Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group
POPULARITY
Categories
5. Mary Kissel reports on ceasefire talks between Israel and Hezbollah at the State Department. She discusses the US Navy's blockade on Iran and regional support for neutralizing Tehran's long influence.1574
SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-15-2026.1705 PERSIAN EMPIRE1. Captain James Fanell discusses Iran using Chinese commercial satellites for targeting US bases. He notes the US Navy's successful and complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Tehran's oil economy.2. General Blaine Holt suggests China may have allowed its satellite technology transfer to Iran to be discovered. He highlights the US Air Force's successful air campaign doctrine and impressive technological capabilities.3. Steve Yates analyzes Taiwan's security, noting that Beijing should be deterred by US displays of capability in Venezuela and Iran. He observes Taiwanese skepticism toward CCP dialogue and peace overtures.4. Steve Yates critiques China's unsustainable plan to subsidize tech sectors to revive its economy. He highlights the strategic importance of Taiwan's semiconductor industry and its shift away from Mainland market investments.5. Mary Kissel reports on ceasefire talks between Israel and Hezbollah at the State Department. She discusses the US Navy's blockade on Iran and regional support for neutralizing Tehran's long influence.6. Mary Kissel examines the stalling of Venezuela's transition by the Rodriguez family. She notes a significant regional shift toward right-of-center, pro-US governments in South America, including Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.7. Annie Fixler details Iranian cyber strikes against critical infrastructure, including Jordanian wheat silos and US medical firms. She explains how Tehran pairs digital attacks with psychological operations to maximize disruption.8. Annie Fixler warns of sophisticated cyber threats from China and Russia. She highlights the danger of AI discovering software vulnerabilities and China's Volt Typhoon prepositioning within US critical infrastructure.9. Colonel Jeff McCausland assesses the Strait of Hormuz blockade and China's military resupply of Iran. He notes Vladimir Putin's strategic losses in Ukraine and the impact of Viktor Orbán's electoral defeat.10. Colonel Jeff McCausland discusses the stalling of Venezuela's transition by the Rodriguez family. He questions if oil production can increase quickly enough to impact US gas prices before Labor Day.11. Jack Burnham warns about security risks in Huawei, ZTE, and Hikvision equipment. He notes Hikvision's role in the Uyghur genocide and the export of surveillance technology to various authoritarian regimes.12. Jack Burnham explains how Iran leveraged a Chinese commercial satellite for precise military strikes on US targets. He warns that rogue nations can now easily purchase advanced orbital capabilities off-the-shelf.13. Michael Bernstam explains why the Strait of Hormuz blockade has not caused an oil price spike, citing diverted pipelines in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He notes China's impending shortfall due to the blockade.14. Michael Bernstam details Russia's exhausted budget deficit and declining oil production caused by sanctions and technological backwardness. He highlights Viktor Orbán's electoral defeat as a major democratic victory for the EU.15. Ken Croswell describes the landmark discovery of a lone black hole in the Milky Way. Using the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers identified this massive object by its gravitational effect on light.16. Ken Croswell calculates that a black hole likely exists within fifty light-years of Earth. He reassures that the galaxy's vastness makes a catastrophic encounter with our solar system extremely unlikely.
Dean Karayanis, columnist for the New York Sun, welcomes back his half-Greek writing partner from the Rush Limbaugh Show and former producer of The Drudge Report, George “Koko” Prayias for a fun look at the world's serious issues. The episode debuts “One-and-a-Half Greeks” new theme song. It's a little bit country, but the show is all Rock and Roll. The discussion covers the left's embrace of Tax Day and hiking taxes on “the rich,” in the person of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Democrats used to stay quiet on this day because America was built on a tax rebellion, but they've changed the electorate and now it's a holiday — even though Americans will work for the government this year from January 1 to April 26, projected as Tax-Freedom Day. The war in Iran illustrates another break with the past, as Senators Schumer, Gillibrand, and Fetterman all find themselves targeted by the ascendant antisemite, socialist wing of their party. Swalwell is an indication that they will take down anyone who gets in their way, aiming the same anger at old-school Democrats that they once reserved for Republicans. Even Pope Leo, who George — as a life-long Catholic — laments is a “Chicago Machine Pope,” has decided to go all-in on the global effort to halt Trump's agenda and rein in America. That this puts them on the side of the terrorist regime in Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah doesn't embarrass them. But at least the fiction that the groups aren't all one in the same has been exposed by the ayatollahs' own admission.
The US president, Donald Trump, has said Israel and Lebanon will begin a 10-day ceasefire. In a post on Truth Social, he said he had spoken to the leaders of both countries today and claimed this would be the ‘tenth war' he has ‘solved'. Israel reportedly has no plans to withdraw its military from southern Lebanon during the ceasefire, it has been reported. Lucy Hough speaks to senior international correspondent Julian Borger Middle East crisis – live updates. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
One week after claims of an "Iranian victory", with Tehran supposedly leveraging the Strait of Hormuz and outmaneuvering Donald Trump, the narrative has shifted. U.S. and allied naval forces have applied sustained pressure, effectively constraining Iranian shipping and energy exports, all without deploying ground troops. With these constraints in mind and the cards in Washington's hands, the real deal making begins. But, apart from the challenge of the nuclear “dust,” the missile program, and terrorism, the regime will continue to pose a threat to its own people. With time on America's side, should a grand strategy consider how to best empower the Iranian people?Miad Maleki is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He previously worked as Associate Director for the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Global Targeting at the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), where he played a central role in architecting the Treasury Department's sanctions campaigns against the Iranian regime and its extensive network of proxy groups, including Hezbollah, Hamas, Iraqi Shiite militias, and the Houthis. Mr. Maleki also served as the assistant director for counterterrorism, nonproliferation, and Middle East sanctions and as OFAC's chief and senior sanctions coordinator for Iran and the Middle East.Read the transcript here.Subscribe to our Substack here.
