BBC WORLD

Israel says it killed Iranian security chief Ali Larijani in air strike

3/17/2026, 7:07:04 PM

Israel has announced it killed Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian security official, in an air strike, along with the head of the paramilitary Basij force. However, Iranian authorities have yet to confirm either death, leaving the claims unverified. The announcement marks a significant escalation, targeting figures at the heart of Iran's security establishment.

Air strike hit Kabul rehab centre as patients ate dinner, survivor tells BBC

3/17/2026, 6:45:54 PM

A survivor has told the BBC that a Pakistani air strike hit a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul while patients were eating dinner on Monday night. The exact death toll remains unknown but is feared to reach the hundreds. The strike is the latest escalation in mounting military tensions between Pakistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, urging Trump to 'reverse course'

3/17/2026, 4:43:34 PM

The director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, has resigned in protest over the Trump administration's war against Iran, calling on the president to "reverse course." In his resignation statement, Kent alleged that Trump was drawn into the conflict due to pressure from Israel and its influential lobby in Washington. The resignation marks one of the most senior and public acts of dissent within the administration over the Iran war.

What have US allies and China said about sending ships to the Strait of Hormuz?

3/17/2026, 4:35:29 PM

US allies have largely pushed back or remained noncommittal in response to President Trump's request to send naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil shipping lane at the centre of regional tensions. Countries have cited varying concerns — from constitutional constraints to diplomatic calculations — in explaining their reluctance. China, meanwhile, has also declined to engage, signalling that a unified multilateral naval presence in the strait remains elusive.

Water supply cut in Moldova after oil spill blamed on Russian strike in Ukraine

3/17/2026, 4:10:06 PM

Moldova has cut its water supply and declared a 15-day state of alert in the Dniester river basin following an oil spill attributed to a Russian military strike on Ukraine. The spill has raised serious concerns about drinking water contamination for residents dependent on the river. The incident highlights how the war in Ukraine is producing direct environmental consequences for neighbouring countries.

Chile's president begins building border barrier less than week into term

3/17/2026, 3:49:46 PM

Chilean President José Antonio Kast visited the country's northern border less than a week after taking office to personally oversee the start of construction on a border ditch designed to curb irregular migration. The trench, a few feet wide and deep, was hailed by Kast as a "milestone" in his administration's hardline immigration agenda. The move signals a sharp shift in Chile's approach to border management under the new right-wing president.

Belgian court clears way for trial over 1961 killing of Congo PM Lumumba

3/17/2026, 3:06:47 PM

A Belgian court has ruled that a trial can proceed against Etienne Davignon, a 93-year-old former diplomat, over his alleged involvement in the 1961 assassination of Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba. Lumumba was the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo and was killed shortly after independence in a killing widely seen as facilitated by Belgian and US interests. The case marks a historic moment of judicial reckoning for Belgium over its colonial role in the Congo.

Aspiring female Zambian politicians were asked for sexual favours, official says

3/17/2026, 1:31:08 PM

A Zambian official has revealed that women aspiring to enter politics were solicited for sexual favours, in a disturbing disclosure that activists warn will deter women from seeking public office. The reports compound existing challenges in closing Zambia's wide gender gap in political representation. Women's rights campaigners say such abuse must be addressed urgently to enable genuine female participation in democracy.

US west coast prepares for 'dangerous' heatwave in early spring

3/17/2026, 1:26:03 PM

The US west coast is bracing for a dangerous early-spring heatwave, as severe weather grips the country from coast to coast. The extreme conditions include both record heat in the west and bitter cold in other parts of the country. Meteorologists are warning residents to take precautions as the unusual weather system intensifies.

Trump seeks to delay meeting with Xi in China

3/17/2026, 10:33:49 AM

President Trump is seeking to postpone a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as the escalating US-led war in Iran has overwhelmed Washington's foreign policy agenda. The conflict with Iran has forced the administration to sideline other diplomatic priorities, including high-level engagement with Beijing. The delay signals how the Iran war is reshaping America's broader global strategic posture.

Gas on the line: will the Iran war squeeze India's piped gas next?

3/17/2026, 6:47:42 AM

The ongoing war involving Iran has already disrupted LPG supplies for millions of Indian households, raising fears that the country's expanding piped natural gas network could face the next squeeze. India relies heavily on Middle Eastern energy imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz, making it acutely vulnerable to any prolonged disruption in the region. Analysts warn that if the conflict escalates further, the knock-on effects on Indian energy prices and supply security could be severe.

