The World Tonight

The UK has agreed to allow the United States to use British bases to launch strikes on Iranian sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously allowed US forces to use the bases only for defensive operations to prevent Iran firing missiles that put British interests or lives at risk.Also on the programme: Dame Jenni Murray, who hosted BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour for more than three decades, has died at the age of 75. Broadcaster Ritula Shah reflects on her former colleague.And after 70 years of service, the British Army announces plans to retire its fleet of Land Rovers. We get the reaction of motoring journalist, Top Gear veteran and Land Rover owner, James May.

The Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that US-Israeli attacks are massively degrading Iran's capacity to attack its neighbours as he insisted Israel had not dragged the US into war. He claimed Iran could no longer make ballistic missiles and the war could end sooner than people think. We hear from a former Trump administration official on whether the US and Israel are on the same page when it comes to conducting the war. Also on the programme: We speak to a survivor of county lines grooming in London. And we hear from the 89 year old scientist who has made it her life's work to study the links between chemicals and fertility.

Israel has ordered Lebanese civilians as far as 25 miles from the border to leave their homes. The UK, German, French and Italian governments have warned of "devastating humanitarian consequences" if Israel does not halt its ground operation. We report from southern Lebanon and hear from an Israeli government spokesperson.Also on the programme: the government says the adoption system needs to change after a BBC investigation finds parents were left without support and even faced false accusations by adoptive children.And a decision that's rocked African football, people in Senegal react to their team being stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Members of the Scottish Parliament have voted 67 to 59 against legalising assisted dying. The debate featured tears, applause and impassioned pleas, and we hear from MSPs on both sides of the debate.Also on the programme: in the US a top counter-terrorism official resigns over the Iran war, saying the country posed “no imminent threat" to America. And remembering the writer Len Deighton, who rode the wave of social change in post-war Britain, and created the working-class spy.

The University of Canterbury has moved away from face-to-face teaching and students have been queueing for antibiotics amidst a meningitis outbreak that has killed two people. We get the latest from the BBC's health editor and speak to a survivor of meningitis. Also on the programme: Donald Trump hits out at the US's allies over their perceived inaction in the Strait of Hormuz. And the earliest recording of whale song has been rediscovered. What does it tell us about the changing song of the sea?

The US is expected to send a marine unit and more warships to the Middle East, two officials tell the BBC's US partner CBS News. It comes as the Trump administration loosens sanctions on Russian oil as prices spike because of the US-Israeli war against Iran. US Democratic Senator Jack Reed tells us the decision is "a great gift to Russia".Also in the programme: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel says his government is in talks with the Trump administration to find solutions to the two countries' differences. We hear from a resident of Havana where residents struggle to afford food.And ahead of Oscars on Sunday, we explore how small controversies about Academy Awards nominees can make big headlines.

Israeli strikes in Tehran are continuing tonight after Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader said the country would keep blocking the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane through which 20% of the world's oil supply flows. Mojtaba Khameini, son of former leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini, provided a statement that was read out on state TV, his physical condition remains unknown. We hear from Iranian refugees at the border with Turkey and from inside Lebanon, where Israel has expanded its operation against Hezbollah.Also on the programme: does the resignation of the head chef at one of the world's most highly-esteemed restaurants auger a change in kitchen culture? We speak to a protege of Gordon Ramsey.And after a widely praised speech on the scrapping of jury trials in the House of Commons by Geoffrey Cox, we analyse the ancient art of oratory.

The prime minister was warned that Lord Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein posed a "reputational risk" before he was confirmed as US ambassador. Documents released by the government include advice sent to the prime minister which said the pair's relationship continued after the financier's conviction for procuring an underage girl in 2008. We'll hear from Karl Turner, the Labour MP for Kingston Upon Hull East.Also on the programme: Why more than 400 of the UK's church pipe organs are being junked or falling silent.And English language music is losing its stranglehold on the charts, according to new data from music streaming giant Spotify. We speak to the Welsh rock duo, Alffa.

The BBC understands the Metropolitan Police Commissioner has written to the home secretary saying the controversial Al Quds Day march - which was set to take place in London this weekend - should not be allowed to go ahead. The annual event has been criticised for representing the views of the Iranian regime and for antisemitic and anti-Israel hostility. We'll hear from Lord Walney who supports a ban, and from one of the organisers of the march.Also on the programme:The creator of Wordle tells us why he's moving from a simple word game to cryptic crosswords:And if you're a woman who drives an Uber or hails one in the United States, you can now ask for a women-only journey. We talk to a female cabbie and the owner of a new women's taxi business here in the UK.

