Israel's third top-level assassination in two days

Summary

Global News Podcast – "Israel’s Third Top-Level Assassination in Two Days"

BBC World Service – March 18, 2026 | Host: Andrew Peach
[Recorded at 16:00 GMT]

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Episode Overview

The episode dives into the escalated conflict in the Middle East, focusing on Israel's recent assassinations of Iranian leaders, attacks on key energy sites, and widening regional repercussions. Correspondents and analysts report from Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Qatar, and further afield, providing both frontline updates and broader geopolitical analysis. The episode also covers major news stories including upheaval in Cuba, a historic Venezuelan baseball victory over the US, and a leadership change at Disney.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalating US-Israel War with Iran

Assassinations of Iranian Leaders

• Israel’s third top-level assassination in two days:
  • Ali Larijani (Iran’s security chief) killed on Tuesday by Israel.
  • Esmail Khatib (Intelligence Minister) killed a day later.
• President Masoud Pezeshkian calls it a "cowardly assassination."
• Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz: “The military had been authorized to kill any senior figure of the Islamic Republic in its sights.” [02:17]
• Iranian public expresses mixed reactions: some see the deaths as potential openings for protest, others fear harsher crackdowns. [02:51]

Israeli Strikes on Iranian Energy Infrastructure

• Attack on South Pars Gas Field:
  • World’s largest natural gas field (shared by Iran and Qatar) struck by Israel.
  • Qatar labels the attack dangerous to global energy security. [06:43–07:38]
  • Iran threatens to retaliate against oil facilities in Gulf countries.

Iranian Retaliation and Regional Fallout

• Iranian missile response targeted Tel Aviv, with cluster munitions confirmed. Civilian casualties included an elderly couple in Ramat Gan. [12:18]
• Hezbollah in Lebanon fires about 150 rockets daily at Israel. [12:18]
• One in seven Lebanese displaced as Israel targets Hezbollah-linked sites, including civilian infrastructure. [07:38]

Deep Dive: Frank Gardner on Israel’s Capability in Iran

“An extraordinary degree of penetration that Israel's Mossad Intelligence Agency has in Iran...there seems to be no hiding place for them.”
[Frank Gardner, Security Correspondent, 04:21]

“Look who's got the guns. It's not the protesters. It's still the deep state. And there are an awful lot of people who've got a vested interest in maintaining that deep state.”
[Frank Gardner, 05:58]

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2. Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon

• Over 1 million Lebanese displaced (“almost a quarter of the population”).
• Hospitals overwhelmed; 38 healthcare workers killed, 60+ attacks on medical facilities.
• Lack of water, sanitation, and public health infrastructure described as “a disaster waiting to happen.”

“We have less nurses, sometimes doctors, because they are trying to find shelters for their families.”
[Firas Abiad, former Lebanese Health Minister, 07:57]

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3. Airstrikes in Beirut and Targeted Killings

• Israeli airstrikes destroy buildings near downtown Beirut after evacuation warnings issued overnight.

• Civilian fear intensifies: “No place is really safe.”
  [Hugo Bashaika, BBC in Beirut, 09:58]

• Israel targets financial institutions linked to Hezbollah, further blurring lines between civilian and military infrastructure. [11:09]

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4. Israel Faces Retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah

• Iranian missiles cause casualties near Tel Aviv.
• Hezbollah’s intensified rocket attacks continue in northern Israel.
• Warnings about depleted U.S. missile stockpiles affecting regional security and Ukraine.

“There are only so many Patriot missiles in the world that are being used by Gulf states. Are you worried those...could not be there for you when you need them?”
[Interviewer to Zelensky, 18:44]

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5. Ukraine’s Fears Over Resource Depletion

• President Zelensky warns the Middle East war benefits Putin by diverting Western diplomatic and military resources.

“For Putin, a long war in Iran is a plus...it means the depletion of US reserves and the depletion of air defense manufacturers.”
[Zelensky, 18:11]

• U.S. manufactures 60–65 missiles/month, yet “803 missiles were used on the first day of the Middle East War.”
  [Zelensky, 19:07]

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6. Afghanistan: Pakistani Airstrike Kills over 140

• Pakistani airstrike hits a drug rehab center in Kabul, deaths climb to at least 143; over 120 wounded. [20:11]
• UN calls for ceasefire and urges dialogue between all parties, with China offering to mediate.