Dozens killed after Afghanistan rehab centre struck

3/17/2026, 6:19:03 AM

A strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Afghanistan has killed dozens of people, with BBC journalists on the ground witnessing more than 30 bodies being carried out on stretchers. The attack marks a significant loss of civilian life at a non-combatant facility. The identity of those responsible has not yet been confirmed.

Why did only two Iranian football players stay in Australia?

3/17/2026, 5:22:11 AM

Australia offered humanitarian visas to seven members of an Iranian football team, but only two players ultimately decided to remain in the country. The BBC's Katy Watson examines the complex personal and political pressures that led the other five to return to Iran. The episode sheds light on the difficult choices facing Iranian athletes caught between the risks of defection and concerns for family members left behind.

And the burger goes to... Michael B Jordan marks Oscars win at In-N-Out

3/17/2026, 4:41:58 AM

Michael B. Jordan capped off his Best Actor Oscar win with a post-ceremony visit to In-N-Out Burger, joining a celebrated Hollywood tradition. The late-night stop adds a relatable, lighthearted footnote to one of the biggest nights of his career. Jordan now joins a select group of Oscar winners known for celebrating their victories with the iconic fast food chain.

Sri Lanka declares Wednesdays off as Asian countries try to conserve fuel

3/17/2026, 4:17:14 AM

Sri Lanka has declared Wednesdays a public holiday as part of emergency fuel conservation efforts, becoming the latest Asian country to take drastic measures amid mounting energy shortages. The move reflects the growing pressure on Asian nations that depend heavily on Gulf oil imports. Several other countries in the region have introduced similar austerity steps to manage dwindling fuel supplies.

Millions without electricity as Cuba's power grid collapses

3/17/2026, 3:46:22 AM

Cuba's national power grid has collapsed, leaving millions of residents without electricity amid worsening fuel shortages. The crisis has been deepened by a US blockade on oil shipments to the island, which has severely curtailed energy supplies. The blackouts highlight the mounting humanitarian toll of Cuba's long-running economic crisis.

Trump says presidents 'should not have learning disabilities' as he mocks Newsom's dyslexia

3/17/2026, 2:04:48 AM

President Donald Trump mocked California Governor Gavin Newsom's dyslexia, claiming that presidents "should not have learning disabilities." The remarks drew swift condemnation from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, which said it was "disturbed" by the president's comments. The attack is widely seen as part of Trump's ongoing political targeting of Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure.

Utah bereavement author found guilty of fatally poisoning her husband

3/17/2026, 1:14:04 AM

A jury in Utah has found Kouri Richins guilty of murdering her husband Eric in March 2022 by slipping fentanyl into his drink. Richins had written a children's book about grief following his death, drawing intense media scrutiny. The verdict closes a case that shocked the public given the stark contrast between her public persona and the crime.

Moving English tests for migrants online risks criminal abuse, providers warn

3/17/2026, 1:02:27 AM

Test providers have written to the UK government warning that moving mandatory English language tests for visa applicants online could expose the system to fraud and exploitation by criminal gangs. The letter argues that in-person testing provides crucial safeguards that an online format cannot adequately replicate. Providers fear that shifting to remote assessments risks undermining the integrity of the UK's immigration system.

Trump's confidence is undimmed - but every Iran option comes with risk

3/17/2026, 12:24:01 AM

President Trump is projecting confidence over the US-Israel war on Iran, but analysts warn that every available option — from continued strikes to diplomatic off-ramps — carries significant political and strategic risk. The chances of a quick resolution appear to be fading, and the conflict is becoming an increasingly high-stakes test of Trump's presidency. With no easy exit in sight, the political cost for the White House is mounting by the day.

'Fire came from the sky and burned them' - life on the brink of civil war in South Sudan

3/17/2026, 12:08:56 AM

South Sudan is edging toward renewed civil war as the army launches a major military offensive in Jonglei state, forcing around 50,000 civilians to flee their homes. Survivors describe aerial bombardments reducing communities to ash, with humanitarian agencies warning of a catastrophic displacement crisis. The violence threatens to unravel a fragile peace deal that ended the country's last devastating civil war.

AI firm Anthropic seeks weapons expert to stop users from 'misuse'

3/17/2026, 12:08:32 AM

AI company Anthropic is seeking to hire a weapons and biosecurity expert to prevent "catastrophic misuse" of its artificial intelligence systems. The move reflects growing concern in the industry about the potential for AI tools to be exploited for the development of dangerous weapons, including biological or chemical agents. It marks a significant step by a leading AI firm to proactively address national security risks posed by its own technology.

