Global News Podcast (BBC World Service)

Episode: Trump says he could 'take the oil in Iran'

Date: March 30, 2026
Host: Alex Ritson

Overview

This episode delves into dramatic new developments in the escalating US-Israel war with Iran, focusing on President Trump’s blunt declaration that he wants to "take the oil in Iran." The episode explores the global ripple effects of the conflict—surging oil prices, regional tensions, and divided public opinion in America—while including on-the-ground reports from Iran and discussions of international mediation efforts. The show also covers other key stories: NASA’s renewed lunar ambitions, international wildlife protection efforts, football news from the UK, and a unique story about the first British mayor in France.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Objective in Iran: "Take the Oil"

(01:00–03:02)

• President Trump, criticized for a lack of strategic clarity in Iran, clarifies in a Financial Times interview that his goal is to "take the oil in Iran" and potentially seize the vital Kharg Island, through which most Iranian oil is exported.
  • Quote: “We’ve had regime change if you look already, because the one regime was decimated, destroyed, they’re all dead. The next regime is mostly dead… So I would consider that regime change and frankly they’ve been very reasonable.” — Donald Trump (02:33)
• Trump claims Iran’s regime has been toppled and that Tehran is “desperate to make a deal.”

2. Oil Market Impact and Regional Repercussions

(03:02–05:46)

• Oil prices surge above $116 a barrel after Houthi threats to shipping in key straits raise fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
  • Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi fall by 4%; countries across Asia announce emergency measures.
• US business correspondent Nick Marsh (Singapore) notes that Trump’s threats—even if not realized—spike market anxieties.
  • Quote: “President Trump’s obviously made a lot of assertions during the course of this war… Many of them haven’t materialized, but very often they do influence oil prices…” — Nick Marsh (03:28)
• The disruptions ripple out: Australia releases an emergency economic package, the Philippines declares a national energy emergency, and other countries scramble for alternative oil sources, even considering unsanctioned Russian supplies.

3. US Troop Deployment and Military Scenarios

(05:46–09:46)

• Iran accuses the US of secretly preparing a ground invasion as the USS Tripoli arrives with 3,500 personnel.
• BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen analyzes US options:
  • Ground assault could allow the US to control Kharg Island and halt Iranian oil exports, but Iran still controls the Strait of Hormuz, which can disrupt all Gulf oil shipping.
  • Quote: “Unless they find a way of jumping into the middle ground somehow…Trump can say, we won, we smashed them, we’re going to go home…or…digging deeper into this war by deploying ground troops…” — Jeremy Bowen (06:26)
  • Risks include regional backlash and massive global economic consequences if both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb are closed by Iran and Houthis.

4. Diplomatic Prospects vs. Entrenched Conflict

(09:46–11:22)

• Despite Pakistani mediation efforts, recent US rhetoric signals little willingness to compromise.
  • Quote: “The tone of remarks coming in the last four or five days…White House press secretary echoing things Donald Trump has said…These guys [Iranians] need to realize they’re beaten…you’re either beaten in a war or you’re still fighting, which means you’re not beaten.” — Jeremy Bowen (10:43–11:22)
• Bowen underscores that Iran’s regime, while battered, remains in control and capable of resistance.

5. Life Inside Iran: Civilian Hardship and Division

(11:22–14:18)

• Tehran endures extensive Israeli airstrikes, resulting in sporadic power cuts and damage to energy infrastructure; most power is later restored.
• Social media reveals the population’s fatigue and fear.
  • Quote: “By the time I reached them and until I saw they were okay, I think I died a hundred times over again.” — Eyewitness (Sarah Russell) (12:18)
• Strike locations include residential neighborhoods and universities; Iran threatens counterstrikes on US and Israeli institutions if attacks aren’t condemned.
• BBC Persian’s Gonchei Habibi Azad notes Iranian public opinion is deeply split: some support retaliation, but many simply want peace.