This episode is presented by Create A Video – Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire indicating a desire for the two nations to work together to root out Hezbollah from the mutual border area. Plus, the US naval blockade expands and Iran cries, "No fair!"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-kaliner-show--6946691/support.Subscribe to the podcast All the links to Pete's Prep are free!Get exclusive content here!Media Bias Check: GroundNews promo code!Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.com
Iran warns that it will block trade through the Red Sea as well as the Gulf and the Sea of Oman, if the United States continues its own blockade of Iranian ports and shipping. The head of the Iranian military command centre says the US blockade is a prelude to a violation of the ceasefire. Also: a day after peace talks in Washington between Israel and Lebanon, the Iranian backed group, Hezbollah, and Israel exchange fire again. On the third anniversary of the civil war in Sudan, an international donors conference takes place in Berlin. At least four people are killed in a school shooting in southern Turkey. A new German online search engine is helping people to discover if their ancestors were members of the Nazi Party. President Trump criticises Pope Leo again following his condemnation of the war in Iran as well as US immigration policies. Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, meets the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, in Beijing. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Xi praised the close cooperation between Russia and China. And, ahead of the men's football World Cup, Brazil's first official tartan is formally unveiled in Scotland, designed by a six-year-old Scottish schoolgirl. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
Ground Maneuvers and Diplomacy in Lebanon Guest: Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer reports on Israel's efforts to establish a security zone against Hezbollah. Simultaneously, the Lebanese and Israeli governments are engaging in unprecedented direct diplomatic talks presided over by Marco Rubio.1933 COMMUNISM IN GERMANY
SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-14-2026.1874 MONET1. US Economic Resilience Amid Global Conflict. Elizabeth Peek and John Batchelor discuss the surprisingly strong US economy despite Middle East instability. Consumer spending remains robust, wages are rising, and the Trump agenda of deregulation and tariffs is encouraging domestic investment.2. Russia and China's Strategic Calculations. Gregory Copley explains how Russia benefits from rising oil prices and expanded influence in Central Asia. Conversely, China fears regime collapse in Iran and seeks to diminish US global prestige during the conflict.3. The Risks of Puppet Government Models. John Batchelor and Gregory Copley critique the Trump administration's attempt to use Delcy Rodriguez as a model for Iran. They discuss how hardline leaders in Venezuela and Iran prioritize personal survival over national interests.4. King Charles III's Diplomatic Mission to Washington. Gregory Copley discusses King Charles III's upcoming visit to address Congress. The King aims to heal diplomatic rifts between Donald Trump and Keir Starmer, particularly regarding the Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia strategic nodes.5. Naval Challenges and Maritime Chokepoints. Grant Newsham asserts that the US Navy can successfully blockade the Strait of Hormuz and manage the Bab-el-Mandeb. He notes China and Russia are encouraging Iran to test American resolve through maritime provocations.6. The Resurgence and Failure of Industrial Policy. Veronique de Rugy criticizes the resurgence of industrial policy, noting past failures in Japan and China. She warns that World Bank recommendations for government-led industry protection often result in economic distortions and higher costs.7. Purges and Divisions within the Chinese Military. Piero Tozzi and Gordon Chang analyze Xi Jinping's recent military purges, including Zhang Youxia. These internal divisions and the removal of operational commanders may hinder China's ability to coordinate a successful invasion of Taiwan.8. Nuclear Deterrence and Battlefield Realities. Peter Huessy warns about the lack of nuclear education among modern policymakers. He discusses Russia's potential use of battlefield nuclear weapons in Ukraine to reverse military losses and Iran's acquisition of Russian missile technology.9. The California Gubernatorial Jungle Primary. Elizabeth Peek details the collapse of Eric Swalwell's campaign following misconduct allegations. The jungle primary system in California creates a risk for Democrats that two Republicans, like Steve Hilton, could face off in November.10. The Electoral Defeat of Viktor Orbán. Judy Dempsey explains how Peter Magyar defeated Viktor Orbán in Hungary by uniting a divided opposition. Hungarian voters rejected corruption and Russian interference, signaling a desire for rule of law and European integration.11. Populism and Energy Subsidies in Germany. Judy Dempsey observes the rise of the AfD party in Saxony, fueled by nationalist fervor among young voters. Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces pressure to address high energy costs and immigration while maintaining transatlantic relations.12. The Strategy of Economic Siege against Iran. Jonathan Schanzer describes the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as part of a wider economic war. This strategy aims to deplete regime revenue by hundreds of millions daily through heightened sanctions.13. Escalation and Unprecedented Diplomacy in Lebanon. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the IDF's efforts to establish a security zone in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah. Simultaneously, unprecedented direct talks between the Lebanese and Israeli governments are occurring at the US State Department.14. Dismantling Information Warfare in Hungary. Ivana Stradner celebrates Peter Magyar's victory over Viktor Orbán, emphasizing the need to dismantle the state-controlled media apparatus. She warns that Russia continues to use influence operations to support authoritarian leaders in Eastern Europe.15. Iran's Nuclear Ambitions and Fissile Material Extraction. Andrea Stricker outlines the challenge of extracting Iran's 60% enriched uranium from deeply buried sites like Fordo. She emphasizes that permanent peace requires the complete removal of fissile material and centrifuges to prevent breakout.16. Geopolitics of the Strait of Hormuz Blockade. Gregory Copley analyzes the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global oil markets. He argues the US must ensure the Red Sea remains viable while managing pressure from Saudi Arabia.