Watch: Reunion resident gets close to lava from erupting volcano

3/16/2026, 8:39:01 PM

The Piton de la Fournaise volcano on the French island of Réunion has erupted, with lava reaching the Indian Ocean for the first time in 19 years. A local resident captured dramatic close-up footage of the lava flow. The rare spectacle has drawn significant attention from both locals and onlookers worldwide.

UN receives reports alleging torture of detainees in Venezuela continues

3/16/2026, 7:08:13 PM

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over reports alleging that torture of detainees in Venezuela has continued following the political upheaval surrounding Nicolás Maduro's ouster. The UN has received multiple accounts describing incidents of abuse against individuals held in detention. The allegations add to growing international pressure over the human rights situation in the country.

3/16/2026, 5:57:45 PM

Khaled Bani Odeh, a 12-year-old Palestinian boy, recounts how Israeli forces shot and killed his parents and two brothers as they were driving home from a shopping trip in the occupied West Bank. Khaled survived the attack, which left him as the sole survivor of his immediate family. The incident has drawn renewed attention to the deadly toll of Israeli military operations on Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.

3/16/2026, 5:34:13 PM

European leaders are reluctant to assist the Trump administration in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with Iran, fearing entanglement in a broader conflict. However, they also recognize that standing aside entirely is not a viable option, given the strategic and economic stakes involved. The standoff reflects the deep uncertainty among Washington's allies about how to navigate a crisis that has no easy resolution.

Mexico City breaks Guinness Record with giant football training session

3/16/2026, 5:23:27 PM

Mexico City set a new Guinness World Record for the largest football training session, with 9,500 participants gathering at the iconic Zocalo square. The event was held in the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. The mass session reflected the host nation's growing excitement ahead of the tournament.

3/16/2026, 2:09:58 PM

Kenya says Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan nationals to fight in the Ukraine conflict, following diplomatic pressure from Nairobi. Around 1,000 Kenyans are believed to have been enlisted, with many claiming they were deceived into joining under false pretences. The development highlights a growing concern about African nationals being drawn into the war through fraudulent recruitment schemes.

Iran hits key UAE oil port and Dubai airport

3/16/2026, 12:43:32 PM

Iran has struck the port of Fujairah in the UAE — a critical alternative oil supply hub used when the Strait of Hormuz is blocked — as well as Dubai's international airport. The attack marks a dramatic escalation in regional tensions, threatening global energy supplies and international aviation. The strikes could have far-reaching consequences for oil markets and Gulf stability.

3/16/2026, 12:36:51 PM

South African police have identified the suspect in the murder of whistleblower Marius van der Merwe as a former elite law enforcement officer. Van der Merwe was shot dead three weeks after he publicly accused fellow police officers of killing a robbery suspect. The case has raised serious concerns about police accountability and the safety of those who speak out against misconduct within the force.

3/16/2026, 11:58:42 AM

Ecuador has deployed 75,000 soldiers and police officers in a sweeping crackdown on drug gangs terrorizing the country's most violent provinces. The government has declared it is "at war" with the criminal organizations, warning residents of affected regions of intensified operations. The move reflects Ecuador's escalating security crisis as it battles some of the most powerful drug trafficking networks in Latin America.

3/16/2026, 11:47:16 AM

A French national named Martin Ryan has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in Azerbaijan on espionage charges. He was accused of gathering classified information about Azerbaijan's military cooperation with Turkey and Pakistan. The case is likely to further strain already tense relations between France and Azerbaijan.

3/16/2026, 11:00:03 AM

A conflict involving Iran is underway, and while most parties agree it should end swiftly, there is deep disagreement over the terms of any resolution. Different actors — regional powers, Western governments and others — have sharply diverging interests in the war's outcome. The article examines who stands to gain or lose what, and what conditions each party would consider acceptable for peace.

Far-left and far-right gains throw French mainstream parties into a quandary

3/16/2026, 10:46:41 AM

The first round of French mayoral elections has produced strong showings from both far-left and far-right parties, leaving mainstream political forces facing difficult strategic choices. Traditional parties must now decide whether to form tactical alliances or stand firm ahead of the second round, with either option carrying significant risks. The results signal a continued fragmentation of the French political landscape and growing voter discontent with centrist parties.