President Trump tonight described the war in Iran as "a short term excursion" after he'd told CBS the war was "ahead of schedule" and "very complete, pretty much".He spoke as the economic impact of the war became clearer. With oil prices rising - and inflation likely to rise as well - we hear advice on how to drive more efficiently.Also on the programme: After chaotic ticket sales for Taylor Swift's Eras tour, Live Nation and Ticketmaster settle a lawsuit in the United States. What will it mean for ticket prices here?

The US has said only Iran's unconditional surrender will end American and Israeli bombardment. President Trump has warned the war could last four to six weeks. We hear from people on the ground in Tehran and assess the conflict one week on with Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet.Also on the programme, the opening of the Paralympics sees Russia return from sporting exile.And the story of a 19th century lesbian landowner brought to life by the Northern Ballet.

President Trump has just urged Iranian diplomats to apply for asylum as he set out the scale of damage inflicted on Iran's military. A former Pentagon analyst joins us to assess America's objectives. We also hear from Iran's teachers' union about the strikes in the south of the country that killed over 100 children. Also on the programme, we hear from a British national stranded with her family in Qatar after her flight transfer was interrupted by Iranian missile attacks.And why bad vibes could disrupt the first F1 Grand Prix of the year.

Fresh strikes by the US and Israel have begun in Iran tonight. Earlier in the day US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also confirmed an American submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile the US Senate failes in a bid to pass curbs on President Trump's war powers.We hear how the war is unfolding on the ground in Iran, and how the country's remaining leadership is responding. We also speak to a MAGA supporter who says Trump has abandoned his non-interventionist stance, and a US Republican Congressman who defends the military action.Also on the programme: how pregnancy changes a woman's brain, and the dog breeds that some owners fear could be phased out under new guidelines.

The US President doubled down on criticism of Keir Starmer for delays in allowing the Americans to launch strikes on Iran from Diego Garcia. We ask if the Transatlantic relationship can weather the conflict with Iran. Also on the programme: oil and gas prices rocket as Iran attacks shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. And which piece of music gives you the chills? A study finds that spine-tingling response to emotive music and art could be genetic.

Iran has threatened shipping in the Persian Gulf and Straits of Hormuz as fighting between the country and the US and Israel escalates. Today, US President Donald Trump says he took the decision to launch a war against Iran because it was the "last, best chance" to stop the country's regime. We devote the entire programme to the conflict, and enlist a panel of experts to guide us through it: Rana Rahimpour is an Iranian-British journalist and former BBC Persian presenter and reporter; Kirsten Fontenrose was senior director for the Gulf at The US National Security Council in the first Trump Administration; and Sir Simon Fraser is a former head of the Foreign Office, now Chair of the British foreign policy institute Chatham House.Here in the UK, Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK's decision not to join the US-Israeli strikes on Iran was "deliberate", adding his government "does not believe in regime change from the skies". We assess the state of relations between the US and UK.

Allegations of 'family voting' in the Gorton and Denton by-election are to be raised in parliament on Monday. We speak to Lord Pickles, whose report into electoral fraud called for action a decade ago. We also look at where the by-election leaves Labour strategy: are Reform or the Greens their main opposition now? Also:Bill Clinton testifies in front of a Congressional committee; President Trump says he's "not happy" as concerns grow about a possible US attack. And 30 years of Pokemon.

It's expected to be a close race between Labour, Reform UK, and the Greens. We hear from the count and speak to political scientist Paula Keaveney about the apparent fragmentation of British politics.Also on programme: Democrats on the Republican-led House Oversight Committee have defended the former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after her deposition about the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.And the television series Our Friends in the North is adapted for the stage. Writer Peter Flannery and actor Christopher Eccleston discuss the show's enduring success.

The government has said it is not pausing legislation that would see the Chagos Islands transferred to Mauritius. That's despite Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer telling Parliament that the process would be paused "for discussions with our American counterparts". A government spokesperson said Falconer had "misspoken".Also on the programme: as more shops use facial recognition technology to deter shoplifters, we find out what it's like to be falsely accused.And new research uncovers clues to the origin of the organ that gave Charles Darwin a "cold shudder": the eye.

Lord Mandelson was released in the early hours of Tuesday morning - and tonight lawyers for the former UK Ambassador and Labour minister have said he'd been arrested on "a baseless suggestion" that he was planning to leave the country.Also on the programme: As the government prepares to introduce its criminal justice reforms, a justice minister insists they won't back down on plans to reduce the number of jury trials. As the latest retail crime figures are released, the view from the frontline: our presenter visits Northampton to see how police are tackling shoplifting.And there has been a dog among the swans tonight - but a friendly one: the co-owner of Swansea City Football Club - the American rapper Snoop Dogg - attends a home game for the first time.

The investigation that led to the arrest was triggered by emails in the Epstein files which appeared to show Lord Mandelson allegedly communicating with Epstein, including one exchange about rumours of an EU bailout.Also on the programme: the government unveils plans to overhaul the special educational needs system in England. And lots of people say weasel words are great, but what do actually we mean when we use these evasive phrases?

With a 6-3 majority, the Supreme Court ruled President Trump exceeded his authority when he imposed tariffs via a law reserved for national emergencies. The president has used Nixon-era legislation to impose new, albeit temporary, tariffs. Also on the programme: the BBC understands the government is considering legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal line of succession.And we hear from the scientist behind our ‘nature notes' series. What does the habit of observing the natural world give us in return?

He was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office. We hear from our correspondent outside Buckingham Palace, a former press chief in the Royal household, a former Minister who opposed Andrew becoming UK trade envoy, and we look at how the Royal family has recovered from previous crises. Also tonight: scientists have just announced that a unique vaccine they've developed could have universal application against colds, 'flu, bacterial infection and allergies.

The BBC has uncovered new evidence that vulnerable girls and young women in London are being groomed by gangs to carry drugs and have sex. We discuss the findings with the former head of the National Crime Agency's Child Exploitation Command.Also on the programme: the day after the US State Department approved the UK's Chagos Islands deal, President Trump launches a new attack on it.And the symphonic sounds hidden in the freezer aisle of a Sheffield supermarket.

Reverend Jesse Jackson, a giant of the civil rights movement, has died at the age of 84. As politicians from across the spectrum pay tribute to his legacy, we speak to his son, who was with him when he died. Also on the programme: Labour faces a mass resignation of councillors in Hartlepool over funding for children in care. The local Labour MP tells us he's “furious”. And as China celebrates the Lunar New Year, an astrologer tells us what to expect from the Year of the Fire Horse.

Parents in north London have been told their children could be excluded from school if they are not fully vaccinated against measles amid an outbreak of the highly contagious disease. We find out what's caused the latest outbreak.Also in the programme: In an interview with the BBC, Hillary Clinton accuses the Trump administration of a cover-up over Jeffrey Epstein. And musician Patrick Darling, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), has returned to the stage after artificial intelligence (AI) gave him his voice back.

Two men have been given life sentences for planning a gun attack on Manchester's Jewish community. The plot was foiled by an undercover officer, and Greater Manchester Police said if it had gone ahead it could have been the deadliest terror attack in British history. Also on the programme: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz tells the Munich Security Conference the rules-based world order no longer exists, and that this has consequences for America, too.And Matt Weston triumphs in the skeleton to win Team GB's first gold medal at this year's Winter Olympics.

President Trump has repealed a key government scientific finding that carbon emissions endanger human health. The so-called “endangerment finding” of 2009 was the legal bedrock of efforts to rein in emissions and critics fear it is a major setback in the fight against climate change.Also on the programme: Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for "offending some people" with his language after saying the UK had been "colonised by immigrants". We discuss the importance of the language we use in politics. And as the Berlin Film Festival opens, we speak to the director of one of the entrants, a rom-com set in Kabul.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has been defending her department's handling of the release of millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. She's been giving evidence today to a committee in the US Congress. Meanwhile, the former prime minister, Gordon Brown, has called for detectives to interview Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor about allegations that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked women and girls through the UK. The former Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing - or that he derived any benefit - from his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Also in the programme: the UK Supreme Court rules the plant-based drink maker Oatly cannot use the word "milk" in its marketing; and how the latest Hollywood remake of Wuthering Heights is going down in the birthplace of its author Emily Brontë.

The Prime Minister may have won himself a reprieve after the departure of two of his top advisers, but many MPs will be looking for a radical reset of his government in order to maintain their support. But the fallout continued as two Labour figures were suspended for their association not with Jeffrey Epstein, but with a different sex offender. Also on the programme: The founder of independent Russian news organisation Meduza on the impact of new restrictions on the messaging app Telegram.And we speak to one of the Danes covering up statues of naked women with knitwear.

Sir Keir Starmer has told his MPs that he will not quit after the leader of his party in Scotland called on him to resign. We hear from two Labour backbenchers about the future of the party's leadership.Also on the programme: Buckingham Palace has released a statement saying it is ready to support the police as they consider allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. And we travel to a field in south-west London to kick off our series about how interacting with the natural world affects our mental health.

The Winter Olympics has officially begun in Italy tonight - with, for the first time, two opening ceremonies, in Milan and in the Dolomites. One of the world's top skiers, Lindsey Vonn hopes to compete this weekend, despite badly injuring her knee ligament. We hear from another Winter Olympian why that bit of tissue is so important and speak to a British-born member of the world's most famous bobsleigh team. Also on the programme: A year after President Trump announced the suspension of US overseas aid, we hear about the effects on HIV treatment in South AfricaAnd we speak to the director of a BAFTA-nominated documentary, co-produced by Brad Pitt, looking at the influence of evangelical Christianity on far-right politics in Brazil.