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: New reporting suggests internal infighting within Iran's leadership may have helped derail recent negotiations with the United States. Disagreements between diplomats and hardliners appear to have exposed deeper divisions inside Tehran at a time when the regime is already under increasing pressure. Despite weeks of strikes, a new U.S. intelligence assessment says Iran still has thousands of missiles and the ability to bring hidden launchers back online, underscoring the durability of its military threat. Israeli and Lebanese officials have begun rare direct talks even as fighting continues between the IDF and Hezbollah, highlighting the overlap of diplomacy and active conflict. Ukraine claims it successfully captured a Russian position using only drones and ground robots, marking a potential milestone in the evolution of warfare and the growing role of unmanned systems on the battlefield. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief StopBox: Get firearm security redesigned and save 10% off @StopBoxUSA with code PDB10 at https://stopboxusa.com/PDB10 #stopboxpod Shopify: Launch your dream business with Shopify. Sign up for your $1/month trial at https://Shopify.com/PDB and start selling today! QUO: Make this the season where no opportunity slips away. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/PDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dean Karayanis dives into the shifting media landscape and the latest political firestorms. Dean opens with a candid discussion on his approach to commentary: refusing to pander or condescend to readers and listeners with references because respecting the listener's intelligence is a lost art in modern commentary. The episode features a deep dive into the recent allegations against Eric Swalwell, critiquing the media's hesitant questioning compared to past Republican scandals. Dean also analyzes Nancy Pelosi's defensive posture during interviews and the strategic errors Republicans make when Democrats are "destroying themselves." Dean breaks down the Strait of Hormuz blockade, the effectiveness of U.S. naval defenses against Chinese-supplied hypersonic missiles, and why the "comprehensive ceasefire" rhetoric from China and Iran falls short of reality. From the Frank Sesno-style of soft-ball journalism to the "frank anti-Semitism" of Hezbollah, this episode is a masterclass in connecting historical context to today's headlines. Dean also discusses a History Author Show interview from ten years ago with Nathan Stoltzfus, author of "Hitler's Compromises: Coercion and Consensus in Nazi Germany," as a contrast to the Iranian regime and its proxies who are more in the Stalin mode of dictators.
Today's Headlines: Israel and Lebanon held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington yesterday, hosted by Marco Rubio at the State Department. Hezbollah refused to participate and kept firing. A second round of U.S.-Iran negotiations could restart in Pakistan within days, according to Trump — who has never overpromised anything. The Trump administration eased sanctions on Venezuela the day after Chevron quietly struck an oil production deal there. And the administration formally informed Congress that Cuba has contributed up to 5,000 soldiers to Russia's war in Ukraine, which feels like the beginning of a regime change justification tour. Meanwhile, Pam Bondi skipped her congressional subpoena yesterday — the one requiring her to testify about her handling of the Epstein files. House Oversight Democrats threatened to charge her with contempt of Congress, punishable by up to a year in prison. A fourth accuser came forward against Eric Swalwell at a press conference, describing being drugged and raped at his hotel room in 2018. According to People magazine, over 30 women have made similar allegations. A 20-year-old Texas man was arrested after throwing an incendiary device at Sam Altman's San Francisco home, then attempting to attack OpenAI's headquarters with a chair while saying he wanted to "burn it down and kill anyone inside." He was carrying a document expressing views opposed to AI executives. Attempted murder and arson charges filed. A federal judge blocked Indiana's law banning student IDs at polling places, protecting an estimated 40,000 voters ahead of the May 5th midterm primary — ruling there's zero evidence student IDs have ever caused electoral confusion or fraud. A new long-term study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that drinking fluoridated water has no effect on IQ or brain function, which RFK Jr. will absolutely ignore. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Lebanon and Israel hold first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington CNN: Live updates: Trump hints US-Iran talks could resume over next two days Axios: Scoop: U.S. eases bank sanctions amid Venezuela's economic woes Axios: Scoop: US suggests Cuba complicit in helping Russia fight Ukraine The Independent: Pam Bondi could face contempt charges over Epstein testimony after failing to show up for deposition NYT: A New Accuser Says Eric Swalwell Sexually Assaulted Her People: Influencer Who Helped Break Eric Swalwell Sex Scandal Says At Least 30 More Women Have Shared Stories of Alleged Misconduct CNN: Suspect in attack at Sam Altman's house charged with attempted murder and attempted arson Democracy Docket: In major win for voters, judge blocks Indiana GOP's student ID ban NBC News: Fluoride in drinking water has no effect on IQ or brain function, long-term study shows Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It was a historic moment in Washington D.C. as Israel and Lebanon held their first face to face talks in more than 30 years. The meeting takes place as there seems to be a growing voice among Lebanon's politicians that it is finally the time to disarm the Hezbollah terror group. The fighting between Israel and Hezbollah appears to be a dealbreaker for Iran's regime who is threatening to potentially end the ceasefire over including the dismantling of Hezbollah. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Jonathan Elkhoury, activist and Christian who had to flee Lebanon and now lives in Israel, who says these talks have a great potential to bring peace, and shares his life's story of living in both nations. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Health reporter Diana Bletter joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Israel and Lebanon held a historic summit on Tuesday in Washington, DC, as envoys for the two nations met with the hopes of reaching a peace deal that would end decades of conflict. The talks ended without a clear way forward on the goal of demilitarizing Hezbollah and no date for a follow-up meeting had been set as of Tuesday evening. On Tuesday morning, the Iranian-backed terror organization Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets to Israel, sending tens of thousands of Israelis to bomb shelters and wounding one. Bletter explains what life is like in the north and focuses in on a visit she paid to Ora Hatan in Shtula. Hatan, who will light a torch next week for Israel's Independence Day, has cooked thousands of meals for IDF soldiers since the conflict erupted in the north on October 8, 2023. A Beersheba family court judge on Friday ruled that the sperm of Yotam Haim, an Israeli hostage who was mistakenly killed by troops after escaping Hamas captivity in Gaza, may be used to conceive a child, saying it was his express wish before his death. Bletter delves into some of the 250 cases of postmortem sperm retrieval and the questions the procedure raises. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Israeli, Lebanese envoys hold historic summit in Washington to discuss peace deal Judge rules slain hostage’s family may use his sperm with a surrogate Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Ora Hatan’s family restaurant, Hemdat HaGalil, in Shtula, destroyed by Hezbollah rockets in 2024, on April 12, 2026. (Diana Bletter/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Touting new peace talks that may begin soon, President Trump says the war with Iran is "very close to being over" ... Eric Swalwell faces a new investigation after a woman says the former congressman raped her in 2018 ... Despite historic talks going on in Washington, Hezbollah and Israel continue trading strikes in Lebanon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Het kabinet komt met een steunpakket van 1 miljard euro om de gevolgen van de hoge energie- en brandstofprijzen te verzachten, waarbij geen generieke accijnsverlaging aan de pomp komt. De onbelaste reiskostenvergoeding mag omhoog van 23 naar 25 cent per kilometer en de motorrijtuigenbelasting voor grijze kentekens wordt gehalveerd, maar werkgeversorganisaties waarschuwen dat dit de loonruimte onder druk zet en slechts een beperkte groep direct helpt. In Washington spreken Israël en Libanon voor het eerst in bijna 30 jaar weer officieel met elkaar over een uitweg uit het conflict in Libanon, onder druk van de VS en andere landen. Beide partijen willen dat Libanon niet langer door Hezbollah wordt gedomineerd, terwijl parallel daaraan de VS en Iran zich opmaken om in Islamabad mogelijk weer om de tafel te gaan over de wapenstilstand en de blokkade van Iraanse havens. Deze omschrijving is met AI gemaakt en gecontroleerd door een BNR-redacteur. Over deze podcast BNR Nieuws Vandaag is de podcast met daarin BNR Ochtendnieuws en BNR Avondnieuws. Je krijgt ’s ochtends vroeg en aan het einde van de werkdag in 20 minuten het belangrijkste nieuws van de dag. Abonneer je via bnr.nl/podcast/bnrnieuwsvandaag, de BNR-app, Spotify en Apple Podcasts. Of luister elke dag live via bnr.nl/live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. and Iran began (and ended) negotiations under a shaky ceasefire, and are now at the stage where America is threatening to also blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon have begun negotiating over Hezbollah, with conspicuously no ceasefire in place. Guest: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2. The Resilience of Iranian Surrogates. Bill Roggio analyzes the continued strength of Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis. Despite military pressure, these groups remain active, with the Houthispotentially held in reserve to threaten critical global shipping lanes.1979 TEHRAN
7. Operation Roaring Lion and Strikes on Beirut. David Daoud details the IDF's Operation Eternal Darkness, which targeted 100 Hezbollah sites in under ten minutes. The strikes hit densely populated areas of Beirut, causing massive displacement and raising questions about tactical objectives.1979 TEHRAN ARMED REBELLION.
8. Hezbollah's Inseparable Link to the Iranian Regime. David Daoud explains that Hezbollah is an essential extension of Iran's regional power, not a disposable proxy. Iran will likely fight to preserve the group, as Hezbollah's survival is critical to its revolutionary goals.1979 TEHRAN
14. Iraqi Militias as Iran's Strategic Reserve. Ahmad Shararwi discusses how Iraqi militias are fundraising to support Iran and Hezbollah. These groups serve as a strategic reserve for the Iranian regime, demonstrating their readiness to sacrifice resources for the revolution.1879 Ottoman realm
STREAMING MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING BILL ROGGIO AND JANATYN SAYEH, MONDAY 4-13-20261742 GULFThe conflict with Iran has entered a critical phase as the U.S. prepares a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz starting April 13, 2026, following failed negotiations in Islamabad. President Trump has ordered the Navy to interdict ships that pay "taxes" to Iran—often collected via cryptocurrency—to traverse the waterway. This move is seen as part of a "mission creep" that has shifted from initial strikes on infrastructure to a broader operation to shut down Iranian maritime operations.The administration has issued three primary demands for ending the conflict: the permanent reopening of the Strait, the surrender of all 60% enriched fissile material, and the cessation of support for proxies such as Hezbollah and the Houthis. Experts indicate these demands are likely non-negotiable for Tehran, which views concessions as a sign of weakness and believes it has gained leverage by absorbing recent military strikes.Despite 50 days of warfare and the targeted killing of many high-ranking officials, the IRGC and its surrogates like Hezbollah remain resilient. Leadership vacancies are quickly filled by a "deep bench" of subordinates, and the regime maintains its internal grip through extreme brutality. In early 2026 alone, the regime has carried out over 1,000 executions, largely targeting political dissidents.The current Iranian leadership—including Ahmad Vahidi, a veteran linked to decades of international terrorism, and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf—represents a "pirates crew" of hardliners who have been in power since the revolution. Because the political core remains intact, analysts dispute claims of "regime change," characterizing the current situation as a "fragile truce" rather than a lasting peace.
SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-13-2026.1979 WOMEN PROEST IN TEHRAN The Brewing Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Bill Roggio discusses the potential US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following failed talks in Islamabad. US demands include opening the strait, ending nuclear programs, and stopping proxy attacks against Middle Eastern neighbors.2. The Resilience of Iranian Surrogates. Bill Roggio analyzes the continued strength of Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis. Despite military pressure, these groups remain active, with the Houthis potentially held in reserve to threaten critical global shipping lanes.3. The Internal Struggle of the Iranian People. JANATYN SAYEH discusses the regime's brutal internal crackdown, noting over a thousand executions in 2026. The Iranian people feel abandoned by the current ceasefire, fearing the regime will survive without significant systemic change.4. Identifying Iran's Hardline Five-Man Leadership. Jonathan Schanzer outlines Iran's core leadership, including Ghalibaf and Vahidi, who possess deep ties to internal repression and international terror. These veterans represent an institutional commitment to the revolution, making significant concessions unlikely.5. Holocaust Remembrance and the Iranian Ideology. Malcolm Hoenlein reflects on Yom HaShoah and rising global anti-Semitism. He discusses how Iran's radical ideology drives its leaders to claim victory despite heavy military losses, refusing to compromise on their nuclear and proxy ambitions.6. Regional Realignments and the Houthi Threat. Malcolm Hoenlein warns the Gulf States face extreme vulnerability as Iran threatens their infrastructure. The Houthis remain a strategic reserve capable of closing the Bab al-Mandeb, while Europe continues to marginalize itself by staying on the sidelines.7. Operation Roaring Lion and Strikes on Beirut. David Daoud details the IDF's Operation Eternal Darkness, which targeted 100 Hezbollah sites in under ten minutes. The strikes hit densely populated areas of Beirut, causing massive displacement and raising questions about tactical objectives.8. Hezbollah's Inseparable Link to the Iranian Regime. David Daoud explains that Hezbollah is an essential extension of Iran's regional power, not a disposable proxy. Iran will likely fight to preserve the group, as Hezbollah's survival is critical to its revolutionary goals.9. Peru's Shift to the Right. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports on Peru's election, where right-wing candidates Kiko Fujimori and Rafael Lopez Aliaga are leading. This trend suggests a continental shift away from the pink tide and toward pro-Western governments.10. Political Stagnation and Repression in Venezuela. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports that the Rodriguez brothers maintain control in Venezuela by focusing on economic compliance while delaying political transitions. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado faces threats of imprisonment, hindering hopes for free elections and a democratic transition.11. Escalation and Extortion in the Straits. Edmund Fitton-Brown discusses the US Navy's mission to counter Iranian extortion and clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's big-stick strategy aims for a deal but risks a resumption of war.12. Viktor Orbán's Defeat and the European Center. Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes the ousting of Hungary's Viktor Orbán by Peter Magyar as a victory for traditional democracy. This shift removes a major obstacle to EU aid for Ukraine and disrupts Vladimir Putin's influence.13. Ukraine's Easter Standoff and Prisoner Exchanges. John Hardy reports on Russian ceasefire violations during Orthodox Easter and significant prisoner exchanges. The removal of Viktor Orbán in Hungary is expected to unblock vital EU financial loans for the Ukrainian government.14. Iraqi Militias as Iran's Strategic Reserve. Ahmed Sharari discusses how Iraqi militias are fundraising to support Iran and Hezbollah. These groups serve as a strategic reserve for the Iranian regime, demonstrating their readiness to sacrifice resources for the revolution.15. Canada's Pivot Toward China. Conrad Black analyzes Prime Minister Mark Carney's efforts to strengthen trade with China amidst shifting relations with the US. While resource-rich Canada seeks new markets, political mistrust of China's undemocratic regime remains high.16. The Russian Mob and Political Kompromat. Craig Unger explores Viktor Orbán's long-standing ties to the Russian mafia and the FSB. He argues that both Orbán and Donald Trump have functioned as assets for Russian intelligence due to financial entanglements.
