World News Weekly – An SBS World News Podcast

Donald Trump tells the UN General Assembly he’s got “a big decision to make” on whether to drive Iran “into hell” or negotiate a deal as the Iranian delegation watched. The combative speech took pot shots at the UN itself and Trump re-branded AI. He also lauded a deal over Greenland – but what did he really gain? Anthony Albanese gets a selfie with Trump as he takes his digital agenda to New York but did he land his message of global leadership? Plus, the EU offers its first associate membership to Canada – could Australia be next? Saudia Arabia seeks international support in its renewed fight against the Houthis. Fears of another civil war in Ethiopia as a new rebel coalition vows to remove the government. And is it time to say goodbye to the bank of mum and dad?

Conflict between the Houthis and Saudi-led forces escalates, sparking fears of a renewed humanitarian crisis in Yemen and more oil price rises as the Red Sea is blocked again. Did Putin try to kill Boris Johnson? How the war in Ukraine has become the elephant in the room for Russia's upcoming parliamentary elections. Plus, will Donald Trump’s offer of cash for votes win over increasingly sceptical Americans? The Republican Party makes a midterm pitch amid a turbulent week for the US president. And, will AI lead to the end of us — or just the end of Hollywood?

The AfD wins big in German elections, the first time for a far-right party since World War II. 12 countries, including the UK, France and Canada have announced a trade ban on all goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, will others follow suit? And Nepal struggles to grapple with the scale of devastation from flash floods. Plus, the award-winning research into cockroach milk.

Nepal’s new government struggles under a cataclysmic landslide and blames climate change. Iceland says no to even considering EU membership and the Pacific Islands Forum in disarray over Taiwan’s presence. Plus, a very un-Norwegian royal.

The trade war between the US and Canada kicks off, with shots fired in both directions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent talks up sanctions D-Day for Iran and Syria’s al-Sharaa says the country is “tearing out a painful chapter of its past” after the US lifts sanctions. Also, Borneo goes up in flames with palm oil adding fuel to the fires and threatening orangutans. Plus, a weightlifting robot’s jittering jerk...

Donald Trump is scaling back planned military drills with South Korea which send a “hostile” message to Pyongyang. Is he looking to rekindle his bromance with the North Korean leader? Meanwhile, elections kick off in Israel as settlers continue to surround Palestinian homes in the West Bank. Iran and the US are no closer to reaching a peace deal, and now Trump is threatening his ally Oman. Plus, we look at the terrible animated movie that’s captivating Chinese audiences with its low-budget charms.

Australia’s PM is in hot water over his comments about a gift from his Japanese counterpart, North Korea rides to Russia’s rescue and will Netanyahu’s rejection of Trump’s Gaza plan come back to bite him? Plus, AI runs amok while the world struggles to control it. and Dobby the house elf stops a power project.

Myanmar’s junta finally provides signs of life for its former leader Aung San Suu Kyi - but why now and what does it all mean for the ongoing civil war? Plus, Ceuta’s border crisis reignites immigration divisions in Europe. And, how a US hiker who got himself into – and out of – a sticky situation.

Japan is launching its first foreign intelligence agency since World War Two, backed by a massive US$400 million budget. Driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the move aims to counter escalating threats from China, North Korea, and Russia - placing Japan alongside global espionage powers like the CIA and MI6. But will this historic shift successfully deter regional aggression, or will it risk making relations worse?

The US Iran conflict threatens to burst beyond the Gulf with Ukraine and Egypt now in the frame. Bibi says his bromance with Trump is still on and does the cockroaches’ big win mean a big loss of face for Modi? Plus, AI claims another victim - a Canadian politician’s pride…

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi forces have declared an immediate maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, threatening to choke off the strategic sea route and further destabilise global energy markets. With US-Iran tensions already at a boiling point, will this latest escalation plunge the Middle East into a broader regional war? Plus, from satire to a massive student uprising, could India’s “Cockroach" movement test Modi’s power? And the post-World Cup baby craze sweeping Peru.

