleet Review held at Visakhapatnam in India on 18 February, 2026. Credit: Associated Press)

President Trump says both Iran's leadership and military have been knocked out by US and Israeli attacks on day four of the war. We'll bring you the latest and hear from Lebanon's Deputy Prime Minister as Israel pursues the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia; and how might Gulf states react if Iran continues to attack them?(An explosion in Tehran, Iran as US/Israeli attacks continue. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)

As loud explosions continue to be heard across Tehran there are reports that many residents are trying to flee the capital by car while others are stocking up on essential supplies. Israel says it's bombed Iran's presidential office and the US claims to have destroyed command facilities and missile launch sites across the country. Iran has threatened to open the gates of hell as it retaliates.Also, Leaked photo, hot tub, and Pizzagate - video of Clintons' testimony on Epstein ties released. And discovering your old painting was actually a masterpiece by Rembrandt!

President Donald Trump says the US continues to carry out "large-scale combat operations" in Iran to eliminate threats posed by the Iranian regime. As explosions thunder across the Iranian capital, we'll hear from a journalist in Tehran. Also on the programme: the conflict spreading into Lebanon and across the Gulf, and why one Trump-supporting American commentator believes this war of choice was a mistake. (Photo: President Donald Trump attends a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House in Washington, DC. Credit: Reuters)

We hear from Lebanon and head to the Persian Gulf to take a look at the impact on oil prices. Israel's Head of State, President Isaac Herzog speaks to the BBC about his perspective on the conflict. Also on the programme: we hear about the British allied response to the war as Cyprus remains on high alert and Greece sends military vessels and aircraft to help. (Photo: Aftermath of an Israeli & US strike in Gandhi Hotel Hospital in Tehran Credit: Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via Reuters)

Israel has said it has dealt a "severe blow" to Iran's command and control centres as it continues to strike the country. Iran's retaliations have led to casualties across the region. In the meantime, President Trump has said he is open to talking to Iran's new interim leaders.We hear the latest from the ground in Tehran, talk to an Israeli MP and an economist about the impact on oil prices as shipping comes to a standstil in the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo: a supporter of deceased Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini holds its picture at a rally in Lebanon. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)

Iran's interim leadership council has been named following the death of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel attack. In Israel nine people have been killed by retaliatory strikes from Tehran.(Photo: Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. CREDIT: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS)

US President Donald Trump says that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is dead following after a day of U.S. and Israeli military strikes. Iranian state media denies Mr Khamenei is dead. We bring you the latest political and diplomatic developments from across the world and from inside the country.(Photo: People walk near a mural featuring images of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Credit: Majid Asgaripour/Reuters). Reuters )

The US and Israel have carried out a joint attack on Iran. President Donald Trump confirms the start of a 'major combat operation,' and calls for regime change. We bring you reaction from neighbouring countries in the Middle East and the Gulf. We also hear from an Iranian resident in the capital Tehran, and views from Washington and Israel.(Photo: Smoke rises following an explosion in Tehran, after Israel launched an attack, February 28, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

Bill Clinton has told a Congressional committee that he was unaware of the crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein. Mr Clinton said he saw nothing and did nothing wrong during his acquaintance with the late sex offender. Democrats have described the tone of the closed door hearing as civil, saying Mr Clinton answered every question.Also in the programme: Pakistan defence minister says country in 'open war' with Afghanistan after strikes; Ramadan in Gaza; and we'll talk to a judge at the International Criminal Court, who was sanctioned by the US after the court issued an arrest warrant for Israel's prime minister.(Photo credit: AFP)

Pakistani forces struck the Afghan capital, Kabul, and the provinces of Kandahar and Paktika, though the casualty count remains unclear. We speak with a former Pakistani brigadier general and hear from voices on the ground in Kabul.Also on the programme: an International Criminal Court judge whose life has been impacted by US sanctions, with credit cards and Google accounts cancelled; and celebrating 30 years of Pokemon. (Photo: Taliban soldiers load a rocket launcher in a vehicle, following exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces, near Torkham border in Afghanistan on February 27, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

