12 March, 2026
Alex Binley
Hello. As the war in the Middle East continues, many Iranians are facing a dilemma – weighing up the risks of pushing for regime change, whilst facing threats from authorities. In Brazil, my colleagues have spoken to two women who claim a modelling agent used his businesses to recruit girls for Jeffrey Epstein. And finally, find out what will be on the menu at Sunday’s Oscars.
TOP OF THE AGENDA
The deadly dilemma facing Iranians
Iran’s police chief warned protesters: “All our forces have their fingers on the trigger.” Credit: AFP
US President Donald Trump has urged Iranians to “take over your government”, and warned it would likely be their “only chance for generations”. But inside Iran, reports of an increased security and police presence have emerged. The country’s police chief said demonstrators would be classed as the “enemy”, while a state TV presenter warned protesters: “We will come after you.” International editor Jeremy Bowen warns that the lessons of the first Gulf War in 1991 still loom large – when thousands of Iraqis were killed after rising up against Saddam Hussein following a call by then-US President George HW Bush.
- Cyber operations: This is the role that cyber warfare has played in Iran.
- Justified or not?: US military families share what they think about the conflict.
- Pete Hegseth: The veteran and ex-TV host turned defence secretary projects an image of unapologetic frontman, writes reporter Lisa Lambert.
Middle East conflict
Keep up with essential news and insights from the BBC
WORLD HEADLINES
Ukraine war spills into Hungarian election
Ukraine will “stop at nothing” to prevent Prime Minister Viktor Orbán winning the election, the Hungarian government claims.
Noma head chef resigns amid abuse allegations
Ex-employees had accused René Redzepi of creating a toxic environment at one of the world’s top restaurants, according to reports.
Backpackers’ bodies found in Australian floodwaters
Police said the bodies of two Chinese tourists were found in a car which was submerged in floodwaters.
Volcanic fragments rain down as volcano erupts
Kilauea’s plume reached 1,300ft (400m) into the air, and rained down glassy volcanic fragments in Hawaii.
Kanye West ordered to pay $140K in renovation lawsuit
A handyman alleged the rapper didn’t pay him properly for work on his Malibu mansion and fired him unjustly.
NEWS FROM THE UK
- Sick notes: Hundreds of GPs tell the BBC they’ve never refused to sign a patient off work over mental health concerns.
- Zack Polanski: A 2013 interview casts doubt on the Green Party leader’s claim to have apologised for saying that hypnosis could increase breast size.
- Catfish: A woman whose identity was stolen and used to build online relationships with men shares the “terrifying” experience.
BEYOND THE HEADLINES
Epstein used modelling agent to recruit girls, Brazilian women tell BBC
Epstein provided financial backing to Brunel when he set up a modelling agency in the US. Credit: US Department of Justice
A modelling agent used companies linked to him to seek out young women and girls from South America for Jeffrey Epstein, evidence uncovered by BBC News suggests, procuring US visas for them to travel to be with the late financier. Jean-Luc Brunel killed himself in prison in 2022, accused of rape, sexual assault and recruiting girls for the convicted sex offender. The BBC spoke to two women about their experiences.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
‘Viking wellness’
Why Nordic heat-and-cold rituals are having a moment.
And finally… at the Oscars
From sushi to 90kg of steak, to 600 pizzas and 7,000 glasses of Champagne, this is what’s on the menu for celebs at Sunday’s Oscars. And for those that don’t win a coveted Academy Award, a golden chocolate replica can be theirs instead.
US Politics Unspun
Expert insight into what really matters from North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher, sent every Wednesday
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– Alex
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