US strikes Iran after accusing Tehran of targeting shipping

Summary

Global News Podcast – July 8, 2026

Episode: US strikes Iran after accusing Tehran of targeting shipping
Host: Celia Hatton, BBC World Service
Release Date: July 8, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this episode, the BBC Global News Podcast brings urgent reporting and analysis on the dramatic escalation between the United States and Iran, following US airstrikes in response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The episode also covers key global stories: Russia’s fuel crisis and its implications for the Ukraine war, Marine Le Pen’s renewed French presidential bid amid controversy, the IOC’s provisional lifting of Russia’s Olympic ban, super strength cannabis smuggling into the UK, severe weather disasters in China, the latest from the men’s Football World Cup quarterfinals, and the evacuation of a Manhattan skyscraper facing collapse.

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Key Discussions & Insights

1. US Strikes on Iran and Strait of Hormuz Escalation

[01:14 - 04:53]

• Background: The US launched over 80 strikes against Iranian targets, including air defense systems, in retaliation for reported attacks on commercial shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz.

  • “The United States has carried out a series of strikes against Iran in response to what it calls renewed Iranian targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.” – Celia Hatton [01:14]

• Details: Iranian media reported significant explosions in Syrik, Keshem island, and Bandar Abbas.

  • “These do in fact appear to be the heaviest US strikes since the ceasefire came into effect.” – Reporter [02:47]

• Diplomatic Fallout: The US revoked oil sanctions waivers, a key negotiating chip in US-Iran peace talks, which Iran called a breach of faith.

  • “Iran’s Foreign Ministry...says that it proved the bad faith, inconsistency and unreliability of the US Government.” – Reporter [04:35]

• Iran’s Response: Top Iranian military officials vowed a “crushing response” and insisted Iran would dictate shipping routes through the strait.

  • “The only safe passage for commercial ships through the strait was a route determined by Iran.” – Celia Hatton [04:53]

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2. Russia’s Fuel Crisis Amid Ukraine Conflict

[05:49 - 09:41]

• On the ground: Moscow is experiencing long queues for fuel; some drivers report panic amid shortages linked to Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.

  • “It’s a point of panic because everybody thinks there will be no oil.” – Yekaterina [06:09]
  • “There’s no fuel. Prices rising and he’s rethinking a road trip to Dagestan.” – James Landale reporting an interview [06:30]

• Impact: Social media shows viral images of long queues; the shortage is now felt daily by Russians, eroding support for the war.

  • “For years, Vladimir Putin tried to insulate people from the impact of his war on Ukraine. Well, these queues are making that much harder for these drivers.” – James Landale [07:24]

• Kremlin Response: President Putin publicly acknowledges the issue but downplays its severity, while experts suggest economic pressure will make Putin more repressive, not conciliatory.

  • “The more pressure he feels, the more likely he would act aggressively and repressively.” – Nina Khrushcheva [08:57]
  • “All the signs now are that President Putin will double down.” – James Landale [09:14]

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3. Marine Le Pen Cleared to Run for French Presidency

[09:41 - 12:51]

• Legal Drama: Marine Le Pen will run for the French presidency in 2027 after a court shortened her ban from public office, despite upholding her embezzlement conviction.

  • “So this evening, I am a candidate for the presidential election.” – Marine Le Pen [10:31]

• Symbolic Moment: Le Pen faces the unprecedented possibility of campaigning while wearing an electronic ankle tag, which she is appealing.

  • “I will therefore campaign without an electronic bracelet.” – Marine Le Pen [10:27]

• Analysis: Sophie Petter (The Economist) argues the case strengthens Le Pen’s populist appeal and narrative of “victimhood.”

  • “She has already...made a sort of victimhood appeal...she will continue to appeal to the general voter who thinks she’s been hard done by the whole court situation.” – Sophie Petter [12:39]

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4. Russia’s Olympic Ban Provisionally Lifted

[12:51 - 16:50]

• IOC Decision: Russian athletes could compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after the International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted Russia’s suspension.

  • “We wanted to ensure all athletes have the possibility to compete at the Olympic Games and not be held responsible for their government’s actions.” – IOC President Kirsty Coventry [13:23]

• International Backlash: Sweden’s Olympic Committee sees this as sending the “wrong message” while Ukraine’s foreign minister calls it a betrayal of sport.