The ceasefire crumbles as the US tries to loosen Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz with bombing. Ukraine and its European allies join forces to protect the continent from ballistic missiles. Plus, how will the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham impact US foreign policy? And would you let South Korea’s Buddhist monks lead you to love?

Donald Trump calls the Iranian regime ‘scum’ as the US and Iran trade strikes. What's next for Iran's leadership as the country gives Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a long goodbye. Hamas agrees to dissolves its government, but will that change things? Also, Trump gives his NATO allies a kicking and a hug as Ukraine gets the nod to produce Patriot missiles. Plus, mystery balls plague another Australian beach.

Grief and anger mount in Venezuela after two huge earthquakes. SBS Correspondent Catalina Florez joins us from Caracas, where locals say the government is "nowhere to be seen". Plus, US and Iranian strikes resume, as a battle of wills over the Strait of Hormuz threatens to undo the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Cuba pushes through its biggest economic reforms since the communist revolution, and Batman Returns?! The caped crusader spotted in the most unlikely of places.

Trump and JD Vance insist talks for a final deal between the US and Iran are progressing smoothly, but does Iran agree? Keir Starmer bows to party pressure and resigns as PM, what's next for the UK? Plus, SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson talks One Nation's rise up the polls in Australia, and her run-in with leader Pauline Hanson. And, it's fans, fun and fishy business during this week's action at the FIFA World Cup.

US-Iran strike a deal to make a deal, Bibi and Trump’s growing rift & could you be Japan’s next emperor? Tehran and Trump both sound triumphant but who is the real winner so far? And will Israel’s refusal to leave Lebanon upend negotiations? Plus, fresh from hosting cage fights at the White House, Donald Trump joins G7 leaders to pressure Putin, while players become political footballs at the FIFA World Cup, and Japan has a royal dilemma.

The FIFA World Cup kicks off amid geopolitical foul play. Ukraine says it is regaining territory and pushing for talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Donald Trump continues to reshape US politics, and how India’s satirical Cockroach Party became an unlikely symbol of youth resistance.

Donald Trump loses his patience with Benjamin Netanyahu over Lebanon, while the Israeli prime minister hints at an even bigger endgame in Gaza. Is a new Middle East deal within reach, or the region’s latest escalation heading to another full conflict? Plus, a surprise AUKUS announcement on the sidelines of the Shangri-La dialogue and how an iconic Italian artwork is hanging in there.

Conflicting reports on peace negotiations between the US and Iran as military tensions escalate across the region. Former political prisoner Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert joins us to explore what it means for the Iranian regime and its citizens. Plus, Netanyahu vows to crush Hezbollah with an expanding offensive as his own leadership comes under pressure ahead of elections. While in Türkiye, Erdogan moves against the opposition in a fresh crackdown on dissent, and Trump’s patriotic excuse for dodging a family function.

Beijing looks to capitalise on rival powers following back-to-back visits from the US and Russian presidents, as The Democratic Republic of the Congo struggles to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak. Plus, Donald Trump celebrates a landmark settlement with the IRS, and we investigate the art of the perfect diplomatic gift.

Taiwan on tenterhooks as they watch Donald Trump in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping. The Iran war enters its eleventh week with ceasefire talks faltering and leadership challenges plague the UK Prime Minister. Plus, Eurovision faces boycotts over Israel’s participation and France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, chides a Nairobi crowd.

The latest pause in the US-Iran conflict has the world holding its breath - has the White House lost control of its own strategy? National security concerns surround the return of IS-linked women and children to Australia and a major election victory for Narendra Modi sparks claims of election fraud in India. Plus, the surprisingly brutal world of competitive furniture building.

The special relationship is given the kiss of life, Iran’s new deal gets kicked into touch as Trump points to a long-term blockade and will Israel’s opposition bromance last? Plus, would you trust a robo-baggage guy?

Confusion deepens on the Strait of Hormuz as President Trump extends the ceasefire with Iran. Another truce hangs in the balance with Israel and Hezbollah trading accusations - while thousands of Israeli troops draw a line in southern Lebanon. Plus, Japan loosens its long-standing arms export restrictions and world leaders flex their fitness credentials.

US-Iran talks collapse, and China feels the pressure over President Trump’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, a stunning election victory signals a new era for Hungary and how Australia is helping to fuel Colombia’s drug trade.

A shaky ceasefire announced between US President Donald Trump and Iran as oil prices plummet in response. Decorated veteran Ben Roberts-Smith charged with war crimes, what they could mean for Australia’s military reputation. Plus, allegations of foreign interference overshadow Hungary’s upcoming election, and around the moon and back with Artemis II.

US President Donald Trump issues a new Middle East war deadline as Yemen’s Houthis put pressure on vital waterways. Plus, the US permits a rare oil shipment to ease Cuba’s energy crisis - what’s driving the sudden pivot? And Australia immortalises an iconic ‘dinner’ felon.

Donald Trump inflames confusion over war in the Middle East and where are Mojtaba Khamenei’s hidden millions? Plus, Israel raises annexation of southern Lebanon, Australia signs a massive trade deal with the EU, and some father-daughter time dictator style as North Korea’s Kim Jong Un rolls out the tanks.

The war in the Middle East is entering a dangerous new phase, with a global oil chokepoint at the centre of rising tensions, but just how far will NATO allies go to support Trump’s push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Plus, a delayed China meeting raises fresh diplomatic concerns, and why not everyone is feeling the economic squeeze.

Trump tries to extinguish the oil price fire but Iran and Israel both double down on an extended war. Iranian women soccer players seek asylum and the Nepali youth’s hip-hop hero. Plus, Ready Player One? The virtual world to the rescue…

With the Supreme Leader killed, Iran lashes out. Will the Middle East choose sides as oil prices skyrocket and travel chaos sees thousands stranded. Plus, who could be next in line in Iran, could the US strikes encourage others into action and proof that sometimes the best defence is a very loud, slightly unhinged cuddly toy.

Can Ukraine hold the line as US support wavers going into a fifth year of fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion? Plus, an explosion of violence in Mexico after the killing of brutal cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ - will calm be restored in time for the World Cup? The US Supreme Court takes down Trump’s tariffs and POTUS uses his high-stakes State of the Union address to accuse Somalis of fraud

Marco Rubio sends mixed messages to Europe, Israel starts registration of large areas of the occupied West Bank and how new is Bangladesh’s new government? Plus, Chinoys celebrate lunar new year in the Philippines and Cocaine Sharks coming to waters near you.

A massive win for Japan’s hawkish first female PM worries China, conservatives reclaim Thailand and Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s most high-profile casualty of draconian security laws gets a ‘death sentence’. Plus, trouble growing at the winter Olympics.

The US and Iran tussle over talks to stave off more strikes, millions more Epstein documents touch the rich and powerful the world over from Elon Musk to the Norwegian princess-royal and more trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi don’t stop the destruction across Ukraine. Plus, US democracy in danger and what we learned when Melania Trump’s doco hit the cinemas…

President Trump feels the heat as ICE protests spread across the US, as Washington unveils real estate plans for Gaza - but are they based in reality? Plus, Myanmar’s military presses ahead with widely dismissed elections, and China’s panda diplomacy reaches an unbearable level.

Is Donald Trump’s retreat from tariffs and military threats over Greenland - a NATO reset or a tactical pause? Syria edges toward reunification but at a major cost to the Kurds – and IS group fighters escape. Plus how a farm girl’s plea from rural China went hog-wild online.

Can the economy-driven protests in Iran bring down the regime? Plus, the Venezuelan oil games continue as President Trump declares his global power answers to just one thing (hint: it’s not the UN or God), and why illegal importers are dicing with danger in Indonesia.

President Maduro snatched from his bed, Trump’s grab for Greenland unifies Europe. Plus, nationwide protests rattle the Iranian regime, and China’s stiff rise in the cost of condoms.

Terror strikes the iconic sands of Bondi Beach, sending shockwaves through Australia and Jewish communities worldwide - how did the deadly attack unfold, and what does it mean for national security? Plus, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signals cautious optimism in high-stakes Ukraine peace talks but is a deal with Russia any closer? And Donald Trump brands fentanyl a ‘weapon of mass destruction’ as tensions escalate with Venezuela.

Ceasefires are collapsing from Southeast Asia to eastern DRC, with civilians once again bearing the brunt of diplomatic failure. Plus, one year after the fall of the brutal Assad regime, are Syrians any better off? And FIFA honours President Trump – but is the prize an own goal?

Devastating floods and landslides wreak havoc across much of south-east Asia. No compromise reached after the Russian President and the US try to iron out a revamped peace proposal for Ukraine. Plus, the asylum seekers living in limbo – why they’re pleading with the Australian government to grant them leniency - and the rebel nuns refusing to give up their social media accounts.

Alarm bells in Kyiv and Europe as the US is accused of presenting Putin’s peace plan for Ukraine. The ‘make or break’ COP30 climate conference ends in failure – have the petro-states won? Plus, the unlikely bromance blossoming in the Oval Office.

Alarm bells in Kyiv and Europe as the US is accused of presenting Putin’s peace plan for Ukraine. The ‘make or break’ COP30 climate conference ends in failure – have the petro-states won? Plus, the unlikely bromance blossoming in the Oval Office.

Trump wipes the slate clean of murder for Mohammed bin Salman because ‘things happen’. The Epstein files move a big step closer to being released and what it’s like reporting on the ground in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Plus, the comment that sent China-Japan relations plummeting.

Typhoon Fung Wong leaves a vast trail of destruction in the Philippines, Syrian President Al-Sharaa shoots hoops before meeting Trump and Trump COPs it in Brazil. Also Zelenskyy under fire from corruption allegations, why AI is spreading Russian propaganda, and Bob Ross makes a splash.

Confronting reports of mass killings in Sudan, after a key city in Darfur falls to the RSF. The plan for an international stabilisation force for Gaza makes its way to the UN and it’s ‘GAME ON’ after the democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani wins NY – with Donald Trump threatening to cut federal funding to the city. Plus, why young men in China are opening up about getting the snip.

Donald Trump talks up tributes and tariff deals on his Asia tour, as well as the possibility of a third term as he stops in on the ASEAN and APEC summits. In Gaza, Israel and Hamas accuse each other of ceasefire violations. US sanctions on Russian oil piles the pressure on Putin, and a curriculum catastrophe for Queensland students.

In this episode: Behind the scenes of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s highly anticipated meeting with US President Donald Trump, while Ukraine’s leader Vlodymyr Zelenskyy walks away from the White House without his Tomahawk missiles. Plus, more threats to the Gaza ceasefire despite optimism from US Vice President JD Vance, the ‘high-stakes’ meeting between the Australian and Indonesian military chiefs, and how a daring daylight robbery unfolded at the Louvre.

Israeli hostages have been released and Palestinians prisoners freed, but is the Trump-brokered truce a turning point or just a timeout? This in-depth episode explores the deal, the delivery of aid, and the future of Gaza.

Hamas and Israel sign up for Phase One of Trump's new 20-point plan for peace in Gaza. France's revolving door on its prime ministerial office takes another spin. Plus Australia and PNG sign on to an expanded alliance for regional cooperation. And how desperate for $5,000 are you? Take a job at a haunted hotel desperate?

A new 20-point plan for peace in Gaza gains support among the international community. Trump warns the US military of the enemy from within as Hegseth tells Generals to slim down for the war on woke. Plus, Democrats and Republicans point the finger at each other as the US government shuts down. Also, Moscow warns of a new red line in the war in Ukraine. And, China launches a campaign to stamp out online negativity.

Ten Western nations (including Australia, the UK, and France) formally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly. Our correspondents bring you the latest from New York, as they break down the statehood debate, MAGA’s escalating war on the left, and Trump’s unsubstantiated claims linking paracetamol and autism.

Donald Trump gets some face time with the King & Queen on a state visit to the UK. A UN commission of inquiry finds Israel’s war in Gaza amounts to genocide as Israel’s ground operation in Gaza City gets underway. MAGA vows war on the left in response to Charlie Kirk's killing and Bolsonaro is sentenced to 27 years in jail. Plus, Albania unveils an all AI minister.

Israel's strike on Qatar blows up ceasefire talks, the prime ministers of Nepal, Japan and France depart in a hurry, and Albanese battles for influence in the Pacific, while Moldova battles to stop Putin’s influence ahead of elections. Plus, the Murdoch succession is finally settled.

In this episode: China’s military parade and its guests of honour the US media has dubbed ‘the Axis of Upheaval’, protesters mobilise across Indonesia as parliamentary allowances trigger mass unrest. Plus, Thailand faces yet another political crisis while environmental concerns escalate across the border in Myanmar. And the holographic warning to all would-be criminals.

In this episode: Australia punishes Iran after dramatic revelations in Canberra, Trump’s latest threats to set troops on more Democrat-held cities in the US, and a mass deportation pitch from the UK’s far right. Plus, why Venezuelan housewives are joining Maduro’s militia and South Korea’s supernatural export pops on global streaming.

In this episode, we cover Donald Trump's latest attempts at peace for Ukraine, and the growing ties between India and Russia. Also, the diplomatic row between Israel and Australia deepens. Plus, Xi Jinping visits Tibet and the White House embraces TikTok.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin face off for the first time in six years, with the future of Ukraine hanging in the balance. Anthony Albanese announces Australia will recognise a Palestinian state, sparking praise and condemnation. Plus, the Haitian gang leader with a US$5 million bounty on his head, and the world’s worst would-be assassin?

Another deadline to Vladimir Putin comes and goes without a ceasefire, as Donald Trump eyes a high-stakes meeting on Ukraine’s future. Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported plan to ‘conquer’ Gaza sparks an unprecedented backlash from current and former military chiefs, while Lebanon moves to disarm Hezbollah. Plus, why America’s top data chief was fired, and the war of words at the Korean border goes strangely quiet.

In this episode: President Trump’s shows a deep hatred of windmills during his ‘diplomatic’ trip to Scotland, and Canada moves to recognise Palestinian statehood, the latest US ally to shift its foreign policy. Plus, the Shakespearean drama fuelling deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, and when popstars meet politicians - the dark horse couple no one saw coming.

President Trump triggers MAGA mutiny over Epstein files, Japan’s far-right gains ground after an historic election upset, and pressure mounts on Israel as Gaza edges closer to famine. Plus, a climate court ruling shakes up global accountability, and New Delhi's diplomatic imposter.

Russia faces another Trump deadline to end the war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wraps up his trip to China, and violence flares again in Syria as Israeli airstrikes target Damascus. Plus, a secret UK plan to resettle Afghans is exposed, and the world’s oldest president wants another term.

In this episode: Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington, while a Gaza ceasefire remains elusive, and Taiwan answers China’s military pressure with drills of its own. Plus, The UN ramps up calls for the Taliban to end their oppression on women and girls in Afghanistan - but will it have any effect? And we take you inside the courtroom for the dramatic finale of the mushroom murder trial that shocked the world.

US President Trump ups the pressure on Israel and Hamas for a Gaza ceasefire, but questions remain around what’s really on the table, and what’s motivating it. Plus, how America’s strikes on Iran could have implications for Taiwan, and a rare message from the Dalai Lama sparks a political and spiritual standoff with China.

The unfolding events of the Israel-Iran conflict and what the future could hold for Tehran’s regime. Plus, the big bucks promised at the NATO summit, Georgia crackdowns on dissent, and the Armenian Prime Minister’s controversial plan to put religious rumours to bed.

