BBC

President Trump says the ceasefire is over, after the US struck targets in Iran overnight following the targeting of oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran on Tuesday. Iran retaliated today against US assets in the region. We hear from Iran and also get some analysis.

Also in the programme: research uncovers how COVID-19 has damaged some people's eyesight; and actor Anne Hathaway tells us how keen she was to be in new film "The Odyssey".

(IMAGE: Smoke rises at an unknown location following what the U.S. Central Command says is a new wave of strikes against Iran on Tuesday after three tankers were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, in this still image taken from video released July 7, 2026 / CREDIT: U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS)

Nolan talks to loyalist Jim Wilson and callers also give their reaction

The US carries out strikes in Iran, in retaliation for what it says is renewed Iranian targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has condemned the attacks. Also: the French far-right leader Marine Le Pen confirms she will contest next year's presidential election. China is dealing with severe rain and flooding that's left more than 20 people dead. Super-strength cannabis is flooding Britain. The line-up for the quarter-finals of the World Cup is now complete, and a Manhattan skyscraper has been evacuated after fears that it could collapse.

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: [email protected]

Photo: Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman.

Credit: REUTERS/Stringer

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, all this week The Global Story is exploring the surprising and often hidden ways the US has shaped the modern world.

For decades in the US, “Made in China” signified a product that was cheap, poorly made, and, in some cases, produced through exploitative labour. But today, the label signifies something quite different in many American minds - state-of-the-art tech and luxury goods that even rival America, for arguably the first time in US history.

Often overlooked is the fact that China’s ascendance as an economic superpower was far from inevitable. Today we speak to historian Elizabeth Ingleson to trace the evolution of the Made in China brand and to explore what responsibility the United States had for awakening its own economic rival.

The Global Story tells in-depth stories from where the world and America meet. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.

Producer: Xandra Ellin and Sam Chantarasak

Executive producer: James Shield

Sound engineer: Travis Evans

Senior news editor: China Collins

Twenty five days ago SpaceX debuted on the stock market in the largest initial public offering in history, selling US$75bn worth of shares. Now its joined the Nasdaq 100 index of firms including Microsoft, Apple and Nvidia, so why have its shares fallen? We hear from tech investor Eileen Burbridge and financial advisor Jennifer Snyder on why investors might not be feeling reassured.

Canada's launching a new national strategy for artificial intelligence called the 'AI for All' plan, setting targets for economic growth, jobs and safeguards as the government looks to strengthen its control over the technology.

Leanna Byrne speaks to Jerry McGinn of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on how NATO countries will pay for the biggest rise in defence spending in decades.

And China’s robotaxi firms are racing overseas, but will passengers trust cars without drivers? Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Asia, Europe and the USA.

(Picture: SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk is shown celebrating the company's debut on the Nasdaq market in New York City, New York, USA, on 12 June 2026. Credit: Sarah Yenesel / EPA / Shutterstock.)

Nigel Farage has announced he will stand down as an MP for Clacton and fight a by-election. The Reform UK leader was under investigation by a parliamentary watchdog for allegedly failing to declare a £5m gift from billionaire cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborn. The other major parties have said they will not run candidates in the by-election, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch describing it as a “gimmick”.

Also on the programme: as a public consultation about adult social care in England is launched, we hear how two members of the public have navigated the system; and a 700-year-old manuscript of Arthurian legends goes up for auction.

The French hard right leader Marine Le Pen says she'll still be a candidate in next year's presidential election, despite losing an appeal against her conviction for misusing EU funds.

Also in the programme, we speak to Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the presidential task force for the World Cup, on one of the most controversial moments in the tournament's history; and, a 700 year-old book telling the story of King Arthur and his court.

(Photo :French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, member of parliament for the Rassemblement National (National Rally - RN) party, poses prior to an interview on the evening news broadcast of French TV channel TF1, following the verdict in her appeal trial over misuse of EU funds, in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, France, July 7, 2026. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/Pool TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Susan hatches a plan, while Ian struggles with the inevitable.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Senate adopted a constitutional revision bill in June, which has raised fierce controversy as it would effectively reset presidential term limits. The legislation paves the way for a public vote on a new constitution. Under this proposal, President Félix Tshisekedi's previous terms in office would be discounted, essentially allowing him to seek a third term as if it were his first. A planned demonstration against the constitutional changes has now been postponed until July 22nd following a mediation led by Burundian President and African Union Chairperson, Évariste Ndayishimiye.

Also, what does the growing trend of AI use mean for Africa's animation film? We speak to creative director and animator, Chief David Nyamyweya.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba

Senior Producer: Bella Twine

Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi

Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

French hard-right leader Marine Le Pen could now run for president next year after a court in Paris upheld her embezzlement conviction, but reduced the length of her ban on running for public office. Also: Ukraine's president has used a speech at the Nato summit in Turkey to urge allies to deliver the air defence systems Kyiv urgently needs. In Syria, explosions have been heard in central Damascus, reportedly near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had been staying. The woman suspected of carrying out a parcel bombing in Monaco which injured a sanctioned Ukrainian multi-millionaire and his family has been found dead. In Britain, the leader of right-wing party Reform UK, Nigel Farage, says he will resign as an MP, triggering a by-election which he says he will stand in. New research from Italy suggests women hit a fertility tipping point at 49, even if using younger donor eggs during the process of IVF.

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: [email protected]

Photo: French hard-right leader Marine Le Pen leaves a Paris court after her appeals trial.

Credit: Reuters