BBC News Briefing

26 March, 2026

Alex has short blonde hair and blue eyes. She is smiling and wearing a black turtleneck

Alex Binley

Hello. The US and Iran continue to give conflicting accounts of whether peace talks on the war are taking place - our correspondents take a look at what that signifies. We also report on the right-wing populist party, and its controversial leader, that is riding high in Australia's polls, and the latest on the shooting at Rihanna's home. Plus, watch as a dog is rescued after a garden sink hole swallowed it.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Iran's rejection of US talks reflects deep mistrust

A woman wearing a white shirt with grey patterning, black jeans and a black headscarf walks past a pike of rubble next to homes that appear to have been hit by a missile. A number of men stand in the rubble.

While arguments continue as to whether US-Iran talks are taking place or not, strikes are continuing. Credit: Getty Images

Iran's leaders are "afraid" to say they are negotiating with the US to end the war, President Donald Trump has said, while Tehran maintains that talks are not taking place. "This is not just a disagreement" between the two sides, writes BBC Persian's Amir Azimi, "it reflects deep mistrust" that stems from recent events. Meanwhile, Washington correspondent Daniel Bush notes Iran's rejection of Trump's peace plan sparks questions about whether the two sides are "actually engaged in serious diplomatic talks". This, he adds, underscores "the reality that Trump can't fully control the direction of the conflict". And, as the war continues, "the gap between the two sides keeps growing", writes Amir.

Latest updates

Inside Iran: At great risk, three Iranians speak to the BBC about what life is like inside the country, after nearly four weeks of war.

Analysis: How a prolonged Middle East conflict could reshape how we fly across the world and likely drive up air fares.

Travel ban: Iranian tourists with valid visas will be banned from visiting Australia over concerns they may be unable or unlikely to return home.

WORLD HEADLINES

Epstein survivor says she was drugged and raped

The woman said that after drinking water offered to her by the late sex offender, she blacked out for hours.

Read her story >

A man with curly, short, reddish-brown hair wears a dark coloured suit and tie and white shirt. He is surrounded by other men in black suits.

What next for big tech after social media verdict?

The ruling against YouTube and Instagram could be the beginning of the end of social media as we know it, writes our tech editor.

Read the analysis >

An image shows two women hugging and smiling at the camera. The younger woman wears an orange sleeveless shirt and has long blonde hair. The older woman wears a blue T-shirt, glasses with a black frame and has short brown hair. They are in a TV studio. the walls of which are blue and orange.

Savannah Guthrie on 'agony' of mum's disappearance

In her first interview, the US TV presenter said terrifying thoughts wake her at night as she imagines what happened to her mum.

What she said >

A white plane says 'Air Canada in capitals on the side. It is on a runway but the front part of it has been destroyed and is a pile of wreckage. A white car with its lights on sits next to the plane and several people can be seen nearby.

Carney criticises Air Canada English-only crash message

Canada's PM said the response to the LaGuardia plane crash that killed two pilots showed "a lack of compassion".

More on this >

Rihanna has her hair tied up and is wearing a lot of earrings in each ear. She is wearing a black coat with a black fur collar. People can be seen behind her.

Woman pleads not guilty over Rihanna home shooting

Court documents allege Ivanna Lisette Ortiz was trying to shoot the singer, rapper A$AP Rocky, and their three young children.

Read more >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Military action: British forces are preparing to board and detain ships in UK waters that are part of Russia's so-called shadow fleet. What it means.

Man's best friend: A 15,000-year-old jaw bone fragment found in a cave has rewritten the story of how dogs became our trusted companions.

The boy who lived: Listen up muggles! The first trailer for the new Harry Potter TV series has been released. Here's what we learnt from it.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

A right-wing populist party made big poll gains - and it's shaking up Australian politics

A woman with short, ginger hair wears red lipstick and a black dress with white patterning on it. She is smiling and stood in front of a row of Australian flags.

Pauline Hanson was formally censored this month for saying there were no 'good' Muslims. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock

Thirty years ago, against the odds, a fish and chip shop owner won a seat in the Australian parliament. Since then, Pauline Hanson has become as well known for her inflammatory anti-immigration rhetoric as much as her parliamentary stunts - even announcing her own assassination. Over the decades, support for her right-wing populist One Nation party has ebbed and flowed, but now it's riding a new wave of popularity. Will it finally be able to cement its gains?