A new, long-feared frontline opens in the Middle East as President Trump considers US involvement. Plus, what didn't happen at the G7 Summit, political violence rattles America, and a bizarre museum mishap poses a moral dilemma.

Israel says it is defending its very existence with massive, pre-emptive strikes on Iran; Senior Israeli ministers are sanctioned by Australia; and Donald Trump calls in the national guard, setting up a showdown with California’s governor.

How Ukraine’s astonishing raid on Russian bombers has redefined the war, Israel’s tightening grip on the West Bank, and the rise of Karol Nawrocki—what the untested, right-wing political novice means for Poland, and Europe’s future. Plus, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth makes waves in Asia, and a billionaire bromance on the rocks.

Australia’s government joins growing condemnation of Israel’s war on Gaza, the competition for influence in the Pacific, and has President Trump’s tough stance pushed Russia any closer to a ceasefire? Plus, a surprising result in Lebanon’s municipal elections and the beatboxing skills of a Brazilian nun.

We explore the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as aid struggles to reach over 2 million people. Plus, a fiery Senate showdown for US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a breakthrough in Türkiye's decades-long conflict, and why joking about rice just cost a Japanese minister his job.

In this episode: President Trump’s tour of the Middle East sees key deals signed and sanctions rolled back - what does it mean for the region? Plus, Prime Minister Albanese’s diplomatic balancing act with Indonesia’s leader, what the results of the Philippines midterms mean for two political dynasties, the latest on Ukraine peace negotiations, and how a used tissue became a tool of wartime propaganda.

In this episode: Co-hosting from Vatican City, International Correspondent Ben Lewis tells us about the new pope, as cross-border assaults ramp up between India and Pakistan. Plus, a German headache, Israel’s plan to reoccupy Gaza, and decoding dolphin swear words.

In this episode: the seismic shifts that shaped President Trump first 100 days in office, Israel’s legal duties towards Palestinians in the spotlight at the International Court of Justice, and a look at how Mark Carney went from underdog to unlikely winner in Canada’s election.

In this episode: Washington threatens to walk away from Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks, Asia Correspondent Aaron Fernandes joins us to discuss what's triggered the unfolding crisis between India and Pakistan, we'll explore the impact of Pope Francis’ legacy on the future direction of the Vatican, and Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson draws striking parallels between Canada and Australia ahead of the election.

In this episode: Mathilde Vu from the Norwegian Refugee Council and US politics expert, Chas Licciardello join our hosts to navigate Sudan’s escalating civil war and President Trump’s ongoing conflict with judicial authorities. Plus, we delve into Iran’s upcoming round of nuclear talks, and the mass moose migration that’s mesmerising millions!

In this episode: The fallout from Donald Trump’s 'Liberation Day' tariffs, no signs of an end to Israel’s renewed assault on Gaza, and will Iran reengage on a fresh nuclear deal?

In this episode: Myanmar’s ongoing civil war impacts the delivery of aid into the earthquake disaster zone, we go deep into the tariff trenches with Bruce Wolpe from the US Studies Centre, plus Israel announces a massive expansion of its war in Gaza, and a look back at the babies evacuated from Vietnam 50 years ago - where they are now?

In this episode: a journalist’s dream becomes a security nightmare for the White House, why the Ukraine peace talks aren’t taking off, the trouble in Turkiye, and Suharto 2.0? Why a new law in Indonesia is fuelling public unrest.

In this episode: Gaza's fragile ceasefire crumbles, while efforts ramp up to reach one in Ukraine, and a major new military campaign against the Houthis in Yemen. Plus, Bruce Wolpe from the United States Studies Centre joins us to discuss concerns over the US constitution, and a dramatic splashdown for NASA two astronauts after being stuck in space.

In this episode: the red lines holding up the Ukraine ceasefire proposal, Donald Trump’s ‘love-in’ for tariffs puts global allies at odds, the latest developments in Syria, and why Girl Scout cookies could be cause for alarm. The news you need to know!