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: New details are emerging from high-stakes U.S.-Iran talks, revealing exactly where—and why—the negotiations broke down, with a major dispute over Tehran's nuclear program at the center of the collapse. The U.S. pushes forward with a blockade on Iran, but key allies push back, with Britain refusing to assist until after the war—highlighting growing divisions among Western partners. Gulf allies are running low on air defense systems after weeks of fighting and may be looking beyond the United States for weapons, signaling potential cracks in long-standing defense relationships. And in today's Back of the Brief—new details on a major Israeli operation against Hezbollah that delivered a devastating blow in just minutes, targeting leadership and critical infrastructure. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code PDB at https://Bubsnaturals.com Mars Men: For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://Mengotomars.com BRUNT Workerwear: Save 10% off + an extra $10 discount on your Starter Kit purchase today by going to https://bruntworkwear.com/PDB and using code PDB. #Bruntpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The U.S. and Iran began (and ended) negotiations under a shaky ceasefire, and are now at the stage where America is threatening to also blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon have begun negotiating over Hezbollah, with conspicuously no ceasefire in place. Guest: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz is aimed at squeezing Iran's economy by millions in daily oil imports and exports. As the blockade continues, the State Department hosted the first round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon as senior Hezbollah officials announced they will not abide by any agreements made in the negotiations. Meanwhile, Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad this week, just ahead of the current ceasefire expiring. FOX's John Saucier speaks with Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and Senior Director of FDD's Iran program, who says the actions taken in the Strait have been a possible bargaining tool against Tehran for a while, but only now has been a real option. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dana breaks down how the global reset is happening as Lebanon and Israel hold diplomatic discussions without Hezbollah representation. Italy turns heel as Meloni slams Trump over his pope comments and suspends its defense agreement with Israel. Dana explains why it's important for Americans to understand, since Italy is the last remaining conservative nation left in Europe. Zohran Mamdani announces he will open his first communist grocery store in New York next year.Thank you for supporting our sponsors that make The Dana Show possible…HumanNhttps://Humann.com/DanaSupport your heart health with SuperBeets Heart Chews Zero Sugar now. Buy 2, get 1 Free. Visit today to learn how to get a Free 30-day supply. Ask Chapter #250 Chapter can help you take control of your Medicare. Dial #250 and say “My Medicare” to get your options reviewed. Flamingohttps://ShopFlamingo.com/DanaWomen's shaving just got better with Flamingo's starter set for only $7—a limited-time deal. Claim it today.Fast Growing Treeshttps://FastGrowingTrees.com/DanaGet huge spring deals with Fast Growing Trees, save up to 50% off select items, plus an extra 20% off your first order. Use code DANA at checkout!Relief Factorhttps://www.ReliefFactor.comRelief Factor is your simple first step toward feeling better—start the 3-Week QuickStart for just $19.95. PreBornhttps://www.PreBorn.com/Dana or #250 AND SAY “BABY”Help Preborn Fund 1,000 ultrasounds by Mother's Day, and protect mothers and babies in crisis. Give securely today.Noble Goldhttps://NobleGoldInvestments.com/DanaDownload Noble Gold Investments' free Wealth Protection Kit or schedule a free gold strategy session now and stay ahead of the curve.Patriot Mobilehttps://PatriotMobile.com/DANA or call 972-PATRIOTSwitch to Patriot Mobile in minutes—keep your number and phone or upgrade, then take a stand today with promo code DANA for a free month of service!Byrnahttps://Byrna.com/DanaMake 2026 the year you protect your family with solid options—Get the Byrna today.Subscribe today and stay in the loop on all things news with The Dana Show. Follow us here for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:YoutubeFacebookInstagramXMore InfoWebsite
China, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, has described the American blockade as 'irresponsible' while the IMF is warning that the global economy could slip into recession because of the Iran war. Also on the programme: Israel and Lebanon have held direct talks for the first time in decades, to discuss the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah; and we hear about the return of a centuries‑old stone carving of the Zimbabwe bird - the country's sacred national emblem.(A vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, Credit: Reuters)
Israeli and Lebanese officials to meet to discuss Israel's campaign against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. We report from southern Lebanon.Also in the programme: a BBC investigation into Greek police recruiting mercenaries to push migrants back into Turkey; the rise and fall of the Chinese property developer who was once Asia's richest person but has now pleaded guilty to fraud; conservation success in Uganda where numbers of mountain gorillas are rising; and could small talk be good for you?(IMAGE: Israeli soldiers stand among destroyed buildings in southern Lebanon, near the Israel-Lebanon border, as seen from the Israeli side of the border in northern Israel, April 14, 2026 / CREDIT: REUTERS/Florion Goga)
With the US and Iran in deadlock, could historic talks between Lebanon and Israel help steer the Middle East towards peace? William Christou reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Mediators are racing to bring the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table amid a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz and a precarious ceasefire. Historic talks, however, did happen on Tuesday. The U.S. hosted the first face-to-face meeting between Israel and Lebanon in decades to discuss the shared goal of ending the war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
