Podcasts about middle east and north africa

Donald Trump is threatening to ‘blow up' a major Iranian energy facility, as attacks on gasfields across the Middle East send gas and oil prices skyrocketing again. The threat comes after Israeli strikes on the South Pars gasfield prompted Iran to retaliate with attacks on energy facilities across the region, including in Qatar. It marks a serious escalation in the war, which could cause long-term disruption to global energy supplies. Lucy Hough speaks to senior international reporter Peter Beaumont – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Events in the narrow waterway are causing chaos around the globe. Jillian Ambrose explains why. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump is pressuring European allies to protect the strait of Hormuz, warning that Nato faces a ‘very bad' future if members fail to offer assistance. The strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. A fifth of international oil supplies pass through this waterway, which has been disrupted since the start of the war. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's south Asia correspondent, Hannah Ellis-Petersen – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Madrid-based journalist Guy Hedgecoe explains why Pedro Sánchez has been one of the few European leaders to challenge the US president on Iran. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In spring 2003, exuberance at the fall of Saddam was swiftly followed by a descent into deadly chaos. Whether moving independently or embedded with troops, Guardian reporters witnessed the violence on the ground By Ian Mayes. Read by Karl Queensborough. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Annie Kelly speaks to ordinary Iranians about the attacks on their country, and peace strategist Sanam Naghari-Anderlini explains her fears for the future. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Among the many justifications Donald Trump has presented for the US and Israel attacking Iran has been the supposedly imminent threat posed by its nuclear weapons programme. But how close was the country really to developing an atomic weapon? Ian Sample hears from Kelsey Davenport, the director of non-proliferation policy at the Arms Control Association. She sets out why many experts don't believe the country even had a structured nuclear weapons programme, and explains what she thinks the impact of the war could be on nuclear proliferation around the world.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Mojtaba Khamenei has been chosen to replace his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iran's supreme leader, while the country continues to be heavily bombarded by US and Israeli forces. There are concerns the move could lead to a further escalation of war in the Middle East, after Donald Trump warned that Khamenei was an ‘unacceptable' choice. Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

This week, as Trump's war on Iran rages on and expands, an Australian Iranian journalist writes about her grandfather's journey escaping the Islamic Republic and the fears she holds for the civilian lives caught in the crossfire. The journalist chose to write this piece anonymously, so Rafqa Touma reads it out for you instead

Intense waves of airstrikes have hit dozens of military positions, frontier posts and police stations along northern parts of Iran's border with Iraq in what appears to be preparation by the US and Israel for a new front in their war. Iran has warned ‘separatist groups' in this region against joining the widening conflict and launched strikes against Iraq-based Kurdish groups it described as ‘opposed to the revolution'. Could the involvement of these militant groups increase the risk of a civil war in Iran if the regime collapses? Nosheen Iqbal speaks to deputy head of international news Devika Bhat – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Global oil and gas prices have skyrocketed as war halts energy exports from the Middle East. The strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage of water that facilitates the shipping of about a fifth of the world's oil, has been in effect closed since the regional war began, prompting fears of a global economic crisis. According to reports, traffic has dropped by about 80%, but how long until we feel the effects? Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's head of business, John Collingridge – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Who's calling the shots in the US-Israeli war on Iran? Chief Middle East correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison and international security correspondent Jason Burke report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

After the US and Israel assassinated Iran's Supreme leader, Tehran has hit back. Missiles have rained down on the Gulf. Will the region retaliate? Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Israel has deployed soldiers on the ground in southern Lebanon and is carrying out heavy airstrikes in the country as conflict in the Middle East continues to spread. It comes after the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah launched missiles and drones toward Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Beirut-based journalist Will Christou – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

When the United States and Israel began bombing Iran over the weekend, they set in motion a war that has engulfed the region. In Australia, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has firmly backed the strikes by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu despite saying his government does not know if there is any legal basis for them. Professor Ben Saul speaks to Nour Haydar about why law experts say it's crystal clear the attacks on Iran were illegal and unprovoked, and why the military action sets a dangerous precedent

The war in the Middle East continues to escalate, with casualties and destruction reported across at least nine countries in under 10 hours. Israeli and US warplanes launched a fresh wave of strikes across Iran, while US allies in the Gulf states are under attack from Iranian missiles and drones. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's head of international news, Jamie Wilson – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Among the many people I met, there was a pervasive feeling of hopelessness and a sense that resistance is slowly becoming a memory By Ewen MacAskill. Read by Greg Stylianou-Burns. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Today's HeadlinesPraying Iran ForwardIndian high court affirms right to pray in homesThree lessons from Iran's past that explain its present

The US and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on Saturday, killing Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Why did Trump decide (again) to attack Iran during negotiations on a nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic? How does he sell a new war in the Middle East, with potential US casualties, to people at home? What happens next for Iran? In this special collaboration with Today in Focus, Annie Kelly speaks to the Guardian's diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour.

Israel and the US have launched a barrage of missile strikes on Iran, supported by a vast American armada that has been building up in the region. The strikes have killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled since 1989, and as Iran retaliated the situation unravelled quickly with Tehran firing on Israel and several other gulf states that have US military bases. As of Monday morning, the death toll is slowly mounting, including more than 100 children reportedly killed in Iran. Senior international correspondent Julian Borger speaks to Reged Ahmad about how a conflict that experts say breaks international law could unfold from here

Years of civil war have turned whole areas of the city into rows of empty husks. But after the fall of Assad, Syrians have returned to their old homes determined to rebuild By Ghaith Abdul-Ahad. Read by Mo Ayoub. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Today's HeadlinesNegotiations with Tehran, but are Iranians being heard?Bangladesh turns page as BNP wins electionStorytellers serve with a mission for U.S. inmates

Today's HeadlinesGlobal Day of Action for Iran sees solidarity protests and Pahlavi's Munich speechA dispute over words points to the need for Christian diplomacy in LebanonWorldviews coincide: What happens when Lent and Ramadan overlap?

