World News Weekly – An SBS World News Podcast

Australia’s PM is in hot water over his comments about a gift from his Japanese counterpart, North Korea rides to Russia’s rescue and will Netanyahu’s rejection of Trump’s Gaza plan come back to bite him? Plus, AI runs amok while the world struggles to control it. and Dobby the house elf stops a power project.

Myanmar’s junta finally provides signs of life for its former leader Aung San Suu Kyi - but why now and what does it all mean for the ongoing civil war? Plus, Ceuta’s border crisis reignites immigration divisions in Europe. And, how a US hiker who got himself into – and out of – a sticky situation.

Japan is launching its first foreign intelligence agency since World War Two, backed by a massive US$400 million budget. Driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the move aims to counter escalating threats from China, North Korea, and Russia - placing Japan alongside global espionage powers like the CIA and MI6. But will this historic shift successfully deter regional aggression, or will it risk making relations worse?

The US Iran conflict threatens to burst beyond the Gulf with Ukraine and Egypt now in the frame. Bibi says his bromance with Trump is still on and does the cockroaches’ big win mean a big loss of face for Modi? Plus, AI claims another victim - a Canadian politician’s pride…

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi forces have declared an immediate maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, threatening to choke off the strategic sea route and further destabilise global energy markets. With US-Iran tensions already at a boiling point, will this latest escalation plunge the Middle East into a broader regional war? Plus, from satire to a massive student uprising, could India’s “Cockroach" movement test Modi’s power? And the post-World Cup baby craze sweeping Peru.

The ceasefire crumbles as the US tries to loosen Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz with bombing. Ukraine and its European allies join forces to protect the continent from ballistic missiles. Plus, how will the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham impact US foreign policy? And would you let South Korea’s Buddhist monks lead you to love?

Donald Trump calls the Iranian regime ‘scum’ as the US and Iran trade strikes. What's next for Iran's leadership as the country gives Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a long goodbye. Hamas agrees to dissolves its government, but will that change things? Also, Trump gives his NATO allies a kicking and a hug as Ukraine gets the nod to produce Patriot missiles. Plus, mystery balls plague another Australian beach.

Grief and anger mount in Venezuela after two huge earthquakes. SBS Correspondent Catalina Florez joins us from Caracas, where locals say the government is "nowhere to be seen". Plus, US and Iranian strikes resume, as a battle of wills over the Strait of Hormuz threatens to undo the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Cuba pushes through its biggest economic reforms since the communist revolution, and Batman Returns?! The caped crusader spotted in the most unlikely of places.

Trump and JD Vance insist talks for a final deal between the US and Iran are progressing smoothly, but does Iran agree? Keir Starmer bows to party pressure and resigns as PM, what's next for the UK? Plus, SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson talks One Nation's rise up the polls in Australia, and her run-in with leader Pauline Hanson. And, it's fans, fun and fishy business during this week's action at the FIFA World Cup.

US-Iran strike a deal to make a deal, Bibi and Trump’s growing rift & could you be Japan’s next emperor? Tehran and Trump both sound triumphant but who is the real winner so far? And will Israel’s refusal to leave Lebanon upend negotiations? Plus, fresh from hosting cage fights at the White House, Donald Trump joins G7 leaders to pressure Putin, while players become political footballs at the FIFA World Cup, and Japan has a royal dilemma.