6. American Public Opinion: War Support and Skepticism

(14:18–19:29)

• While polls show most Americans oppose the Iran campaign, Republican (MAGA) supporters largely still back Trump—though cracks appear as the war drags on.
• On an Alabama farm, Tim Pearce rationalizes rising fuel costs as the price of security:
  • Quote: “If it’s just gonna cost me a little bit of fuel prices, the reward is greater than the expense…Getting it done and not having to worry about the fact that Iran might have a nuclear missile.” — Tim Pearce (15:33–15:41)
• College football fans voice concerns about a ground invasion, but back “whatever it takes” to topple Iran’s regime.
• Evangelicals, including a Seventh Day Adventist community, approach the war with conflicted attitudes about justifiability and faith.
  • Quote: “…I don’t see any war justifiable and sending people to die unless they choose to die for the cause. But that’s the war, you know, that’s the nature of war.” — Gabriela Ibanescu (18:06)
  • Pastor Samuel Thomas, Jr., warns loyalty can be fickle: “There was support for Vietnam and then it turned. There was support for Iraq, Desert Storm, and it shifted. And so the reality is people can be quite fickle.” (18:38)

Additional Stories Covered

7. NASA’s Artemis Moon Mission: Why Return Now?

(22:34–26:41)

• NASA prepares for its first crewed moon mission in over 50 years, investing over $93 billion.
• The Artemis program aims to pioneer future Mars missions and access rare lunar resources like water ice and rare Earth elements.
  • Quote: “The moon has got the same elements in it that we have here on Earth…rare earth elements may be concentrated enough to mine.” — Prof. Sarah Russell (24:06)
  • Quote: “Returning to the moon is a stepping stone for going to Mars.” — Libby Jackson, Head of Space, Science Museum (26:08)
• The lunar race is now against China, both vying for the resource-rich South Pole.

8. International Wildlife Protection Milestone

(27:45–29:57)

• At a UN summit in Brazil, 40 new species—including snowy owls and giant otters—gain international protected status, as nearly half of migratory species are in decline.
  • Dr. Sue Lieberman (Wildlife Conservation Society) explains nation-to-nation cooperation is vital, emphasizing threats from overexploitation and illegal trade — not just climate change.

9. Tottenham Hotspur’s Managerial Crisis

(29:57–31:34)

• Tottenham Hotspur part ways with interim head coach Igor Tudor after a disastrous run leaves them near relegation.
• Search for a new manager is underway amid mounting fan anxieties.

10. Briton Becomes Mayor in France

(31:34–34:53)

• Maureen Searles, UK-born, is the first British mayor in France (Mont St. Eloi). She brings lighthearted British customs to her village, from English breakfast for children to Burns Night celebrations.
  • Notable quote/joke: “From now on we address all children in English…she was absolutely delighted with this idea…It was a joke but she took it quite serious…” — Maureen Searles (32:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump: “…take the oil in Iran.” (01:00)
• Jeremy Bowen: “It reads like a surrender document in terms of pretty much everything that Israel and the US has ever asked of Iran is in [Trump’s plan]…” (06:26)
• Gonchei Habibi Azad: “Some…are still supporting the strikes. Some of them just want the war to end, even if it means the establishment stays in power.” (14:00)
• Gary O’Donoghue: “Their loyalty [of MAGA supporters] is not limitless.” (19:29)
• Rebecca Morell: “The real driver right now is that geopolitical incentive to be the first major power that gets to the South Pole.” (25:28)
• Sue Lieberman: “For migratory species, no one country can solve the problems. It requires cooperation across the whole range of the species.” (27:45)

Key Timestamps

• Main headlines and Trump’s comments: 01:00–03:02
• Oil market impact: 03:02–05:46
• US troop movements and analysis: 05:46–11:22
• On-the-ground in Iran: 11:22–14:18
• American public/MAGA reaction: 14:18–19:29
• NASA Artemis mission: 22:34–26:41
• UN wildlife protection: 27:45–29:57
• Tottenham Hotspur crisis: 29:57–31:34
• British mayor in France: 31:34–34:53

Summary

This episode provides a comprehensive, multifaceted look at the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran and its reverberations both domestically and worldwide—from oil markets and public opinion to regional stability and diplomatic deadlock. It offers on-the-ground voices from affected civilians, contrasts between American political camps, and thoughtful expert analysis, blended with lighter stories on science, wildlife, sports, and cross-cultural milestones.

If you missed the episode, this summary offers a detailed, nuanced snapshot of global events driving headlines at the end of March 2026.