Alex Ritson

To end this edition of the Global News Podcast, I spoke to the BBC's chief international correspondent, Lise Doucette.

She's been covering Iran for years and is one of the few Western journalists who've been able to report from inside the country in recent months.

I asked her how she views the next few days unfolding for Tehran.

The criticism after the Iraq war was that the Americans didn't have a plan.

Do the Americans and the Israelis have a plan this time?

Lise, you've observed the region for a long time.

You're only just back from Iran.

Are you optimistic or not?

And that's all for this special edition of the Global News Podcast.

If you want to get in touch, you can email us at globalpodcast at bbc.co.uk.

You can also find us on X at BBC World Service.

Use the hashtag Global News Pod.

This edition of the Global News Podcast was produced by Peter Goffin and Mickey Bristow.

It was mixed by Nicola Brough and the editor is Karen Martin.

I'm Alex Ritson.

Until next time, goodbye.

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

Hoo-hoo, mom's coming to visit.

Mom, I'm going to code.

Look, you got a post from DNA.