  • “It is disappointing. We believe it’s wrong...” – Hans von Oetman, Swedish Olympic Committee [14:07]

• Future Tensions: Ukrainian commentators call the decision “a madhouse.”

  • “There is one country that will be particularly opposed...and that country is Ukraine.” – Vitaly Shevchenko [15:29]

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5. Multi-Billion Dollar UK Cannabis Smuggling

[21:46 - 25:45]

• BBC Investigation: Super strength cannabis—originally from California but now grown in Thailand—is being smuggled in record volumes into the UK.

  • “Super strength cannabis is flooding the UK like never before...” – Scott Hesketh [22:20]

• Mechanics of the Trade: Gangs in the UK’s north buy from Thai growers; couriers (often unaware they’re transporting drugs) are recruited under false pretenses.

  • “The buyers are all up Liverpool, Manchester, mainly up the north who we know...” – Interviewee “Z” [23:13]
  • “You just put it on them. Yeah. Take these bags.” – Interviewee “Z” [23:22]

• Smuggling Methods: With airport security tightening, traffickers are now using cargo and postal shipments.

  • “Titan security at airport has left traffickers looking for alternative smuggling methods...” – Scott Hesketh [24:13]

• Health Risks & Home Office Stance:

  • “The greatest risk is associated in the chance of developing a clinical psychotic disorder, predominantly driven by paranoia.” – Dr. Marty Defaulti [25:00]
  • Home Office calls seizures a success but interviewees doubt the crackdown’s effectiveness.
  • “Because more of it is coming through. It’s never going to stop.” – Drug courier [25:41]

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6. Extreme Weather and Disasters in China

[18:53 - 21:46]

• Tragedy Strikes: Landslides in Gansu province kill at least 21; flooding and tornadoes cause deaths and force mass evacuations.

  • “Gansu has been the worst in terms of the death toll...now we're hearing that 21 people have died in that landslide.” – Stephen McDonnell [19:26]

• Wider Context: Hundreds of dams at emergency levels; military rescue teams deployed; state media circulate dramatic footage.

  • “There are apparently 341 dams where the water level has reached emergency levels...” – Stephen McDonnell [20:07]

• Climate Impact: Global warming is blamed for the surge in extreme weather events.

  • “A lot of terrible weather, all apparently caused by global warming.” – Stephen McDonnell [21:39]

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7. Men’s Football World Cup Quarterfinals

[25:45 - 28:36]

• Match Recaps: Argentina pulls off dramatic comeback against Egypt (3-2), moving to the quarterfinals; Switzerland upsets Colombia on penalties.

  • “Argentina, they scored three goals, one coming in stoppage time to win it.” – Gary Rose [27:02]

• Upcoming Fixtures: Heavyweight matchups ahead—France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium, England vs Norway (Erling Haaland), Argentina vs Switzerland.

  • “The quarterfinal lineup is looking brilliant...some of the really strong contenders...” – Gary Rose [27:38]

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8. Manhattan Skyscraper Evacuation

[28:36 - 32:10]

• Incident: Former Pfizer HQ—undergoing conversion to apartments—evacuated due to structural instability after bricks fell and support columns buckled.

  • “A skyscraper located in Manhattan has been evacuated after showing potential signs of collapse.” – Celia Hatton [28:36]
  • “There was a lot of construction going on. The building was pretty old...” – Miles Grant [29:11]

• Impact: Major disruption to downtown, with surrounding blocks closed; city fire chief rules out total collapse but warns of localized risk.

  • “Nearby, you’ve got the United Nations headquarters and the famous Art Deco Chrysler Building...” – Pete Ross [29:35]
  • “A steel beam on the 21st floor was compromised. Two support columns inside the building were buckling...” – Pete Ross [30:12]
  • “The fire chief has allayed concerns that this building will completely collapse...However...a localized collapse.” – Pete Ross [30:39]

• Wider Trend: Echoes broader safety challenges in NYC’s aging and repurposed high-rise stock.