The U.S. and Iran began (and ended) negotiations under a shaky ceasefire, and are now at the stage where America is threatening to also blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon have begun negotiating over Hezbollah, with conspicuously no ceasefire in place. Guest: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Israel and Lebanon are meeting in Washington in their highest-level direct talks in more than 40 years. But the gaps of disagreement are wide, and any progress could be dashed by the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah, which says it won't abide by any agreement in the meeting. For the Lebanese people grappling with loss and displacement, there's little hope negotiations will herald change. Health care workers have also been victims in this war - since early March, dozens of medics have been killed in Israeli strikes. MSF volunteers have been working across three major hospitals in Lebanon, and their emergency coordinator Christopher Stokes joins the show from Beirut. Also on today's show: Haaretz military analyst Amos Harel; Sudanese entrepreneur and philanthropist Mo Ibrahim; actor Andrew McCarthy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As Israel marks Holocaust Remembrance Day, Horovitz discusses comments made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his pre-recorded speech at Yad Vashem, in which he focused on the blows dealt to the Iranian regime by Israel and the US on behalf of the free world. While mediators aim to maneuver the US and Iran back to talks, Horovitz reviews the gaps between Tehran and Washington, the newly declared US naval blockade on Iran, and the acute dangers of the patient, malevolent regime's survival. With Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors heading to a first, single meeting on Tuesday in Washington, Horovitz notes that both sides have the same goal, disarming Hezbollah, while the terrorist army wants to stop the talks. Finally, Horovitz briefly discusses Peter Magyar's landslide victory in Hungary, a blow for US President Donald Trump and the Israeli premier, creating a shift, too, in the EU. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Netanyahu rebukes Europe as Israel commemorates Holocaust in shadow of Iran war Vance: Lot of progress made in talks toward ‘grand deal,’ but ball in Iran’s court US positions warships in region as it moves to enforce naval blockade of Iran Officials seek to temper expectations as Israel, Lebanon envoys set to hold historic meeting Hungary’s PM-elect vows return to ICC, but stresses ‘special relationship’ with Israel Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: An IDF Merkava tank in southern Lebanon by the border with northern Israel on March 27, 2026 (Jalaa Marey/AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) resign amid accusations of sexual misconduct, and another woman comes forward saying Swalwell drugged, raped and choked her; Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosts talks in Washington with the Ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon on reaching a settlement to end with the war between Israel and Hezbollah; President Donald Trump says the U.S.-Iran negotiations to end the war could resume soon; Republicans in Congress are moving ahead with plans to fund immigration enforcement with only Republican votes, and without the reforms Democrats have demanded to end the Homeland Security Department shutdown; solemn Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony is held at the U.S. Capitol; Vice President JD Vance talks about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban losing reelection; New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) announces the location of the first of his promised city-run grocery stores with lower food prices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hezbollah has urged Lebanon to pull out of US-brokered talks with Israel. We speak to the Israeli ambassador to the UAE. Plus: the world’s biggest wine fair in Verona and we chat design in Abu Dhabi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La presa di posizione dell’amministrazione Trump nei confronti di Leone XIV rischia di aprire una spaccatura importante tra il presidente americano e una fetta considerevole di elettori. Ne parliamo con Carlo Marroni, vaticanista de Il Sole24Ore.Tra le decisioni recenti del presidente americano c'è anche quella relativa alla chiusura dello Stretto di Hormuz. Ma come si configura questa prospettiva, così come la postura dell'Iran, rispetto al Diritto internazionale del mare? Lo chiediamo ad Antonio Leandro, professore di Diritto internazionale del mare all’Università Aldo Moro di Bari.Israele e Libano si ritrovano oggi a Washington, seduti allo stesso tavolo, con un problema comune che è alla base del tentativo di negoziazione: Hezbollah. Ne parliamo con Filippo Dionigi, Senior Lecturer in Relazioni Internazionali all'Università di Bristol.
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports Lebanese people are anticipating the outcome of an upcoming Lebanon-Israel meeting in Washington.
Hii leo jaridani tunakuletea mada kwa kina inayomulika Mauaji ya kimbari nchini Rwanda ambapo Waziri wa sheria na ambaye pia ni mwanasheria Mkuu wa nchi hiyo Dkt. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja amezungumza na Idhaa hii na anaeleza siri ya wananchi wa Rwanda kuweza kuishi kwa amani baada ya mauaji hayo.Kama mapigano yataendelea nchini Sudan hadi mwaka 2030, umaskini wa kupindukia unaweza kuongezeka na kuvuka asilimia 60, huku watu wengine milioni 34 wakitumbukia kwenye ufukara, imesema Ripoti ya uchambuzi mpya wa Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Mpango wa Maendeleo (UNDP) iliyotolewa leo Sudan na Marekani ikiwa kesho inatimia miaka mitatu kamili tangu kuanza kwa vita.Nayo mashirika ya Umoja wa Mataifa yametoa kauli zao tofauti tofauti kuhusu miaka mitatu ya vita nchini Sudan ambapo lile la kuhudumia watoto UNICEF linasema watoto wanaendelea kulipa gharama ya vita kwani zaidi ya watoto 245 wameuawa au kujeruhiwa nchini humo tangu Januari hadi Machi mwaka huu, huku mashambulizi ya ndege zisizo na rubani au droni yamesababisha takriban asilimia 80 ya majeruhi na vifo hivyo.Mzozo wa Israeli na Lebanon ulioshika kasi baada ya wapiganaji wa Hezbollah kushambulia Israeli kupinga hatua ya Marekani na Israeli kushambulia Iran, hii leo huko Washington DC, hapa Marekani kunafanyika mazungumzo kati ya Israel na Lebanon. Umoja wa Mataifa unasihi pande zote kutumia diplomasia kumaliza uhasama na kusongesha azimio namba 1701 la Baraza la Usalama linalozuia mapigano mpakani mwa mataifa hayo mawili.Na katika kujifunza lugha ya Kiswahili hii leo mtaalam wetu Onni Sigalla, Mhariri mwandamizi wa Baraza la Kiswahili la Taifa nchini Tanzania, BAKITA. Anafafanua maana za neno "KUDA"Mwenyeji wako ni Anold Kayanda, karibu!
