Global News Podcast – Trump Announces Tariffs on Iran's Allies
BBC World Service | Host: Janat Jalil | January 13, 2026
Overview
This episode centers on escalating geopolitical tensions as President Trump announces a sweeping 25% tariff on any country conducting business with Iran, aiming to pressure Tehran amidst ongoing domestic unrest and international condemnation of the regime's brutal crackdown on protesters. The episode also delves into humanitarian crises in Iran and Russia, legal battles over US immigration policy, viral digital trends in China, an extraordinary archaeological find in Wales, deadly human-wildlife conflict in India, and a rare medical syndrome in the US.
1. Trump’s 25% Tariff on Iran’s Trading Partners
[02:22 – 12:45]
- Announcement: In the midst of mounting protests and severe government crackdowns in Iran, President Trump declares a 25% US tariff on all countries engaging in trade with Iran, effective immediately.
- Motivation: Seen as an alternative to direct military action, the move follows weeks of warning Iran against continued violence against protesters.
- Potential Impact: The measure aims to isolate Iran economically on the international stage, but questions arise regarding its feasibility and effectiveness, especially given the complexities of global trade.
- Expert Insight: Jeremy Bowen, International Editor, analyses the likely impact and challenges, notably regarding China—Iran’s largest oil buyer—and warns of extensive ramifications for global trade and diplomacy.
“It's going to be complex at the very least. Here's an example: China is the biggest buyer of Iranian oil. ... Is [Trump] going to suddenly put a 25% tariff on China in addition to the other stuff they've been doing?”
— Jeremy Bowen [11:24]
2. Iran’s Crackdown on Protesters: The Human Toll
[03:21 – 07:44]
- Background: Massive protests have erupted in Iran demanding more freedoms and government change. Security forces have used deadly force, with hundreds—possibly thousands—reportedly killed.
- Personal Stories: Through accounts from BBC Persian’s Jia Gol, the harrowing case of Rubina Aminyan, a 23-year-old Kurdish student killed during protests, is recounted. Family members describe state obstruction in burial and communication.
- Diaspora Voices: Iranians abroad express their anguish and fears, underscoring the emotional and psychological toll of the regime’s violent suppression.
“If their children go out and are shot by a bullet, [parents] should not complain.”
— Iranian Paramilitary Commander (as reported) [06:20]
“I’m so proud of this generation who just will not leave the streets. ... This is a price for freedom.”
— Melitha, Iranian in Norway [07:29]
3. Russia’s Recruitment of Foreign Fighters for Ukraine
[12:46 – 21:12]
- Investigation: BBC uncovers a recruitment network in Russia luring hundreds of foreign men under false promises of lucrative jobs; many end up fighting on the Ukrainian front.
- Key Figure: Polina Alexandrovna Azarnek, a former teacher, emerges as a central recruiter, advertising via Telegram, promising citizenship and high pay.
- Victims' Plight: Testimony from “Omar,” a Syrian recruit, reveals deception, forced combat roles, and threats against those refusing payment.
- Response: Confronted, Polina denies wrongdoing in a confrontational message.
“We were tricked. ... They tell us this woman is a con artist and a liar.”
— "Omar" (Syrian recruit) [16:22]
“Evidence must be presented to support the allegations and our respected Arabs can stick their accusations up their a—. ... Welcome to Russia. Thank you for your attention.”
— Polina Alexandrovna Azarnek [19:42]
4. US States Sue Over Mass ICE Operations
[21:13 – 27:03]
- Legal Action: Minnesota and Illinois, both Democratic-governed, file lawsuits to block the mass deployment of immigration enforcement officers after the fatal shooting of a woman by ICE in Minneapolis.
- Accusations: Allegations include racial profiling, unconstitutional “federal invasion,” and creation of widespread fear and chaos.
- Administration Response: The Trump administration defends the surge as necessary to combat illegal immigration and crime, dismissing the lawsuits as baseless.
“The truth is, Donald Trump doesn’t seem to like our state very much. ... He doesn’t like the strength that immigrant communities bring to our state.”
— Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General [23:49]
“... the deployment amounts to an unconstitutional federal invasion ... which has suspended life for millions and caused chaos and violence.”
— Peter Bowes, North America Correspondent [24:54]
5. Viral Chinese App: "Are You Dead Yet?"
[27:32 – 31:07]
- Phenomenon: An app called "Are You Dead Yet?" surges in popularity among single-person households in China, prompting users to check in every 48 hours to confirm they’re alive; failure triggers an alert to emergency contacts.
- Cultural Context: The app’s name is a pun—mirroring the catchphrase of a popular food delivery app, thus capitalizing on dark humor and social anxieties about loneliness.
“It’s absolutely exploded. ... Some are saying it’s a pretty grim idea, isn’t it? ... But the reason they've chosen this is because of how it sounds in Chinese.”
— Stephen McDonnell, China Correspondent [29:32]
6. Major Roman Villa Discovered in Wales
[31:08 – 33:36]
- Findings: Archaeologists in Wales unearth what's potentially the largest Roman villa found in the region, hailed as a discovery of “Pompeii” importance.
- Expert Perspective: Dr. Alex Langlands outlines the anticipated cultural and historical significance, including prospects for studying early Christian history in Britain.
“When I saw the first plot come out, my eyes popped out of my skull. ... There’s no doubt about the fact that this is a villa and a really rather impressive one as well.”
— Dr. Alex Langlands, Swansea University [31:51]
7. Deadly Human-Elephant Conflict in India
[33:37 – 36:33]
- Crisis: A single elephant in Jharkhand, India, kills at least 22 people in one week, prompting a massive government effort to capture or relocate the animal.
- Root Causes: The segment highlights the broader issues of habitat encroachment, deforestation, and disrupted migration corridors fueling escalating human-animal conflict.
“If they had intervened on the very first few days, probably they could have saved more lives.”
— Ambarasan Etarajan, Global Affairs Reporter [34:11]
8. Auto-Brewery Syndrome: A Medical Oddity
[36:34 – 39:02]
- Case Study: A Massachusetts man’s body began producing its own alcohol due to antibiotic-induced gut microbe imbalance, leading to chronic intoxication.
- Treatment: Successful use of fecal transplants restored normal function.
- Expert Note: Most people generate small amounts of gut alcohol, but excessive production is rare.
“He had the problem, which most people with this illness have, is unexplained intoxication. It's exceedingly rare ... many physicians ... become very cynical ...”
— Libby Homan, Harvard Medical School [37:26]
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
“This regime has unfortunately a perfect record of not taking the diplomatic off ramp when Trump offers it.”
— Brian Hook, former US Special Representative for Iran [09:39] -
“It's a price for freedom. ... I'm so proud of this generation who just will not leave the streets.”
— Melitha, Iranian in Norway [07:29] -
“You get this sort of really detailed, fine-grained, 3D model of what’s under the ground ... this is a villa and a really impressive one.”
— Dr. Alex Langlands [31:51]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Trump’s Iran Tariff Announcement & Context: 02:22 – 12:45
- Iran Protest Crackdowns, Personal Stories: 03:21 – 07:44
- Russia Luring Foreign Fighters: 12:46 – 21:12
- Minnesota & Illinois Suing Over ICE: 21:13 – 27:03
- China’s “Are You Dead Yet?” App: 27:32 – 31:07
- Roman Villa in Wales: 31:08 – 33:36
- Deadly Elephant in India: 33:37 – 36:33
- Auto-Brewery Syndrome: 36:34 – 39:02
Tone & Language
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