In a published opening statement, Mrs Clinton said she had no recollection of ever meeting Epstein and castigated the committee for failing to question people who did have dealings with him, including President Trump.Also on the programme: as Iran and the US resume nuclear talks in Geneva, Iranians fear it's the last chance for diplomacy. And how our two eyes evolved from a cyclopean ancestor,(Picture: Chairman of the House Oversight Committee James Comer speaks to the press ahead of US former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's scheduled testimony. Credit: Federova / EPA)

The former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, will testify in the congressional investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her husband, the former president, Bill Clinton, will testify on Friday.Also on the programme: a third round of talks between Iranian and American officials are being held in Geneva; and a new study that discovered the key to staying mentally sharp in old age. (Photo: Hillary Clinton attends the Mumbai Climate Week in Mumbai, India on February 18, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

The United States is ending its health programmes in Zimbabwe, including HIV treatment for one point two million people. The US embassy said Harare had pulled out of negotiations over a new health aid agreement which would have provided 367 million dollars over five years. The US has been renegotiating aid to Africa following the abolition of USAID by President Trump.   Also on the programme: The influential economist, Larry Summers, resigns from Harvard over the Epstein files and the Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, apologises to staff about his links with the convicted sex offender; and we'll hear why Emperor penguins are facing the threat of extinction.   (Photo shows a health official opening a rapid HIV test during the launch of Lenacapavir, a long‑acting HIV prevention injection outside Harare, Zimbabwe on 19 February 2026.Credit: Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters)

US President Donald Trump makes the longest-ever State of the Union address, claiming America's enjoying a golden age.But will his message on the economy be enough to persuade voters worried about persistent high prices?Also in the programme: Sri Lanka's former intelligence chief has been arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 270 people; and we'll hear from the small Norwegian club inside the Arctic Circle that's shaking up European football.(Photo shows US president Donald Trump delivering the State of the Union address at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. on 24 February 2026. Credit: Kenny Holston/Reuters)

It's officially four years since the war in Ukraine began. One of the striking things that has happened to mark it has been a united statement of encouragement for Ukraine from leaders of the G7 group of countries, including the US. We hear from a Ukrainian mother and son about the impact of four years of war on their lives and the decisions they've made. Also in the programme: Russian dissidents tell the BBC they've seen fellow troops executed on commanders' orders during the conflict; a look at what might be coming up in President Trump's State of the Union address; and why a nineteenth-century Ghanaian artefact is being kept from public view.(Photo: People take part in a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine to mark the fourth anniversary of the start of the war, in Zurich, Switzerland, 24th February 2026. Credit: Andreas Becker/EPA/Shutterstock)

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky says Vladimir Putin 'has not achieved his goals' and Ukraine will do everything to achieve peace and justice, on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. European leaders are in Kyiv and commemorative events are being held across Ukraine. We hear from Ukrainians about how their lives have changed.Also in the programme: UK's first baby born from a transplanted womb from a deceased donor; and researchers have discovered how a horse produces its distinctive whinny.(Picture: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen before a meeting of 'Coalition of the Willing' in Kyiv. Credit: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout)

Unrest has erupted in at least 20 states across Mexico, and thousands of troops have been deployed to maintain order after the country's most wanted cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes - known as "El Mencho" - died after being captured on Sunday.Also on the programme: US and Iranian officials have confirmed that negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme will resume on Thursday; and we hear from Lauren Wyatt, who has Tourette's syndrome and is an advocate for the National Neurodiversity Youth Council, about the racial slur shouted by a man at the Bafta film awards who also lives with the condition.(Photo: A burnt bus on the highway connecting Mexico City with the state of Puebla, following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by members of organized crime after the death of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho". Credit: REUTERS/Paola Garcia)