  • “This building...and other buildings is part of a broader effort to repurpose many empty office blocks…” – Pete Ross [31:16]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The more pressure [Putin] feels, the more likely he would act aggressively and repressively.” – Nina Khrushcheva [08:57]
• “So this evening, I am a candidate for the presidential election.” – Marine Le Pen [10:31]
• “There are apparently 341 dams where the water level has reached emergency levels.” – Stephen McDonnell [20:07]
• “Because more of it is coming through. It’s never going to stop.” – Drug Courier on cannabis trade [25:41]
• “Argentina, they scored three goals, one coming in stoppage time to win it. As I say, it wasn’t without controversy.” – Gary Rose [27:02]

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Timestamps for Critical Segments

• US-Iran military confrontation: [01:14 - 04:53]
• Russia’s fuel crisis and Kremlin’s stance: [05:49 - 09:41]
• Marine Le Pen’s presidential run and legal issues: [09:41 - 12:51]
• Russia’s Olympic ban lifted/reactions: [12:51 - 16:50]
• UK super strength cannabis smuggling investigation: [21:46 - 25:45]
• Extreme weather disasters in China: [18:53 - 21:46]
• Men’s World Cup quarterfinal preview: [25:45 - 28:36]
• NYC skyscraper evacuation and infrastructure concerns: [28:36 - 32:10]

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains a brisk, factual, and analytical tone, interspersed with direct reporting from correspondents in the field and succinct expert commentary, reflecting the BBC's commitment to balanced, clear, and up-to-the-minute journalism.

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This comprehensive summary should enable listeners to grasp the major events, tensions, and global implications covered in this urgent news episode of the Global News Podcast.

Transcript

[Narrator/Reporter]

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[Celia Hatton]

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Celia Hatton and in the early hours of 8th July, these are our main stories. The US has carried out a series of strikes against Iran in response to what it calls renewed Iranian targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The French hard right leader Marie La Pence says she's still running for president next year despite losing her appeal against a conviction for misuse of European Parliament funds. Also in this podcast we look ahead to the quarter finals of the Men's World cup and some mouth watering clashes.

[Miles Grant]

And I saw the state of that building. There was a lot of construction going on. The building was pretty old. I mean, I hope they get it fixed.

[Celia Hatton]

The New York City skyscraper that shut down a large part of Manhattan. The United States and Iran are supposed to be working out a peace deal, but the conflict between them is heating up around the Strait of Hormuz. You know US Central Command says the powerful American strikes hitting targets in Iran came after reported Iranian attacks on commercial ships transiting through the Strait. It says it struck over 80 targets, including Iranian air defense systems. Iranian media is reporting hits in multiple locations in the south of the country. North America correspondent Peter Bose told me

[Narrator/Reporter]

the latest Iranian media has reported several explosions in the southern port city of Syrik, as well as Keshem island and Bandar Abbas, and these do in fact appear to be the heaviest US strikes since the ceasefire came into effect. The statement from US Central Command is strongly worded it says American forces have launched a series of powerful strikes to impose what it describes as heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping, crewed, it says, by innocent civilians in an international war waterway. Now, those attacks described earlier by a US Official as wholly unacceptable. It was earlier also that the British military said that three tankers had been hit in the Strait of Hormuz within a 24 hour period on Monday and Tuesday. No casualties were reported. The US Said Iran's actions were a clear violation of the ceasefire and that it had demonstrated, it says, unwarranted and dangerous aggression.

[Celia Hatton]

And it's not just strikes going back and forth, is it?

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

Is it?

[Celia Hatton]

The U.S. has also reimposed oil sanctions on Iran.

[Narrator/Reporter]

Yes, the U.S. s initial response, and we heard about this really just before those latest strikes, was to revoke a license which temporarily lifted some sanctions on Iran as part of the Memorandum of Understanding into the cessation of hostilities. That's when these sanctions were first brought into effect. But the sanctions waiver had allowed the Islamic Republic to produce, sell and deliver oil. So it was a key part of the process to get to the next stage of the negotiations between the US And Iran. With the big issues, nuclear weapons, still to be resolved. Iran's Foreign Ministry has called the move a breach of the memorandum, and it says that it proved the bad faith, inconsistency and unreliability of the US Government. And it added that Tehran would take whatever measures it considers necessary to safeguard its national interests and national security.

