Iran's new supreme leader delivers first message

Iranian state television has broadcast a message from the newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The message was read by an announcer and gave no clue as to the state of his health. In the message, he said Iran would avenge the blood of its martyrs, and continue to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which one fifth of the world's oil passes. We speak to our colleague from BBC Persian.

As strikes are being launched across the Middle East, we hear from people in Iran as well as in Iraq about what they are experiencing.

Also, what happens when an athlete makes the decision to defect from their country? An Iranian and an Afghan athletes share their experiences.

Multiple Brazilian women have told a BBC investigation how a deceased modelling agent used competitions and promises of work to recruit young women and girls for sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Our reporter from BBC Brazil explains.

Officials in southern Ethiopia say the number of killed in severe flooding in the Gamo area has risen to 102. Our global affairs has the details.

Presenter: James Reynolds.

(Photo: Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei addressing the nation, Tehran, Iran Islamic Republic Of - 12 Mar 2026. Credit: ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA/Shutterstock)