Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

World Service,21 Jun 2026,54 mins

US-Iran talks to begin

Weekend

Available for 29 days

The United States and Iran are due to hold direct talks in Switzerland today as they try to extend a ceasefire into a long-term peace deal. The American Vice President, JD Vance, has arrived for the talks. He said he hoped to make progress on "the nuclear issue" and on questions surrounding Lebanon. Also in the programme: polarisation in Colombian elections; and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s future. Presenter Paul Henley is joined by Anja Shortland, professor in political economy at King's College, London; and John Kampfner, broadcaster, journalist and writer. (Photo: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance speaks to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., June 20, 2026. CREDIT: REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/Pool)

Programme Website
More episodes