“The situation is escalating and we've called for all parties to de-escalate, recommit to a ceasefire.”
[Georgia Gagnon, UN in Kabul, 20:11]

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7. Cuba’s Energy Crisis and Political Tensions

• Three-month-long US fuel blockade has led to blackouts, rationing, and protests.

• President Trump claims he “could take Cuba soon,” while Cuba allows foreign-based nationals to own private businesses for the first time. [23:52, 25:17]

• Ordinary Cubans struggle: “Sometimes the power comes on at 3 in the morning and we just have to get up and start cooking rice and beans.”
  [Gregorio Mataigiri, retiree, 26:11]

• Protests signify frustration with Cuban authorities, not just with the U.S.

  • Concern over potential leadership change in Cuba as a U.S. negotiation precondition. [26:37]

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8. Historic Venezuelan Baseball Victory

• Venezuela defeats the U.S. to win the World Baseball Classic.
• Massive moment of unity and pride amidst political upheaval and U.S. intervention.
• References to the U.S. seizure of Nicolas Maduro on January 3rd: “We don't want feuds. We've shown them on the field that we're more than just a sovereign people with character.”
  [Venezuelan fan, 28:35]
• “This is the best day in Venezuela since the 3rd of January when Nicolas Maduro was removed.”
  [Reporter Mimi Swaby quoting public sentiment, 30:52]

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9. Disney: Leadership Change

• Bob Iger steps down as Disney CEO after two decades; Josh D’Amaro takes over.
• Focus for Disney: continued investment in parks and cruise experiences as the company navigates a major transition. [14:01]

“A transition mentorship situation for Josh D’Amaro... he has a very ambitious plan to build up the cruise ship side of things.”
[Alice Enders, Media Analyst, 14:01]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Frank Gardner on Israeli intelligence:
  “All of these senior members in Iran...there seems to be no hiding place for them.” [04:21]

• Lebanese Health Crisis:
  “Much more civilian casualties than the last war...five hospitals evacuated, 38 healthcare workers killed.”
  [Firas Abiad, 07:57]

• Zelensky on Western resource depletion:
  “For Putin, a long war in Iran is a plus...it means the depletion of U.S. reserves and the depletion of air defense manufacturers.” [18:11]

• Venezuelan baseball fan:
  “Long live Venezuela, the best country in the world.” [02:01, 28:35]

• Cuban Retiree:
  “Sometimes the power comes on at 3 in the morning and we just have to get up and start cooking rice and beans.” [26:11]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:18] – Headlines & overview (assassinations, energy attacks, Disney, Venezuela baseball)
• [02:17] – Confirmation/details on Iranian assassinations, regional reactions
• [04:21] – Frank Gardner analysis on Mossad, implications for Iranian regime
• [07:05] – Israel strikes Iran’s gas field, Gulf responses
• [07:57] – Humanitarian update from Lebanon; displaced persons, health crisis
• [09:58] – Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, impact on civilian life
• [12:18] – Iranian and Hezbollah retaliation against Israel
• [14:01] – Disney leadership change
• [18:11] – Zelensky on Ukraine’s situation due to Middle East focus
• [20:11] – Afghanistan: deadly Pakistani airstrike, UN response
• [22:02] – Cuba’s crisis: blackouts, protests, negotiations with US
• [27:34] – Venezuelan baseball win and national context

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Episode Tone

Urgent, informative, and globally focused—the episode balances frontline reporting with broader analysis, featuring expert perspectives and firsthand accounts. Personal stories and public sentiment are woven in for context.

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Conclusion

This episode of the Global News Podcast provides a comprehensive review of intensifying geopolitical tensions—the assassinations and strikes shaping the new Middle Eastern conflict, the regional and global consequences, plus how other news stories, from Afghanistan to Cuba to Venezuela, are unfolding as the world’s attention is drawn to the region.

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For feedback or further information, contact: [e-mail]

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Transcript

[Narrator/Reporter]

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[Andrew Peach]

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Andrew Peach and we're recording this podcast at 16 hours GMT on Wednesday 18th March. Here are our main stories. The the Iranian intelligence minister is assassinated a day after its powerful security chief was killed. Israel also strikes an Iranian petrochemical complex on the world's largest natural gas field. Tehran continues its retaliation against Gulf neighbors who are meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss their response. Also in this podcast, Disney has a new chief executive. We'll find out what's in his inbox and how Venezuela defeated the U.S. to win the World Baseball Classic.

[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

All our fellow Venezuelans living abroad are celebrating this victory by the Venezuelan national team. Long live Venezuela, the best country in the world.

[Andrew Peach]

Just as Iran was preparing to bury the country's security chief, Ali Larijani, who was killed by Israel. On Tuesday, Israel announced it had assassinated another senior Iranian official. Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, confirmed the death of the intelligence minister, Esmart Teeb, calling it a cowardly assassination. The Israeli Defense minister, Israel Katz, said the military had been authorized to kill any senior figure of the Islamic Republic in its sights. The BBC's Persian service has been receiving messages from Iranians reacting to the death. Their words here spoken by our team.

[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

It seems like this killing of Khatib might help the people since he was among the leadership, though more so Larijani. It might be that when people come out after a call to protest, the likelihood of them being killed is lower. Now, even though they all have replacement, these were the main figures. Perhaps the IRGC will see the situation and eventually back down. I've honestly never gone to a protest at all. My family wouldn't let me. They said it was dangerous. If I decide to go this time, I need to wake things up. They could actually act much more harshly this time if they feel the end is near.

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

I'd be happy for any of the leaders to be taken out, but at the same time, I'd rather America and Israel didn't go after someone like Pezechyan, because I feel he is like someone you could ultimately negotiate with and get to concede. I don't know. It feels like his heart isn't really in it and he's being forced. Having an official you can deal with and who might eventually give in is a good thing.

[Andrew Peach]

In Tehran, thousands of mourners gathered at a funeral procession for Ali Narijani, as well as another senior Iranian commander who was killed in Tuesday's Israeli airstrike. Some Iranians kiss the coffins as they pass through the streets. There are also chants of death to America. Our security correspondent Frank Gardner, who's in Doha, told me more about the latest Iranian official to be killed by the Israelis.

[Frank Gardner]

Ismail Khatib was one of the really early adopters, as it were, of the Islamic Revolution. He joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guards corps back in 1980, so just one year after the Islamic Revolution. And he is very much kind of embodied in that. He was very close to the previous supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He looked after his security. He's been, at various times, minister of Intelligence, very highly placed within the kind of security intelligence apparatus. He's close to the Revolutionary Guards, as opposed to being close to the kind of conventional Ministry of Intelligence, that these are two almost rival organizations. And he belonged to the more hardcore one. An extraordinary degree of penetration that Israel's Mossad Intelligence Agency has in Iran. I mean, there's no surprises there. They've been able to assassinate nuclear scientists and various people in the past. And of course, on the very first day of this conflict, on February 28, when they were able to assassinate the Supreme Leader himself, ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They hit him with deep penetration bunker busting bombs. And that was in broad daylight. So obviously they know where all these people are. I mean, all of these senior members in Iran, whether they be in the Revolutionary Guards Corps or, you know, in other branches of the military or the regime, nevertheless, there seems to be no hiding place for them.

[Andrew Peach]

Still, we hear claims that the regime hasn't been significantly worse weaken despite these losses. Is that credible?

[Frank Gardner]

I think it's only half true. I mean, look, the fact that it is still functioning and that it's still there is cocking a snook at America. That is a snub to America because by now President Trump, I'm quite certain, will have expected the Islamic Republic to have either capitulated to America's demands, saying, okay, all right, yep, let's discuss what you wanted to discuss in Geneva, which we refused back in February or collapsed altogether, but it hasn't. Now, it's possible that when the shooting stops, there could be mass protests, but I wouldn't hold your breath for that because look who's got the guns. It's not the protesters. It's still the deep state. And there are an awful lot of people who've got a vested interest in maintaining that deep state.

[Andrew Peach]

That's our security correspondent, Frank Gardner with me from Qatar. Meanwhile, an Iranian petrochemical complex on the South Pas gas field has been hit by air strikes. It's the world's largest natural gas field, shared by Iran and Qatar, whose Foreign Ministry has condemned the attack as dangerous and irresponsible. The details from our Middle east analyst, Sebastian Usher.

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

The attack on the South Pas gas field, which Israel has confirmed it carried out, is a significant new escalation by Israel and the US against Iran's energy infrastructure. Iranian media say there were a number of explosions in a refinery complex with emergency services trying to contain the fires. Iran immediately threatened a strong response, saying that it would target oil facilities in several Gulf countries. Qatar, which shares the gas field, has expressed its displeasure at the attack, saying it was a threat to global energy security as well as to people in the region and their environment.

[Andrew Peach]

In Lebanon, the government says more than a million people have been displaced since Israel renewed its military campaign against the Iran backed militia group Hezbollah. That's around one in seven people in Lebanon. Firas Abiad is a former Lebanese health minister and now a surgeon at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

[Firas Abiad]

You're seeing a lot of blast injuries. You're seeing, you know, burns. You're also seeing Injuries that are resulting from the damaged buildings as people are trapped. We're seeing much more civilian casualties than for example, the last war. They've reported up to now 111 children who have been killed and more than 350 were wounded in Beirut alone. In the greater Beirut, there has been five hospitals that were part of this evacuation order by the idf. And we've had to transfer all of their patients to receive care to other hospitals. And now they're working 24, 7. A lot of the healthcare personnel are displaced themselves and that means that we have less nurses, sometimes doctors available for work because at the moment they are trying to find shelters for their families. We've reported 38 healthcare workers or first responders who have been killed. We have reported more than 60 direct attacks on whether healthcare facilities or ambulances. Now the situation in the people who have been displaced, we're talking about more than a million people who have been displaced. This is almost a quarter of the population. A lot of them are in shelters that are crowded with not proper access to water and sanitation. And you know, from a public health perspective, this is a disaster waiting to happen.

[Andrew Peach]

The Israeli army shows no sign of letting up its attacks in Lebanon, striking not only Hezbollah's strongholds in the south, but also the of Beirut. That was the moment a building crumpled to the ground in a neighborhood near downtown Beirut. Local officials there say two Israeli strikes overnight killed at least 10 people. Israel has confirmed the director of a Hezbollah affiliated TV network was also killed. The BBC's Hugo Bashaika is in Beirut.

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

So I live just 10 minutes from where this attack happened. And I was woken up by the sound of a huge blast. And you hear there how powerful this explosion was. And the windows of my flat rattled. So this gives you an idea of the power of this attack, which happened at around 5:30 in the morning. So this happened about an hour after the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for this building on social media. So obviously this came in the middle of the night. A lot of people would have been sleeping when that happened. There's no early warning system here in Beirut, in Lebanon, no system to alert people that an attack is imminent. And for listeners familiar with Beirut, this is not really far from Martyr Square, which is the main square in central Beirut. So, you know, in the central part of the city. And I think this is adding to this feeling that many Lebanese have that no place is really safe because Israel

[Andrew Peach]

is obviously targeting Hezbollah fighters and Hezbollah strongholds. But what we're seeing here is not that. I guess one justification might be about targeting the funders of Hezbo Hezbollah?

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

Yeah, I think, to be honest, what we're seeing here is that any building or facility or organization that is linked to Hezbollah is now being considered as a legitimate military target by Israel. So there was a statement from the Israeli military earlier today saying that they had targeted what they described as assets of the Al Qaeda Al Hasan, which is the financial institution run by Hezbollah. Israel says this is an institution that is used by Hezbollah to, to support its operations. Well, some people say that these are civilian facilities, not military targets. But that hasn't really stopped these massive Israeli attacks. But I think, again, this is another example of Hezbollah's network of institutions here in Lebanon. Hezbollah is more than a militia. It is also political party with representation in the government, in parliament. Also social organization that runs hospitals, emergency services, schools, and also this financial institution that is now being targeted by Israel.

[Andrew Peach]

Well, let's go to Israel now because it too has been targeted by Iranian drones and Hezbollah rockets there. For us, our correspondent Yolan Nell in Jerusalem.

[Yolan Nell]

After Iran confirmed Israel's killing of its security chief, Ali La Rajani, it promised a retaliation and that came swiftly in the form of these missile launches overnight, particularly targeting Tel Aviv. Footage shows that there were cluster munitions used on some of the warheads that were sent across. And this couple in their 70s in Ramadgan near Tel Aviv were killed in their apartment building. And when it was hit by bomb fragments, a local official said that they were not in the protected room in their apartment after warning sirens had gone off. And there were other impact sites, particularly in the center of Israel with other people with injuries, not life threatening. The sirens also went off in Jerusalem this morning to warn of incoming Iranian missiles that were then intercepted. We heard loud thuds overhead once again. And in the north of Israel, there have been something like 40 rockets fired by Hezbollah there overnight. There was a senior military source telling Israel's army radio that every day Hezbollah is still firing about 150 rockets towards Israel, about half of which make it into Israeli territory.

[Andrew Peach]

Our correspondent Yoland Nell moving away from the Middle east for now. And there's been a big change at the top of one of the world's most recognizable entertainment corporations. The chief executive of Walt Disney, Bob Iger, is stepping down after two decades leading. The company boss, Josh d' Amaro starts today. So what's in his inbox? Alice Enders is a media analyst for Enders Analysis.

[Alice Enders]

Running a very, very large mixed company in terms of both. On the one hand, the media experiences, you know, the Disney, the films, the TV experiences and then on the other hand, the physical experiences, the parks, the cruises and of course the merchandise. About 40, 60, really. So it's a very successful, very large conglomerate that stretches across these media and these physical experiences. And Iger stepping down. It's a big change. At the same time, he's staying on till the end of the year. So a transition mentorship situation for Josh d'. Amaro. He has a very ambitious plan to build up the cruise ship side of things, launching new boats and launching more experiences, as it were, immersive experiences and of course also renewing the parks. So at this moment, you know, what you're seeing is of course, continued investment in that side of the business, which has been more profitable for Disney Media analyst Alice Endous.

[Andrew Peach]

Still to come in this podcast, how Cubans are struggling without enough fuel.

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

Sometimes the power comes on at three in the morning and we just have to get up and start cooking rice and beans.

[Andrew Peach]

Because food is the most important.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

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[Georgia Gagnon]

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[Alice Enders]

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[Georgia Gagnon]

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[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

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[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

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[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

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[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

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[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

In 15 minutes, he's in an ambulance, unconscious. In 15 years, he's a billionaire.

[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

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[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

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[Andrew Peach]

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has told BBC News he has a very bad feeling about the impact of the Middle east conflict on the situation in Ukraine. He said Washington's focus had now shifted and diplomatic meetings with him were being postponed as a result. On a trip to the uk, President Zelensky referred to the Russians and the Iranians as brothers in hatred and said the Kremlin is benefiting from the war in Iran. He's been speaking to my colleague Laura Kunsberg. Putin will want a long war. For Putin, a long war in Iran is a plus. In addition to energy prices, it means the depletion of U.S. reserves and the depletion of air defense manufacturers. So we have a depletion of resources. So it is beneficial for Putin that the resources do not go to Ukraine, against whom he has directed his army and is fighting with. He needs to weaken us. And this is a long process. The Middle east is one of the ways to do that.

[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

And indeed, as you say, there are only so many resources in the world. There are only so many missiles in the world. There are only so many Patriot missiles in the world that are being used by Gulf states. Are you worried that those vital Patriot missiles could not be there for you when you need them?

[Andrew Peach]

There will definitely be a deficit. I understand that absolutely. And I absolutely know that the question now is when will all the stockpiles in the Middle east be exhausted? And Today America produces 60, 65 missiles per month. Imagine, 65 missiles per month is about 700, 800 missiles per year produced each year. Yeah. And on the first day in the Middle East War, 803 missiles were used.

[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

So what will that mean for Ukraine if those missiles are all depleted?

[Andrew Peach]

A challenge. Another challenge. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, has told the BBC that more than 140 people were killed in Monday's Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul. Pakistan continues to deny that it targeted civilians and says the operation was aimed at military installations and terrorist infrastructure. It's the deadliest attack in the recent violence between the two neighbours. At the time we record this podcast, rescue teams are still working at the scene. Georgia Gagnon from the UN is in Kabul.

[Georgia Gagnon]

What we know at this point is that the situation is indeed very difficult on the ground. The facility itself was devastated. We've been able to verify at this point in time at least 143 people have been killed and at least 120 wounded. Those are our numbers at this point in time, which of course we're continuing to verify and follow up on. But for families and communities, it's been a very, very tragic, difficult incident and we certainly condemn it. The Afghan authorities have at least four different hospitals treating the injured. The situation is escalating and we've called for all parties to de escalate, recommit to a ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties and deaths to civilians in areas where there are airstrikes. We've also urged the parties, particularly those with military aircraft, to take all necessary measures to protect civilians. And we've urged also both parties to undertake dialogue and try and get a diplomatic resolution to these, the the underlying political and security issues fueling the conflict. Your listeners may be aware that at this point in time, China has also offered its good offices to provide mediation, which you know, certainly the UN supports any effort on the part of countries to try and get a de escalation. And we've also called on the parties themselves to accept mediation.

[Andrew Peach]

Georgia. Both Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have said they're temporarily suspending military operations ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al Fitr. A Pakistani minister said that decision followed requests from the governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. We go to Cuba now, which continues to struggle amid a three month fuel blockade by the Trump administration. President Trump has said he could take Cuba soon, adding he could do anything he wants with the island. The comments come soon after the Cuban government recognized it is holding talks with the US and two days ago, the Cuban Deputy Prime Minister announced an apparent economic easing in Cuba, saying that US based Cuban citizens could own businesses there. Ordinary Cubans, though, are becoming increasingly desperate, as our correspondent will grant reports from Havana.

[Narrator/Reporter]

After 26 hours without electricity, fraying tempers in the central Cuban town of Moron finally snapped. Residents took to the streets on Friday night and descended on the local headquarters of the Cuban Communist Party to chants of Libertad, meaning freedom. Some in the crowd began to smash windows before Attempting to set the building on fire. After the protest died down, the authorities made numerous arrests. Even amid the extreme economic and energy crisis, such public outbursts of anger are rare in Cuba. What stands out is the extent to which the frustration was directed at the Cuban authorities rather than the Trump administration, which since January has imposed a near total fuel blockade on the island. With Cuba experiencing its first nationwide blackout since Washington began its fuel blockade, much of ordinary life is shut down.

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

All my life I've been hearing about the United States and Cuba.

[Narrator/Reporter]

President Trump seems convinced the end is nigh for the Cuban revolution and that it will happen on his watch.

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

I do believe I'll be the honor of having the honor of. Of taking Cuba. That'd be a good honor. That's a big honor. Taking Cuba. Taking Cuba in some form. Yeah, taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth?

[Narrator/Reporter]

For its part, the government has blamed the island's problems on the US fuel blockade. Yet now Havana has confirmed it's in talks with the Trump administration with a view to finding a route out of the crisis.

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

Clearly, there are things that Cuba can do in terms reducing tensions with the United States, and I would imagine given the pressure that they're under, they will be willing to make considerable concessions.

[Narrator/Reporter]

Victor Bulma Thomas is the former director of the Chatham House think tank and one of the world's leading experts on the economies of Latin America.

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

But the Cubans have limits. Let us not forget that the Cubans have, one way or another, had to deal with a bullying United States since 1898, and they have become very adept at doing so. And this is not a people I'm talking about a people now who would, I think, tolerate too many concessions to the United States.

[Narrator/Reporter]

Now Havana has made its first apparent concession. Talking to NBC News, the Deputy Prime Minister said foreign based Cuban national, whether in Miami or Madrid, will be allowed to own private businesses on the island. Cuba is open to having a fluid commercial relationship with US companies as well as with Cubans residing in the United States and their descendants, he said. On the face of it, it sounds like a significant easing of the strict economic rules. However, the measure still faces major restrictions inside the U.S. And in truth, it means little to impoverished Cubans like retiree Gregorio Mataigiri. Between his diabetes and related ill health, he is struggling with the new challenges of daily life, which were already hard enough.

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

Sometimes the power comes on at three in the morning and we just have to get up and start cooking rice

[Andrew Peach]

and beans because food is the most important.

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

Then we worry about charging our phones and so on. But often the electricity comes back.

[Andrew Peach]

For such a short period, it's not

[Middle East Analyst / Various Interviewees]

enough time to cook anything.

[Andrew Peach]

And the prices, even simple foods, are so expensive. The food issue is very serious in this country.

[Narrator/Reporter]

While the demonstration in Moron was the most significant, there have been smaller protests, mainly via the banging of pots and pans known as Casa Rolassos in the darkness of the power cuts. Given the public anger, there's widespread speculation about President Miguel Diaz Canel's future. The New York Times reports his removal is one of Washington's preconditions in the negotiations.

[Andrew Peach]

That report from our correspondent Will Grant in Havana. It was a thrilling final that went way beyond sport. Venezuela defeated a star studded American team to win the World Baseball Classic in Miami and become the sports world champions. The victory against the backdrop of the US's invasion of the country at the start of the year sent Venezuelans pouring into the streets of the capital Caracas to celebrate. As the game ended, Our global affairs reporter Mimi Swaby told me more.

[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

All eyes were on the match. It was a power packed lineup. The stadium was sold out. People at home in Venezuela and abroad remember Venezuelans. There is a very large diaspora. Nearly 8 million Venezuelans living abroad were all united together, regardless of their political views. Watching this match and beating the US to win the World Baseball Classic for the first time ever means everything to Venezuelans. Their play, the players and the fans from state media. The front page today was saying from dream to legend. Baseball is massive in Venezuela, much bigger than football, which is a little bit different to lots of its neighbors in South America. And just to give you an idea, here are some people who've been celebrating. This is a feeling shared by all Venezuelans. Wherever we may be in the world, all our fellow Venezuelans living abroad are celebrating this victory by the Venezuelan national team. Long live Venezuela, the best country in the world.

[Andrew Peach]

Trusting in God and believing that we would do better, showing the world that what they did to us on January 3rd, we're proving to them today that we're more than victorious in Venezuela. We don't want feuds. We've shown them on the field that we're more than just a sovereign people with character here, we're proving it on the playing field. So the last guy there mentioned the 3rd of January and that provides an enormous context for this sporting outcome. Just talk us through the recent events.

[Venezuelan Celebrant/Commentator]

So this was a moment of unity, celebration, kind of catharsis for a nation which has been racked by political upheaval, economic uncertainty and isolation on the world stage way before the 3rd of January. But that uncertainty has only increased since then. On the 3rd of January, Nicolas Maduro, the former leader of Venezuela, was seized by the US in a very dramatic operation which involved the US basically going into Venezuela, extracting him from his home in Caracas and taking him to New York where he's now going to face drug trafficking charges. Now, the interim president, which is backed by the US is one of Nicolas Maduro's inner circle, the former vice president, Delta Rodriguez. She's now running the country, heavily influenced by the us. But life hasn't changed a huge amount for Venezuelans on the street. So this has come at a crucial time for Venezuela. It's been seen by many as reuniting a very fragmented country in a time of huge uncertainty. Nicolas Maduro's removal gave many who are against the regime a lot of hope. But that hope has quickly shifted into again, uncertainty, as then basically his vice president took his position, not signifying the change made hoped for. Just to put some perspective, my phone this morning has been going absolutely crazy from people on all sides of political spectrum enjoying this victory, saying this is the best day in Venezuela since the 3rd of January when Nicolas Maduro was removed. People who are pro Nicks Maduro saying this is everything we stand for. Some on social media, even kind of from the US saying we took out Nicholas Maduro for you and this is how you repay us, by beating us in our kind of own game. Remember, us is the founder of baseball and seen as the favorites, but Venezuela is a big, big day for them and a huge deal.

[Andrew Peach]

Our global affairs reporter, Mimi Suaby. And that's all from us for now. If you'd like to get in touch, drop us an email globalpodcastbc.co.uk you'll find us on X2BCWorldService. Just use the hashtag globalnewspod. And don't forget our sister podcast, the Global Story, which goes in depth and beyond the headlines on one big story each day. This edition of Global News was mixed by Charlotte. The producer was Vanessa Heaney. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Andrew Peach. Thanks for listening and until next time, goodbye.

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