[Celia Hatton]

Peter Bose in Washington. Iran's top joint military command has said Iranian armed forces would deliver a crushing response to the U.S. they added that they wouldn't allow U.S. interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the only safe passage for commercial ships through the strait was a route determined by Iran. While NATO leaders who are currently meeting in the Turkish capital Ankara, won't just be discussing Iran at their gatherings, they'll also want to talk about Vladimir Putin and what he plans to do next. The Russian leader is not getting it all his own way in his war with Ukraine. His country is experiencing widespread fuel shortages as Ukrainian missiles and drones continue to strike Russian oil refineries. Will that encourage Mr. Putin to talk or fight back? Our diplomatic correspondent James Landell in Moscow sent this report.

[James Landale]

If you want to get a sense of the fuel crisis gripping Russia, take a drive around Moscow. There are queues at most petrol stations, some short, some long. And if there are none, it means there's no petrol left. Little wonder some folk are feeling frustrated. Yekaterina tells us she's not happy.

[Marine Le Pen / Various Interviewees]

I think it's a point of panic because everybody thinks that there will be no oil.

[James Landale]

Valeri says he thinks it's a bit strange having to queue for fuel in a country that extracts so much oil. Andrej accepts things could get worse, but he's not afraid. We survived through the 90s, he tells us. We remember times which were more difficult. It doesn't scare us. But Elmar tells us there's no fuel. Prices are rising and he's rethinking a road trip to Dagestan. And what's to blame in our country, you cannot say what's to blame, he tells me. Well, what's immediately to blame are the rising number of Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russia's oil refineries, strikes deep within Russian territory, and less fuel means more queues. For years, Vladimir Putin's tried to insulate people from the impact of of his war on Ukraine. Well, these cues are making that much harder for these drivers. The war is not just coming closer to home, it's having a material impact on their daily lives. And that's true for Russians across this vast country. Social media is awash with images of queuing drivers, not all of whom remain patient. Call the police. She cries, as a fight ensues, images of angry drivers go viral, as do aerial shots of snaking queues kilometers long, such as in Chitar, in Russia's Far East. Here's a queue, says the man, and it's now gone into its second day. It's just crazy. So how worried is the Kremlin? Well, President Putin is concerned enough to address the issue publicly on state tv.

[Celia Hatton]

These attacks on our infrastructure facilities are obviously creating problems.

[James Landale]

We are currently seeing a certain shortage.

[Advertisement Voice]

But it's not critical.

[James Landale]

When President Zelensky meets Donald Trump at the NATO summit, he'll argue the fuel shortage is putting pressure on the Kremlin to change tack. But when Vladimir Putin spoke to the US President at the weekend, he accused Europe of spreading false perceptions. But will all this economic turmoil translate into political pressure? Nina Khrushcheva, professor of international affairs at the New School in New York, tells us President Putin is unlikely to bend.

[Nina Khrushcheva]

The more pressure he feels, the more

[Celia Hatton]

likely he would act aggressively and repressively.

[Nina Khrushcheva]

Another argument coming from Europe is that

[Marine Le Pen / Various Interviewees]

if you can force Putin to negotiations

[Nina Khrushcheva]

table, that's a wet dream. I mean, that doesn't happen.

[James Landale]

All the signs now are that President Putin will double down. He's been filmed in military fatigues, meeting commanders, claiming victories on the front line promising to take yet more territory. So Russians are queuing for fuel. The war has come a step closer, but their president may disappoint NATO leaders hoping for change in the Kremlin.

[Celia Hatton]

James Landale in Moscow, next to the hot political story coming out of Paris. In an earlier edition, we covered a court case in France which cleared the way for the far right leader, Marine Le Pen, to run for president. Ms. Le Pen has now confirmed that she will run in the next presidential election after the appeals court ruling. That's despite an embezzlement conviction which requires her to wear an electronic ankle tag for a year. On French television, the longtime party leader said she would app against that restriction and said that she would not be required to wear the tag while the appeal was still being heard. I had indicated, as you know, that

[Marine Le Pen / Various Interviewees]

I would not campaign while wearing an ankle tag, but my appeal to the

[Celia Hatton]

High Court suspends the effects of the ruling.

[Marine Le Pen / Various Interviewees]

I will therefore campaign without an electronic bracelet. So this evening, I am a candidate

[Celia Hatton]

for the presidential election. Ms. Le Pen went on to say that her campaign for the 2027 presidential election would start immediately and would bring about the rebirth of. Originally, she'd been found guilty of misusing European parliamentary funds to pay her own party workers. The court upheld that conviction, but shortened her ban from public office. That was part of the original sentence. Fabrice Legeri is a member of the European Parliament for Marine Le Pen's National Rally Party. He's happy she's now a presidential candidate. Of course, Marine Le Pen is our candidate. And now we are happy to see

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

that she is free to be the

[Stephen McDonnell]

candidate for the run for the presidential election.

[Celia Hatton]

And we are happy to see that the French people will be able to decide and not judges decide on politics in France. It will be the fourth time that Ms. Le Pen will run for the presidency, and her party is currently leading in the opinion polls. We spoke with Sophie Petter, Paris Bureau chief for the Economist.

[Nina Khrushcheva]

What makes the real difference is the fact that the court ruled that not only it was shortening her sentence, this ban on her run running for elected office, but that she had already served that part of the penalty. And that is what's made the difference for her. She now can run, she doesn't have to run, but the decision was in her hands. And that's, I think, where things shifted for her this afternoon. What it also did, however, is impose the wearing of the ankle tag. Now, that is something that is going to be quite unprecedented in France. I can't think of a single presidential election with a candidate in that situation, she's going to contest it, as you just said, in the highest court, the Corps de cassation. The argument she was making on French television this evening is that, you know, given that the court had reduced the sentences, she thought that she had a case to take to the highest court. So she may think that she can some way, there's some way around that or a way of making that to sort of you're shortening the time frame for the wearing of it. She's a populist candidate. She has already in the past, given, you know, made a sort of victimhood appeal about all of this. And I think that she will continue to appeal to the general voter who thinks that she's been hard done by the whole court situation.

[Celia Hatton]

Sophie Petter in Paris. Well, for much of the past decade, Russia has been banned from the Olympic Games, initially for state sponsored doping and then for its full scale invasion of Ukraine. But Russian athletes could be allowed to compete in the 2028 Games after the International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted Moscow's suspension. The last time Russia competed in an Olympics under its own flag was in Rio de Janeiro in 20. Kirsty Coventry is the IOC president.

[Marine Le Pen / Various Interviewees]

We wanted to ensure all athletes have the possibility to compete at the Olympic Games and not be held responsible for their government's actions. And I believe that this is what this decision speaks to. But we've also been very clear that we do not condone any violence and war around the world. We will continue with that stance and we will review the protocols around the anthem and flag in the future.

[Celia Hatton]

Russia's sports minister, Mikhail Detairov, said the committee had given a clear signal that the Olympic movement must remain free from politics. The president of the Swedish Olympic Committee, Hans von Oetman, said it sent the opposite message.

[James Landale]

It is disappointing. We believe it's wrong and we've been very clear about that. And while we have to respect the IOC's decision, we think it's unfortunate there's nothing in the ongoing war that justifies allowing Russian athletes to compete in the Games. Nordic and Baltic associations have been very clear on where we stand. But other member nations are of another opinion.

[Celia Hatton]

Ukraine says the IOC's decision is premature and unfounded. Oliver Conway heard more from BBC Monitoring's chief analyst, Vitaly Shevchenko.

[Vitaly Shevchenko]

It seems as though the International Olympic Committee and possibly other governing bodies in global sports are not that concerned anymore about what Russia is doing, specifically what it's doing in Ukraine and what the International Olympic Committee said today. They provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee because it no longer was active in occupied parts of Ukraine.

[Narrator/Reporter]

Now, Russian athletes and competitors have appeared in various competitions, albeit maybe not with their flags or not as part of an official Russian team. What are we likely to see at the next Olympics?

[Vitaly Shevchenko]

The next Olympics are taking place in 2028 in Los Angeles. Donald Trump will still be in charge and, and I'm sure he will not be hugely opposed, put it this way, to seeing Russian athletes with Russian flags there. And also I would argue that there will be spectators who would want to see the best athletes competing, regardless of which country they're representing and what that country is doing to its neighbors. There is one country that will be particularly opposed to this happening, and that country is Ukraine. It's been really vocal to what we've seen over the past years, this gradual relaxation of bans on Russian athletes competing, permissions for them to compete under neutral flags in a neutral status. The Ukrainian foreign minister, for example, Andriy Sibiha, said that this, and I quote, betrays the very spirit of, of sport. And I was looking at what people in Ukraine are saying on social media today, and one commentator called Lychin, he's saying it's a madhouse.

[Celia Hatton]

Vitaly Shevchenko, still to come in this

[Scott Hesketh]

podcast, did you not feel that you were being exploited?

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

No. No. It was a choice I made.

[Scott Hesketh]

What you're feeling when you're walking through

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

that airport, you know, you're wondering, has anybody seen me? I was just thankful for it when it was all over.

[Celia Hatton]

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[Stephen McDonnell]

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[Pete Ross]

Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Narrator/Reporter]

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[Celia Hatton]

This is the global news podcast to China. Now. Large parts of the country have been experiencing intense storms. More than 20 people were killed in a landslide on Tuesday in the northwestern Gansu province. Rescue teams are still at the scene. And in the southern region of Guanxi, heavy rain caused widespread flooding, leading to four deaths. The authorities are warning people in parts of southern China to prepare for more heavy rainfall. Our correspondent Stephen McDonnell joined me from Beijing and began by telling me about that landslide in Gansu.

[Stephen McDonnell]

Of all the various places where China is struggling with these emergency weather events, it seems Gansu has been the worst in terms of the death toll because now we're hearing that 21 people have died in that landslide. And it was a group of workers just heading along a road. They were going to clear some forests or something, and all of a sudden a landslide came down and covered their trucks. Some people have been pulled out, but unfortunately it turns out most of them have died.

[Celia Hatton]

Really extreme weather hitting large parts of China. Can you describe what you've been seeing? The state media has released some dramatic footage over the last few days.

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

Yes.

[Stephen McDonnell]

And given how serious, well, for example, the flooding has been in Guangxi, it's quite remarkable that there aren't more people dead. I mean, the power of these swollen rivers. There are apparently 341 dams where the water level has reached emergency levels. Many of those, the water's pouring over the side and at least one of them has seen huge cracks and holes emerge in the dam with flood water pouring through it. Now, given all of that, only six dead and 11 missing now, I say it only, of course, for the families of those people involved. It's absolutely terrible. But when you consider that 130,000 people have been moved to safer locations, it could be much worse. The bad news first is that more heavy driving rain is expected over the coming days. But the good news is that the People's Liberation army specialist flood rescue teams have arrived on the ground in Guangxi. And as you know, China is pretty good at managing these disaster situations because it has very good equipment. It can throw a lot of resources at these emergencies. And so it seems that most who have been cut off, slowly but surely the rescue teams are getting to them. People sitting on roofs being brought into boats and what have you. And then you've got all that on top of that, tornadoes hitting hubei province and 11 people killed there. So a lot of, you know, terrible weather, all apparently caused by global warming.

[Celia Hatton]

Stephen McDonnell in Beijing. A BBC investigation has uncovered a multi billion dollar business of super strength cannabis being smuggled into the uk. Originally known as Kaliweed, this strain of cannabis was first cultivated in California but it's now being grown in Thailand and then shipped to the UK either by cargo transport, drug mules. Last year the British authorities seized 167 tons of the drug with a street value of more than $2 billion. More from our investigations reporter Scott Hesketh.

[Scott Hesketh]

Super strength cannabis is flooding the UK like never before with border force officials seizing record amounts. But what's behind the clamor? This is Z, not his real name. He agreed to talk at an undisclosed location after I was introduced by a source close to the UK drugs™z operates in Thailand where legalization prompted a freewheeling market and major interest from gangs in Liverpool and Manchester.

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

The Thai guys out there on a remote island we started to grow Cali wheat.

[Scott Hesketh]

Z recruits local growers to cultivate seeds he buys from legal dispensaries in California. Growing it on the cheap in unlicensed conditions to mimic the sought after Cali strains. He shows me astonishing pictures of what he says is his latest yield. He says 100 kilos landed in the UK before Christmas.

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

Yeah, the buyers are all up Liverpool, Manchester, mainly up the north who we

[Scott Hesketh]

know Z recruits couriers to smuggle the drug into the uk.

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

They don't really know much, they're just thinking it's a holiday. Unlimited drugs, unlimited girls on the last day, that's the day when they. You just put it on them. Yeah. Take these bags.

[Scott Hesketh]

Last year British border officials seized 167 tons of herbal cannabis. The hall includes 28 tons flown in suitcases by 800 couriers arrested by the National Crime Agency.

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

I've had a couple of binges on the Halloween a bit the crack cocaine.

[Scott Hesketh]

This courier told me he brought back cases to pay off a drugs debt he said he'd got through six times. Did you not feel that you were being exploited?

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

Said no, no, it was a choice I made.

[Scott Hesketh]

What are you feeling when you're walking through that airport?

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

It's stressful, you know, you're wondering if anybody see me. I was just thankful for it when it was all over.

[Scott Hesketh]

Titan security at airport has left Traffickers looking for alternative smuggling methods began shipping it over hidden in cargo. Z says he used popcorn cans to send packages to Manchester. He's even used the post. Do they know what it is they're taking delivery. Once these product lands in the uk, it's placed in shiny packaging to make it look like it's a premium Californian import. What would you say to people who say cannabis is a harmful drug but

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

you could even improve it other way? He's got depression, anxiety. Yeah. I beg to differ.

[Marine Le Pen / Various Interviewees]

So these are lab based data or these are epidemiological.

[Scott Hesketh]

Psychiatrist Dr. Marty Defaulti led the UK's biggest study on cannabis and psychosis.

[Marine Le Pen / Various Interviewees]

So the greatest risk is associated in the chance of developing a clinical psychotic disorder, predominantly driven by paranoia. So people might also hear voices that nobody else can hear. And then we are beginning to unlock also potential risk for general physical health. So for instance, there is something called scromitation, fusion between screaming and vomiting.

[Scott Hesketh]

In a statement the Home Office called our reports concerning. They said seizures hit a record high last year, taking massive quantities of drugs out of circulation and costing gangs billions. Do you think the Home Office crackdown is working?

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

No.

[Scott Hesketh]

Why?

[Interviewee (Drug Courier)]

Because more of more of it is coming through. It's never going to stop.

[Celia Hatton]

Our investigations reporter Scott Hesketh. Now to the Men's Football World cup where we're now down to the business end of the tournament. We know the teams who are going to play in the quarterfinals. Argentina secured their place in the last eight after coming from two goals down with just over 10 minutes to go to beat Egypt 3, 2. And after that, Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties. Our correspondent Gary Rose watched the game in Vancouver.

[Gary Rose]

This stadium in Vancouver is one of these that have got a closed roof. So pretty much any game here will have an amazing atmosphere. But the Colombians sort of really bought a party here. They marched down to the stadium in the numbers. It was like a sea of yellow, the color of their shirts, through this downtown to the ground. And then it was the same in the stands. They absolutely dominated to the extent it was probably like a home game. And you just think when there's that amount of support, that level of noise, the advantage would be with them. But credit to the Swiss because they sort of dealt with that situation really well. They obviously sort of canceled out the Colombians. It was a very even game. Wasn't the most entertaining games in the world, but when you get to the point of extra time, you hope for penalties and then we got plenty of drama in that.

[Celia Hatton]

Well, speaking of entertaining games, that nail biter between Argentina and Egypt, it really looked like Egypt was going to win.

[Gary Rose]

Yeah, exactly. I mean, you know, this, this World cup has definitely delivered games with drama and games with controversial moments. I mean, yeah, Egypt were two nil up in just 12 minutes, minutes to go. But then Argentina, they scored three goals, one coming in stoppage time to win it. As I say, it wasn't without controversy and there was some var calls and some of the official calls that the Egyptians weren't happy with afterwards their boss was saying that they were treated unfairly and, and suffered an injustice. So it wasn't without controversy, but one of the big guns has now gone through to the quarterfinals and now we

[Celia Hatton]

have all the quarter finalists. There are some exciting games coming up. What should we be looking out for?

