Global News Podcast – BBC World Service

Episode: Iran's new leader in defiant first message
Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Ankur Desai

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and his first public message amid the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. It explores regional impacts, escalating oil prices, US public sentiment, and dives into global news including China’s controversial ethnic unity law, the aftermath of a Russian terrorist attack, and the resignation of the head chef at world-renowned Noma. Key analysis and diverse perspectives are provided by BBC correspondents and local voices across affected countries.

Key Segments & Insights

1. Iran’s New Supreme Leader: First Statement

(Start – 11:00)

• Mojtaba Khamenei, newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, addresses the nation and world via a statement read on state TV (not in person), raising questions about his health and legitimacy.
  • No visual or direct communication from him since the war’s outset, following the attack that killed his father (the previous Supreme Leader) and many family members.
  • The statement urges the Iranian armed forces to maintain “effective defense” and consider “blocking the Strait of Hormuz” if hostilities continue.
  • Calls for national unity and signals a hardline continuity of his father’s approach, promising retaliation and warning of new “fronts” in the conflict.
• Lee Stucet (Chief International Correspondent) describes the statement as “defiant” and contextualizes internal Iranian divisions, noting that while some Iranians revile the succession, others revere him and the principle of resistance.
  • “It’s a defiant statement. It underlines continuity with his father...the war will go on, [and] the Strait of Hormuz would continue to be closed.” – Lee Stucet (06:43)

Notable Quotes

• “The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz should definitely be used regarding opening new fronts in which the enemy has little experience and is vulnerable.” – Mojtaba Khamenei statement (03:09)
• “There are those who already revile him. There are those who will revere him as their spiritual leader.” – Lee Stucet (07:56)

2. The Situation inside Iran

(11:00 – 15:00)

• Mina Joshaghani (BBC Persian) reports from Tehran:

  • Living conditions: “Morning, noon and night, we are under bombs. The internet is cut off. There is no medicine...inflation is terrifying. The whole country is basically under martial law.”
  • Reports of government intimidation, mass arrests, and crackdown on dissent.
  • Iranian security forces and militia are direct targets of Israeli drone strikes.

• Government’s narrative is strongly nationalistic, but public sentiment is described as deeply divided, fatigued, fearful, and uncertain.

Notable Moments

• Voice of ordinary Iranian: “The skies over Iran’s capital have turned into a freeway...Israeli and American fighter jets move with ease. But for people in Iran, the fear is not only of foreign fire, it is also of their own government.” (12:20)

3. Regional & Global Impacts: Oil Market Turmoil

(15:00 – 21:00)

• Oil prices surged above $100/barrel amid attacks on Gulf oil tankers and facilities, and the partial closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz.

  • John Brown (Former BP CEO): Oil traders “can’t see the real direction” due to uncertainty about war duration and supply disruptions. (17:35)
  • International Energy Agency announced an emergency release of 400 million barrels from reserves, but market anxiety persists.

• Nick Marsh (Asia Business Reporter) highlights Asian vulnerability:

  • 90% of oil/gas through Hormuz heads to Asia; smaller economies like the Philippines risk imminent shortages.
  • Ripple effect: Prices for fuel, aviation, aluminum, fertilizer all up.

Quote

• “If you’re a trader, you make the calculation and think this crisis is going to go on for longer than three weeks, then logically the price of oil would go up.” – Nick Marsh (19:20)

4. US Public Opinion & American Reactions

(21:00 – 30:30)

• Sarah Smith (North America Editor) explores public opinion in Kentucky:

  • US support for war in Iran is at historic lows—only 41% back the decision to attack.
  • David Werp (Anti-war activist): “A war like the one being waged against the Iranian people…is just a horrific travesty.” (23:05)
  • Interviews with locals: some support the war, trusting President Trump’s leadership, others express doubts about the war’s purpose.
  • Veterans and Gold Star families (like Lynne Romans) question the human cost and shifting objectives.

• President Trump is characterized as ambiguous, promising both imminent victory and persistent operations. White House media tactics (using clips from video games for war promotion) draw criticism.

Quote

• “President Trump has been very unclear about his objectives, about what he’s trying to achieve in Iran. That may give him the flexibility to declare mission accomplished whenever he chooses, but may not convince Americans it was worth the cost.” – Sarah Smith (29:42)

5. China Passes “Ethnic Unity Law”

(31:30 – 37:40)

• Stephen McDonnell (Beijing Correspondent) discusses a sweeping law enforcing Mandarin as the standard in all schools, accelerating the forced assimilation of ethnic minorities.
  • Targets Uyghurs, Tibetans, Mongolians; critics say the law will further erode minority cultures and languages.
  • The policy is now law—risk of prosecution for parents not teaching children Mandarin or Communist Party virtues.

Highlights

• “For many, the worry is that by turning a policy into a law, you’re locking it down.” – Stephen McDonnell (36:00)

6. Aftermath of the Moscow Concert Hall Attack

(37:40 – 40:10)

• Russian court sentences four Tajik citizens to life for the 2024 Crocus City concert hall terrorist attack, which killed 149.
  • Case held behind closed doors amid allegations of abuse and torture.
  • Russia continues (without evidence) to blame Ukraine; Ukraine vehemently denies any involvement.

7. Chef Rene Redzepi Resigns from Noma

(40:10 – 43:10)

• Rene Redzepi steps down as chef/co-founder of acclaimed restaurant Noma over allegations of abusing staff.
  • Admits to outbursts, anger, and sometimes physical aggression in high-pressure kitchen culture.
  • Food industry expert Saro Jayaraman comments this is a “widespread issue.”

Quote

• “He is not the exception...This is the culture in the restaurant industry worldwide. It is a culture of low or no wages, exploitation, abuse.” – Saro Jayaraman (42:30)

8. Jim Irsay’s Legendary Music & Sports Auction

(43:10 – 48:00)

• Billionaire sports owner Jim Irsay’s personal collection, including Kurt Cobain’s iconic guitar (used in “Smells Like Teen Spirit”), Ringo Starr’s Ludwig drum kit, and Jack Kerouac’s “On The Road” scroll, is being auctioned.
  • Beatles memorabilia is a focus; artifacts expected to reach millions at Christie’s.
  • Interview with Amelia Walker, Christie's Director of Private Collections.

Notable Moment

• “Jim Erce’s collection was really focused on the Beatles...we have on display Ringo Starr’s first Ludwig drum kit...used on hit records like ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’, ‘She Loves You’.” – Amelia Walker (46:00)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “The demand of the people is to continue this effective defence that is making the enemy regret its actions.” – Mojtaba Khamenei statement (03:00)
• “The statement underlines continuity...the war will go on.” – Lee Stucet (06:43)
• “If you make the slightest move or say anything out of line, they’ll bring the baton down.” – Tehran resident, via Mina Joshaghani (12:52)
• “Show me what’s really happening, and I’ll tell you what the price is going to be.” – John Brown (17:40)
• “He is not the exception...this is the culture in the restaurant industry worldwide.” – Saro Jayaraman (42:30)

Summary

This episode provides a comprehensive, on-the-ground look at global events: Iran’s leadership transition under the shadow of war, the crisis’s toll on ordinary Iranians, and the conflict’s shockwaves in world energy markets and American politics. Extended coverage includes controversial developments in China, a major Russian courtroom verdict, ethical issues in fine dining, and a unique cultural auction. The reporting is rich in direct quotes, interviews, expert analysis, and local color, offering listeners around the world an in-depth understanding of the week’s defining headlines.