Meta and TikTok let harmful content rise after evidence outrage drove engagement, say whistleblowers

3/16/2026, 6:10:55 AM

Whistleblowers have told the BBC that Meta and TikTok deliberately allowed harmful content to spread on their platforms after internal evidence showed that outrage-driven material boosted user engagement. The companies' algorithms were reportedly tuned to prioritise content that provoked strong emotional reactions, even when that content was known to be damaging. The revelations have intensified calls for greater regulatory oversight of social media platforms.

3/16/2026, 5:41:28 AM

A fire broke out in the intensive care unit of a hospital in India's Odisha state, killing ten patients. Eleven hospital staff members sustained burns and are currently receiving treatment. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze.

'A new norm': BBC visits Doha market starting to fill up again two weeks into Iran war

3/16/2026, 5:14:45 AM

Two weeks into an ongoing war involving Iran, BBC correspondent Barbara Plett Usher visits Doha's iconic Souq Waqif market, finding it beginning to return to normal activity despite continued strikes in the region. The report captures a sense of uneasy adaptation among residents and visitors, with the market's revival described as a "new norm" amid the conflict. The piece highlights how life in the Gulf is adjusting to the regional instability.

3/16/2026, 4:43:43 AM

Iranian authorities have set up new security checkpoints around Tehran in what residents say is a pre-emptive effort to prevent anti-establishment protests. Locals told the BBC that people are being stopped and searched at these checkpoints across the capital. The measures reflect the government's heightened vigilance against public dissent following years of recurring protest movements.

3/16/2026, 3:15:43 AM

The Oscars ceremony was marked by historic firsts, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and a rare tie between nominees. One Battle After Another led the night with six awards, while Sinners and Frankenstein also made strong showings.

3/16/2026, 12:32:50 AM

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in creative and commercial industries, a growing backlash has sparked a global effort to create a universally recognised "AI-free" logo. Advocates argue that consumers and clients deserve to know when a product — whether art, writing or design — has been made without AI involvement. Multiple competing initiatives are now racing to establish the definitive standard for such a label.

3/16/2026, 12:31:48 AM

American anti-abortion organisations are exporting their tactics and funding to the United Kingdom, fuelling a new generation of activists seeking to challenge Britain's broadly pro-choice public consensus. The movement was galvanised in part by the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which became a rallying point for a transatlantic campaign against abortion rights. The article examines whether these US-backed efforts can meaningfully shift attitudes and policy in a country where support for abortion access has long been entrenched.

3/16/2026, 12:06:14 AM

Ukraine is urgently seeking critical financial support from the IMF and the European Union to sustain its war effort against Russia. As part of efforts to shore up public finances, the country is also raising taxes on its beleaguered population. The moves highlight the mounting economic pressure Kyiv faces alongside the ongoing military conflict.

3/16/2026, 12:05:40 AM

Somalia has become a significant hub for the Islamic State's global network following the group's military defeats in Syria and Iraq, prompting a major counterterrorism effort. Security forces are actively pursuing IS fighters who have sought refuge across the country's remote and ungoverned territories. The campaign reflects the broader challenge of containing IS's geographic expansion into Africa.

3/16/2026, 12:05:11 AM

Following missile strikes in the region, airspace over Iran and the Gulf has been severely restricted, forcing airlines to reroute flights and absorb higher operating costs. The disruptions highlight how modern aviation must navigate active conflict zones, balancing passenger safety with commercial pressures. Airlines are under increasing strain as the closures compound existing logistical challenges on key intercontinental routes.

3/15/2026, 6:40:59 PM

Swedish authorities have detained the captain of the Sea Owl One, a vessel linked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet used to circumvent oil sanctions. The skipper is suspected of producing forged documents when the ship was boarded by the Swedish coast guard. The arrest is the latest in a series of European crackdowns on Russia's sanctions-evasion shipping network.

3/14/2026, 1:02:53 PM

A sandstorm swept through Gaza, turning skies orange and prompting authorities to urge residents to take shelter. Displaced Palestinians living in tents were advised to secure their temporary shelters to prevent them from being blown away. The storm added yet another layer of hardship for the enclave's already vulnerable population.

Watch: Why Kharg Island is a lifeline for Iran

3/14/2026, 1:21:14 AM

Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, serves as Iran's primary oil export terminal and handles the vast majority of the country's crude oil shipments. BBC Security Brief analyst Mikey Kay explains why the island holds immense strategic value for Tehran, both economically and geopolitically. Any threat to Kharg Island would constitute a severe blow to Iran's economy and its ability to fund regional influence.