The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz is aimed at squeezing Iran's economy by millions in daily oil imports and exports. As the blockade continues, the State Department hosted the first round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon as senior Hezbollah officials announced they will not abide by any agreements made in the negotiations. Meanwhile, Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad this week, just ahead of the current ceasefire expiring. FOX's John Saucier speaks with Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and Senior Director of FDD's Iran program, who says the actions taken in the Strait have been a possible bargaining tool against Tehran for a while, but only now has been a real option. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
durée : 00:12:49 - Le 18/20 : un jour dans le monde - par : Fabienne Sintes - À l'heure des négociations entre le Liban et Israël, Christophe Ayad, grand reporter au Monde et auteur de Géopolitique du Hezbollah (PUF édition), décrypte les objectifs du mouvement, ses capacités militaires et le rôle qu'il peut encore jouer dans la suite du conflit libanais. - invités : Christophe Ayad Grand reporter au Monde chargé des questions de terrorisme Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France
durée : 00:38:08 - Le 18/20 : un jour dans le monde - par : Céline Asselot - Ce mardi, à Washington, Libanais, Israéliens se retrouvent pour des pourparlers directs préliminaires de paix, mais les perspectives d'un Accord semblent minces. Le Hezbollah, même affaibli, rejette ces discussions et entend rappeler qu'aucune issue ne pourra se construire sans lui. - réalisation : Philippe Lefébure, Nathalie Poitevin, Thomas Lenglain, Mathias Dubois - invités : Christophe Ayad Grand reporter au Monde chargé des questions de terrorisme Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France
durée : 00:38:08 - InterNational - par : Céline Asselot - Ce mardi, à Washington, Libanais, Israéliens se retrouvent pour des pourparlers directs préliminaires de paix, mais les perspectives d'un Accord semblent minces. Le Hezbollah, même affaibli, rejette ces discussions et entend rappeler qu'aucune issue ne pourra se construire sans lui. - réalisation : Philippe Lefébure, Nathalie Poitevin, Thomas Lenglain, Mathias Dubois - invités : Christophe Ayad Grand reporter au Monde chargé des questions de terrorisme Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France
Coup d'envoi des négociations entre le Liban et Israël à Washington sous l'égide du secrétaire d'Etat Marco Rubio. Peuvent-elles aboutir alors que les combats se poursuivent entre l'armée israélienne et le Hezbollah dans le sud du pays ?
durée : 00:20:03 - Journal de 12h30 - Aujourd'hui auront lieu à Washington les premiers pourparlers directs de paix entre représentants du Liban et d'Israël, depuis plus de trente ans. Avec toutefois un grand absent : le Hezbollah. De quoi réduire, forcément, à peau de chagrin les perspectives d'un éventuel accord.
President Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks with Iran collapsed, as Iran warns any warship approaching the waterway will face a severe response. Israel continues striking Lebanon despite the ceasefire, killing more than 100 people over the weekend including a Red Cross paramedic, even as ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon prepare to meet in Washington on Tuesday with Hezbollah telling NPR they have no intention of disarming. And Hungary's Viktor Orbán is out after 16 years in power, with voters turning out in record numbers to oust the Trump ally and hand his challenger a landslide victory.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Ruth Sherlock, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ava Pukatch.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) Trump's Blockade(05:32) Israel-Lebanon Talks(09:25) Hungary's Orbán OutTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: David Daoud explains that Hezbollah is an integral extension of the Iranian regime, not a disposable proxy. Abandoning them would signify Iran ending its regional dominance quest and fundamentally altering its core ideological foreign policy. (1)1881 Beirut Castle
Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The IDF is reportedly gearing up for renewed conflict with Iran as the ceasefire talks between the United States and the Islamic Republic collapsed over the weekend and US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz by 5 p.m. Israel time today. Berman tells us where things stand now and takes us through some possible scenarios for the near, and farther future. We hear how China has responded to the war so far and whether the Gulf States are keen for it to restart. We turn to the planned Lebanon talks set for Washington, DC, on Tuesday. Can Lebanon really broker a deal to rein in the Iranian terror proxy Hezbollah? And finally, in a major shift in European politics, long-time leader Viktor Orban conceded defeat on Sunday after a landslide election victory by the upstart opposition Tisza party. What could this mean for the country's relationship with Israel -- and the European Union's stance on the Jewish state. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: After talks fail, IDF planning for return to war, Trump mulls strikes on Iran — reports Trump declares US Navy to begin blockading Strait of Hormuz ‘effective immediately’ Post-Orban Hungary would not expose Israel to more EU pain, though support may ebb After 16 years in power, Hungary’s Orban concedes defeat to center-right opposition Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode. IMAGE: An anti-US billboard depicting American aircraft caught in a fishing net with signs that read in Farsi: 'The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, The entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground,' at the Eqelab-e-Eslami, or Islamic Revolution square in downtown Tehran, Iran, April 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marathon talks between senior US and Iranian officials on ending the Middle East conflict have ended in failure. Speaking after the negotiations in Pakistan, US Vice President, JD Vance, said they could not reach an agreement, and he was leaving after putting forward a 'final and best offer'. Iran said the talks were 'intensive' but the US made 'unreasonable demands'. Meanwhile, Israel has continued to attack the Iranian proxy militia, Hezbollah in Lebanon with more than 20 people reported to have been killed on Saturday. Also: parties in Hungary have held their final rallies, ahead of Sunday's parliamentary election, concluding what has been an acrimonious campaign with Prime Minister Viktor Orban trailing in the polls; NASA welcomes home the four astronauts of the Artemis mission, at a rapturous reception in Houston, after they made it safely back to Earth from the far side of the Moon. And, the new book shedding fresh light on the infamous five British intellectuals who were recruited at Cambridge University to spy for Russia in the 1930s.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk