Global News Podcast – US and Iran Hold Crucial Talks Mediated by Oman

BBC World Service | Host: Alex Ritson | Date: February 26, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode covers several major global stories, focusing primarily on the crucial nuclear talks in Geneva between the US and Iran, mediated by Oman. Other key topics include Congress hearings involving the Clintons and Jeffrey Epstein, North Korea’s shifting diplomatic posture, Europe’s move toward sustainable wooden construction, drone warfare in Sudan, Ukrainian post-war reconstruction hopes, the neuroscience of “superagers,” and Norway’s historic Oscar nomination. The podcast features direct reporting, expert analysis, and notable interviews.

1. US–Iran Nuclear Talks in Geneva (Main Story)

[01:05–06:15]

Key Points

• US and Iranian negotiators are meeting in Geneva for talks widely seen as a last hope to avoid military conflict over Iran’s nuclear program.
• The US has increased military presence in the Middle East, and multiple governments warn citizens to leave the region.
• President Trump insists Iran must declare it will never develop nuclear weapons; Iran’s leadership reiterates their nuclear intentions are peaceful.
• Oman plays mediator: Omani Foreign Minister describes the talks as involving “creative and positive ideas” ([03:24]).
• This is the first series of direct talks (not just indirect), indicating a heightened commitment.
• Chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet reports from Geneva, emphasizing the tense atmosphere, media attention, and fragile trust.
• The differences in negotiating styles are highlighted, with Iran presenting experienced diplomats and the US relying on Trump’s associates, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Notable Quotes

• Lyse Doucet: “They exchanged creative and positive ideas. We’re taking a break and then we’re going to come back again. … If it is just confined to the nuclear program of Iran in exchange for sanctions, a deal is difficult, but it is doable.” ([03:24])
• On trust and negotiation: “There is so little trust between the two sides. … We don’t want to be, in their words, surprised. And that’s why they, like the Americans, are preparing for war if indeed it does come to war this time.” ([04:31])

2. Congress Hears from Clintons over Jeffrey Epstein

[06:20–10:04]

Key Points

• Bill and Hillary Clinton are set to testify before Congress as part of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
• Hillary will testify Thursday; Bill, Friday. Their presence is seen as a major milestone for the Republican-led Oversight Committee.
• The Clintons’ names appear in documents, but there’s no implication of wrongdoing.
• Hillary Clinton claims she never met Epstein; Bill Clinton is expected to answer questions about photographs and flights with Epstein.
• The hearings are filmed but will be released after a delay.
• Democrats argue the depositions are a distraction from issues involving Donald Trump.

Notable Quotes

• Rep. Yasmin Ansari: “I really don’t know. I’m just as disgusted when I see photos like that. … But that’s why this deposition is important.” ([07:17])
• Sarah Smith: “For Hillary Clinton herself, she insists that the only reason she and her husband are being called … is to try and distract from Donald Trump and the trouble he’s in over the Epstein files.” ([08:00])

3. North Korea’s Conciliatory Rhetoric and New Demands

[10:04–13:28]

Key Points

• Kim Jong Un signals openness to better relations with the US, provided North Korea is recognized as a nuclear power.
• He announces plans to further increase the size and technology of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, including a nuclear-armed submarine and anti-satellite missiles.
• Speculation about a Trump–Kim reunion, with Trump expected to visit Beijing in April.
• Washington maintains readiness for talks, but North Korea dismisses South Korean reconciliation as “mere deception,” frustrating Seoul.

Notable Quotes

• Jake Kwon: “[Kim] said he’s going to have a nuclear submarine … and also missiles that could hit enemy satellites in the sky. … If you accept this as the path of North Korea, then we can get along, we can do some talks.” ([10:56])
• “North Korea desperately wants to be recognized as a normal country that can hold these weapons … for Donald Trump, this is an opportunity … to declare that he is a peacemaker.” ([12:56])

4. Europe’s Turn to Wood for Sustainable Construction

[13:28–18:14]

Key Points

• The construction sector is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions in Europe; wooden buildings are seen as a solution.
• In Portugal, modular wooden homes are growing in popularity due to foreign demand, housing shortages, and a lack of builders.
• Wood’s behavior in a fire is discussed; “mass timber just chars and protects itself, just like these trees.”
• Sweden’s experience is presented—legal requirements for tree replanting and ongoing forest growth.

Notable Quotes

• Prof. Alex de Rijke: “Ironically, you know, wood is much better behaved in a fire than say steel. Steel collapses suddenly at 500 Celsius, whereas engineered timber … just chars and protects itself.” ([15:27])
• Sandra Frank (Sweden): “We only develop in wood… I asked the factory how long [the wood] would take to grow and they said 44 seconds.” ([17:15])
• “Today we are planting about four trees for each tree that you take down. The Swedish forest is actually growing a lot every year.” ([17:52])

5. Drone Warfare in Sudan and Beyond

[22:49–25:01]

Key Points

• Marked increase in deadly drone attacks in Sudan, with civilian areas being targeted.
• Both Sudanese army and RSF paramilitaries deploy drones primarily sourced from Turkey and China.
• Drone warfare is becoming a default tactic in conflicts across Africa, highlighting both accessibility and risks.
• The US wants both sides to cease drone use but has limited leverage.

Notable Quotes

• Richard Kagoi: “Both sides… have been using drones to strike against not just military positions, but … civilian infrastructure like bridges and also power stations.” ([23:13])
• “We have seen an incremental use of drones not just in Sudan, but in other conflicts across Africa. … A very growing and disturbing trend.” ([24:05])

6. Ukraine’s Post-War Reconstruction Hopes

[25:01–26:56]

Key Points

• US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to meet Ukrainian officials to discuss future economic assistance and reconstruction, estimated at $800 billion.
• No direct meetings with Russian negotiators, but Kremlin’s Kirill Dmitriev is also in Geneva, suggesting post-war economic cooperation with the US.
• Experts view Russian investment estimates skeptically.

Notable Quotes

• Paul Adams (Kyiv): “Ukraine is looking to secure a package of support for the next 10 years. … The Kremlin’s economic envoy … is also going to be meeting the Americans because the Russians are also dangling the prospect of huge economic investments.” ([25:27])

7. The Science of “Superagers”: Preserving Brain Youthfulness

[26:56–30:40]

Key Points

• New US study shows “superagers” at 80 retain twice as many new neurons in the hippocampus as peers.
• The study, conducted on post-mortem brain tissue, links neurogenesis to memory preservation and cognitive resilience in old age.
• Genetic factors account for ~25% of variability, but exercise is a modifiable factor that boosts brain health and neurogenesis.
• Implications for future treatments of Alzheimer’s and age-related cognitive decline.

Notable Quotes

• Prof. Tara Spears Jones: “All of us can boost our brain resilience a bit. The most well substantiated evidence goes to exercise … it also directly boosts this adult hippocampal neurogenesis.” ([29:17])
• “It’s a long-term path, but as we get more and more little pieces of this picture, we will … work towards drugs that can boost brain health.” ([30:20])

8. Norway’s First Best Picture Oscar Nomination: “Sentimental Value”

[30:40–33:47]

Key Points

• “Sentimental Value,” a Norwegian family drama directed by Joachim Trier, is the first Norwegian film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.
• The film explores complex family relationships, especially the dynamics between sisters and their father, resonating across cultures.
• Trier celebrates the film’s global success despite limited arts funding in Norway.

Notable Quotes

• Joachim Trier: “I guess I am interested in behavior more than I am in telling stories. I’m interested in trying to get into the head of people.” ([32:09])
• “I come from a country of 5.5 million people and … a film from Norway travels like this—it’s not to be taken for granted. So we’re, you know, we’re grateful.” ([33:28])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:05–06:15] US–Iran nuclear talks and context
• [06:20–10:04] Clintons, Congress, and the Epstein investigation
• [10:04–13:28] North Korea–US relations and potential summit
• [13:28–18:14] Sustainable construction in Europe
• [22:49–25:01] Drone warfare in Sudan/Africa
• [25:01–26:56] Ukraine reconstruction diplomacy
• [26:56–30:40] Neuroscience: “Superagers”
• [30:40–33:47] Norway’s Oscar-nominated film

Memorable Moments

• Direct, tense sound bites from Geneva’s US–Iran negotiations, with diplomats rushing between residences and media clusters ([03:24–04:27])
• Kim Jong Un’s “wish list” for new nuclear weapons and submarines ([10:56])
• Sandra Frank’s revelation that Swedish wood for skyscrapers “grows back in 44 seconds” ([17:23])
• Science revelation: regular exercise “boosts your brain resilience … and also directly boosts adult hippocampal neurogenesis” ([29:17])
• Personal humility from Norway’s Joachim Trier: “I come from a country of 5.5 million people … grateful for the [global success].” ([33:28])

This summary covers the Global News Podcast’s blend of diplomatic drama, investigative scrutiny, scientific discovery, and cultural achievement—providing essential context and voices from around the world.