BBC News Briefing

18 March, 2026

Sofia has long brown hair and brown eyes and is wearing a green top.

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. After Iran's security chief Ali Larijani was killed by an Israeli air strike, BBC Persian's Amir Azimi explains the impact of his death on the country's leadership as it grapples with the war. From India, my colleague Soutik Biswas reports on how weight-loss drugs could soon become cheaper. And finally, watch the best St Patrick's Day celebrations from around the world.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Iran vows retaliation for Larijani's death

File photo showing Ali Larijani. He has short grey hair, a shrot beard and wears glasses.

A funeral for Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the paramilitary Basij force, is to be held today. Credit: EPA

Iranian army chief Amir Hatami has threatened to launch a "decisive" retaliation for Larijani's death. Before he was killed, Larijani was in charge of managing three major crises - the war, domestic unrest and negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. As Amir Azimi writes, his removal leaves these issues unresolved and transfers them to an as-yet-unknown successor facing an extremely fragile situation - and the immediate risk of being targeted. His death deepens a leadership crisis that could affect both the course of the war and the stability of the Iranian state itself.

Read Amir's analysis

From Tehran: Special correspondent Fergal Keane highlights the "unrelenting dread" of those living in Iran's capital.

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In Tyre: Israel has told citizens of Lebanon's fifth-largest city to leave, but some are still trying to carry on with their daily lives.

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Get the latest: Israel has launched strikes in central Beirut, an area of the Lebanese capital surrounded by shops and hotels. Follow live updates.

WORLD HEADLINES

This aerial photo taken on March 15, 2026 shows the wreck of Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) carrier Arctic Metagaz, which is adrift between Malta and Lampedusa

Italy warns of Russian tanker explosion risk

A damaged sanctioned tanker loaded with fuel is drifting out of control in the Mediterranean with no crew on board.

What to know >

An empty playground with two swings, with leafless trees in the background

Suspected stray bullet from military drill hits girl

The elementary school pupil was taken to hospital and has since been discharged, local media reported in South Korea.

What happened >

Pam Bondi is looking straight into the camera, her blond hair is in a ponytail and she is wearing a blue blazer

US Attorney General Bondi summoned to Congress

She will have to answer questions over her handling of the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Read more >

Members of the Chilean army stand near a trench dug by heavy machinery in the desert.

Chile's president begins building border barrier

José Antonio Kast appeared at the site along the northern border with Peru to inspect a trench and chat to workers.

More details >

Senegal's initial victory over Morocco was their second Afcon title after winning the trophy in 2021

Morocco wins Afcon title as Senegal win overturned

The Confederation of African Football has overturned the result of the final following Senegal's controversial walk-off.

Controversy explained >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Assisted dying: The Scottish Parliament has voted against the legislation - here's what happens next.

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Ceremonial welcome: King Charles will host the first Nigerian state visit to the UK for 37 years. Here's what's planned.

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Livestock protections: Dog owners face unlimited fines and could see their pets taken away under new laws to better protect farm animals.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

India to make cheaper weight-loss drugs

light blue pens for the diabetes drug Ozempic sit on a production line at Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk's site in Hillerod, Denmark.

India's pharmaceutical industry is the global powerhouse behind low-cost generic medicines. Credit: Reuters

The patent on semaglutide - the molecule behind Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic - expires in India on Friday. This will allow domestic pharmaceutical companies to release cheaper copies and could rapidly expand access for people in India and, eventually, elsewhere in the world.