The Guardian's community affairs correspondent, Chris Osuh, reports on the plot by two IS terrorists to massacre Jews in Manchester, and how it was thwarted by an undercover sting. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A small number of Palestinians from Gaza have started crossing into Egypt for medical treatment after Israel allowed a limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing. It had been largely closed since Israeli troops seized it in May 2024, cutting off a critical lifeline for those in Gaza. About 20,000 Palestinians needing medical care hope to leave Gaza using the crossing, but only a handful have been allowed through so far. The reopening of Rafah is seen as a key step in the US-brokered ceasefire agreement as it moves into its second phase. Lucy Hough speaks to chief Middle East correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump says ‘time is running out' for Iran as the threat of war appears to loom closer. A huge US armada is being moved towards Iran and is seen as the starkest indication yet that Trump intends to strike. The US president had called on the Iranian regime to negotiate a deal on the future of its nuclear programme, only weeks after he promised Iranian protesters ‘help was on the way' then backtracked days later. Nosheen Iqbal talks to the Guardian's deputy head of international news, Devika Bhat, about what Trump could do next – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Syrian government forces have seized swathes of territory from Kurdish groups – including camps holding IS prisoners. Will Christou reports on why this is a dangerous moment. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

During the conflict, the Damascus suburb became a killing field. But some of Assad's henchmen are still around – and even working with the new government By Melvyn Ingleby. Read by Selva Rasalingam. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Trump's board of peace includes Putin, Netanyahu and Tony Blair. What on earth will it do? Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

What kind of life is the deposed former president of Syria and his family living in Russia? With Pjotr Sauer and Will Christou. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Protesters face execution as the Iranian regime continues its violent crackdown, defying the US president, Donald Trump, who has threatened ‘very strong action' if demonstrators are killed. Erfan Soltani, 26, is the first protester to be sentenced to death, but it is unclear whether or not his execution has taken place. Lucy Hough speaks to journalist Deepa Parent about what she is hearing from those inside Iran – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Protests have rocked Iran, a brutal crackdown is under way and Trump has threatened to intervene. Ellie Geranmayeh on a dangerous moment for the country's leaders. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump has promised he will ‘shoot at Iran' if Iranian security services attack anti-government protesters, but analysts suggest the US is not prepared for military action. It comes as the death toll from Tehran's crackdown on protests soars, and as demonstrations continue to shake the country. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Iran has vowed it will ‘not back down' in the face of growing nationwide protests over economic conditions. Thousands of people marched through the streets of Tehran, calling for political reform and torching government buildings. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has signalled that a greater crackdown is coming after the country plunged into an internet blackout. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's deputy head of international news Devika Bhat – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Every Monday and Friday for the rest of December we will publish some of our favourite audio long reads of 2025, in case you missed them, with an introduction from the editorial team to explain why we've chosen it. From October: Over a few brutal days in March, as sectarian violence and revenge killings tore through parts of Syria, two friends from different communities tried to find a way to survive By Ghaith Abdul-Ahad. Read by Mo Ayoub. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Pastor Munther Isaac talks about his hometown of Bethlehem – the scene of the nativity – celebrating Christmas for the first time in three years. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Today in Focus hears from Guardian journalists all around the world about their most memorable moments – and sounds – of 2025. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Israel's latest strike in Beirut on Sunday, which killed at least five people and wounded 28, has dramatically escalated existing tensions in the region and left many in Lebanon anxious about what may follow. Beirut-based journalist William Christou speaks to Nour Haydar about the Lebanese government and Hezbollah's responses to the strike and Israel's ongoing presence in south Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement.

Australia exports more arms and ammunition to the United Arab Emirates than it does to any other country in the world. And just this week Team Defence Australia holds a prime slice of real estate at a weapons fair in Dubai. But human rights advocates are calling on the government to suspend defence exports to the country over reports it's arming a militia responsible for mass killings in Sudan. Senior reporters Ben Doherty and Henry Belot tell Nour Haydar about Australia's growing role in the global weapons trade.

What does the fall of El Fasher mean for the future of Sudan? Kaamil Ahmed reports

What does the fall of El Fasher mean for the future of Sudan? Kaamil Ahmed reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Majd is one of a handful of injured children from Gaza brought to the UK for urgent medical treatment. But why have there been so few? Nosheen Iqbal reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In the early years, American Jewish support for Israel was a fraught issue. The turning point was the six-day war of 1967, which solidified a strength of feeling that has only recently begun to fracture By Mark Mazower. Read by Kerry Shale. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

As Israel and Palestinian families waited for loved ones to be released, Trump met world leaders to continue ceasefire talks. Will Christou, Dan Boffey and Jason Burke report on an extraordinary day in the Middle East. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Today in Focus producer Natalie Ktena heads to a peace camp in Cyprus that aims to bring together children from Israel and the West Bank. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Over a few brutal days in March, as sectarian violence and revenge killings tore through parts of Syria, two friends from different communities tried to find a way to survive By Ghaith Abdul-Ahad. Read by Mo Ayoub. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

From inside Gaza, Ansam Tantesh and Mai Elawawda react to the news of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel and the prospect of finally ending the two-year war. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Negotiators have gathered in Egypt to discuss the US president's 20-point plan. Is an end to the war finally in sight?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Malak A Tantesh on fleeing the Israeli ground offensive in Gaza and becoming a reporter in the most dangerous place on Earth for journalists. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

What is motivating the UK's imminent recognition of Palestine? With Arab Barghouthi and Patrick Wintour. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus