BBC News Briefing

29 January, 2026

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

Alex Binley

Hello. As tensions between Washington and Tehran rise, security correspondent Frank Gardner assesses the likely outcomes of any potential strike by the US on Iran. While reporting on a common yet often undiagnosed and serious sleep disorder, health reporter Ruth Clegg discovered she has it too. And finally, watch as pandas at a zoo in the US experience the joy of playing in the snow.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Tensions rise over Iran nuclear deal

A split image shows two elderly men. On the left is Trump who is outside and squinting in the sunlight. He is wearing a black coat and stood in front of a white wall. On the right is a man wearing a black coat and turban over a blueish-grey suit. He wears glasses and has a grey beard. He is waving and stands in front of a turquiose background.

Just weeks ago, Trump also threatened to intervene in support of anti-government protesters. Credit: EPA

The US appears poised to strike Iran within days, after US President Donald Trump warned that a "massive Armada" - or large US naval fleet - was "moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm and purpose" towards Iran. As Trump urges Iran to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme, tensions appear to be escalating. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country's armed forces were ready "with their fingers on the trigger" to "immediately and powerfully respond" to any aggression by land or sea. But if no last-minute deal can be reached with Tehran and Trump decides to order US forces to attack, what might happen? Frank Gardner takes a look at the possible scenarios.

Seven possible outcomes

Blackout: Nearly three weeks into an internet shutdown, connectivity is returning to Iran but access appears to be tightly controlled.

Hospital arrest fears: Wounded protesters tell the BBC they're relying on medics willing to risk their own safety by treating them at their homes.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Anti-government protests have shown how high levels of resentment are. What could be next for Iran's supreme leader?

WORLD HEADLINES

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Bollywood singer Arijit Singh retires at 38

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NEWS FROM THE UK

Asylum seekers: Companies running migrant hotels linked to a wealthy GP threatened 100 people with eviction to make way for asylum seekers.

Assisted dying: Opposition to the bill in the Lords means it has "no hope" of passing unless peers change their approach, a supporter is warning.

Palace premier: Watch as King Charles greets stars for the premier of what our royal correspondent calls an "unusually personal royal film".

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

How a BBC reporter discovered she has sleep apnoea