[Gary Rose]

So the quarterfinal lineup is looking, it's looking brilliant so far. It's got some of the really strong contenders that have looked great so far throughout the tournament. France, one of them, they've been great with Killian Bape on fire. They're up against Morocco, sort of one of the more modern giants now. They're always doing well in major tournaments and got to the semi finals of the last World Cup. And then we have Spain, Belgium, which is a great all European clash. Spain are looking strong. Belgium did well to sort of thrash one of the co hosts USA in the last round to go through. And then we have England versus Norway, which is England versus Erling Harland is likely how it's going to be built with them knowing all about his exploits for Manchester City. And again he's been scoring regularly at this tournament as well. And then finally Argentina, Switzerland. We could have had Argentina versus Colombia, which would have been an exciting tie. But, but yeah, this, this should still be interesting because the Swiss I don't think can be discounted really. They show today they can handle high pressure moments and I think they'll be in a similar situation when they face Messi of Argentina as well.

[Celia Hatton]

Gary Rose in Vancouver. And last, let's focus on what's happening in New York City. A skyscraper located in Manhattan has been evacuated after showing potential signs of collapse. The building, the former headquarters of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, is currently being converted into apartments. Emergency services were called in after bricks were seen falling from the upper floors. After structural damage was found inside, the tower was forced to close along with other buildings nearby. The this man, Miles Grant, says he used to work inside the building.

[Miles Grant]

I mean, I saw the state of that building. There was a lot of construction going on. The building was pretty old. I mean, I hope they get it fixed. They were converting it to residential and it definitely needed a lot of work to become ready for residential.

[Celia Hatton]

No injuries have been reported, but the closure has brought a huge section of Manhattan to a standstill. The newsroom's Pete Ross told us more.

[Pete Ross]

Let's get a picture of exactly where this building is. It's in central downtown Manhattan, which is not only one of the busiest parts of New York, it's also an area of the town that is crammed full of these huge skyscrapers. Nearby, you've got the United nations headquarters and the famous Art Deco Chrysler Building, which is perhaps one of the most recognizable buildings in the Manhattan skyline. Now, this particular disruption began on Tuesday morning after, as you see, reports of falling bricks. The fire department were called in and after an inspection, the decision was made to evacuate and set up a so called frozen zone around the building. That meant evacuating not only that building, but office blocks around it. Hotels, streets were closed and an emergency response was brought in that disrupted the morning rush hour around the very busy Grand Central Terminal, which is just a street or two up the road as well. Now as for the building itself, a safety manager for the building says that a steel beam on the 21st floor was compromised. Two support columns inside the building were buckling, and according to fire officials, several upper floors were sagging. You can see some pretty dramatic video of this online. Now, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani has described the situation as extremely serious. However, the New York City fire Chief has allayed concerns that this building will completely collapse, saying that it's been constructed in such a way that it won't happen. However, what could be possible is, in his words, a localized collapse.

[Celia Hatton]

Interesting. I mean, this is a bit of a running theme in New York City right now, isn't it? It's not the first building of its kind in New York to suffer problems with construction.

[Pete Ross]

That's right. This particular building has actually been beset by previous problems. It's been the focus of multiple complaints. There's a construction worker that filed a lawsuit after he was injured last year. But yeah, this building conversion of this particular building and other buildings is part of a broader effort to repurpose many empty office blocks in part of Manhattan as more and more people work from home. Perhaps one of the most famous examples as well, another issue is that they're, you know, somewhere like New York, space is at a premium. So they build very tall, high towers. They're called pencil towers. The most famous example perhaps is 432 Park Avenue in the Billionaires Row. It's a very salubrious part of Manhattan, but it's a very high one and that's had lots and lots of issues. So this is something that you see quite often in New York. And when it happens, because everything's so tightly crammed together, it can cause huge disruption.

[Celia Hatton]

Pete Ross. And that's all from us for now. If you want to get in touch, you can email us@global podcastbc.co.uk you can also find us on X@BBC World Service. Use the hashtag Global Newspod. And don't forget our sister podcast, the Global Story, which goes in depth and beyond the headlines on one big story. This edition of the Global News Podcast was mixed by Holly Smith. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Celie Hatton. Until next time. Goodbye.