The agreements include allowing Britons to enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, Downing Street has said. The government is seeking closer trade ties with Beijing to help boost economic growth. But Conservative MP Harriet Cross tells us she's concerned about the potential security implications of Chinese involvement in infrastructure projects.Also on the programme: We hear what life is like in Tehran after the government crackdown on protesters in Iran. And the organist and broadcaster Nigel Ogden has died at the age of 71 – we hear from his friend and fellow organist Phil Kelsall.

President Trump has warned Iran that time is running out to negotiate a nuclear deal, threatening Tehran with a ‘massive armada' headed to the Middle East. We assess the US military build up in the region and hear what protestors inside Iran think.Also on the programme: As Keir Starmer prepares to meet the Chinese President, we hear from the son of jailed British pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai.And the two-year-old snooker prodigy who has broken two world records with his trick shots.

As Keir Starmer prepares to fly to Beijing, can he sell his trip as an economic win - without selling out on human rights?We hear from a Labour MP - and we visit London's Elephant and Castle neighbourhood, where the links between UK and China are visible - and appear to be growing. Also on the programme: on Holocaust Memorial Day, we speak to Maurice Blik, the man who became a famous sculptor on the origins of his craft - in a concentration camp. And.. as MENSA turns eighty - can it stay relevant?

After another US citizen is killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis - will a change of tone from the White House alter the public mood?We'll speak to the former head of US Customs and Border Protection. Also on the programme: a turbulent 36-hours in British politics as Suella Braverman defects and Andy Burnham is blocked. So is it a double win for Reform UK?

Keir Starmer has hit back at Donald Trump's claim that NATO forces stayed away from the front line in Afghanistan, calling it “insulting and frankly appalling”. We hear from an American who served alongside British troops and later became a senior Pentagon official under Trump. Also on the programme: decision time for Andy Burnham, who has less than 24 hours to decide whether to plot a return to Parliament.And Minneapolis grinds to a halt as opponents of immigration enforcement raids hold a general strike in the city.

As Moscow says peace talks to end the war in Ukraine have begun, President Zelensky launched a strident attack against his European allies at Davos for being in ‘Greenland mode' and failing to take action independently of the US. We hear from a correspondent who's spent time on the front line in the Donbas. Also on the programme: Westminster is flung into speculation as a Manchester seat is to become vacant, potentially giving Andy Burnham a route back into parliament. And mysterious organisms that dominated the ancient landscape: once thought to be fungi, now scientists at the University of Edinburgh believe they are part of a distinct evolutionary branch of life.

The US President said a "very productive" meeting with the head of NATO has led to the framework of a potential deal covering Greenland and the Arctic regions. We speak to a member of the Greenland parliament and a Republican close to Trump. Also on the programme: the latest on the 'Board of Peace' for Gaza; the UK government announces a cash injection for the arts; driving test cheats; and Mel Brooks's son Max on a new documentary about his father.

While European leaders criticised President Trump's plan to acquire Greenland, he insisted there was "no going back". We speak to a former UK ambassador to the Trump administration.We hear about clashes between the Syrian government and the country's Kurdish minority, and the implications for Islamic State captives. And could a cancer screening scheme on the Shetland Islands become a model for preventative medicine?

Donald Trump has vowed to follow through on his threat to impose tariffs on European countries who oppose his demand to take control of Greenland. We hear from former US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel on whether his Republican Party colleagues in Congress are likely to support legislation curbing the President's ability to spend money on any potential US military action to secure Greenland.Also in the programme: The government will consult on whether social media should be banned for under-16s in the UK. But would such a measure actually make children safer online?And as American country music legend Dolly Parton turns 80, we explore why her songs have lasted the test of time.

The chief constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, one of the country's most senior police officers, has retired after damning criticism of a decision to ban Israeli fans from a match against Aston Villa. A crossbench peer, Lord Austin, who is the government's trade envoy to Israel, welcomes the departure, but local MP Ayoub Khan defends Mr Guildford, saying he acted in good faith.Also on the programme: we speak to the lawyer for the family of Renee Good, who was shot and killed in Minnesota by a US immigration agent; and we hear how a new Game of Thrones spin off could bring a boost to tourism in Northern Ireland.

In a hastily arranged press conference, Robert Jenrick said the Conservatives had failed so badly he couldn't remain one of them. We hear from Conservative former chief whip Lord Hart - and our political editor Chris Mason analyses what today means for British politics.Also on the programme: President Trump still has his sights set on Greenland, despite the arrival of a contingent of European troops on the territory. But members of Congress are trying to block President Trump's ambitions - we're joined by one of them, Democrat Bill Keating.And why there's a campaign for English Evensong to be recognised with world heritage status.