The 'special relationship' under strain

The University of Canterbury has moved away from face-to-face teaching and students have been queueing for antibiotics amidst a meningitis outbreak that has killed two people. We get the latest from the BBC’s health editor and speak to a survivor of meningitis. Also on the programme: Donald Trump hits out at the US’s allies over their perceived inaction in the Strait of Hormuz. And the earliest recording of whale song has been rediscovered. What does it tell us about the changing song of the sea?

The US is expected to send a marine unit and more warships to the Middle East, two officials tell the BBC's US partner CBS News. It comes as the Trump administration loosens sanctions on Russian oil as prices spike because of the US-Israeli war against Iran. US Democratic Senator Jack Reed tells us the decision is "a great gift to Russia".Also in the programme: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel says his government is in talks with the Trump administration to find solutions to the two countries' differences. We hear from a resident of Havana where residents struggle to afford food.And ahead of Oscars on Sunday, we explore how small controversies about Academy Awards nominees can make big headlines.

Israeli strikes in Tehran are continuing tonight after Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader said the country would keep blocking the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane through which 20% of the world's oil supply flows. Mojtaba Khameini, son of former leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini, provided a statement that was read out on state TV, his physical condition remains unknown. We hear from Iranian refugees at the border with Turkey and from inside Lebanon, where Israel has expanded its operation against Hezbollah.Also on the programme: does the resignation of the head chef at one of the world's most highly-esteemed restaurants auger a change in kitchen culture? We speak to a protege of Gordon Ramsey.And after a widely praised speech on the scrapping of jury trials in the House of Commons by Geoffrey Cox, we analyse the ancient art of oratory.

The prime minister was warned that Lord Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein posed a "reputational risk" before he was confirmed as US ambassador. Documents released by the government include advice sent to the prime minister which said the pair's relationship continued after the financier's conviction for procuring an underage girl in 2008. We’ll hear from Karl Turner, the Labour MP for Kingston Upon Hull East.Also on the programme: Why more than 400 of the UK's church pipe organs are being junked or falling silent.And English language music is losing its stranglehold on the charts, according to new data from music streaming giant Spotify. We speak to the Welsh rock duo, Alffa.

The BBC understands the Metropolitan Police Commissioner has written to the home secretary saying the controversial Al Quds Day march - which was set to take place in London this weekend - should not be allowed to go ahead. The annual event has been criticised for representing the views of the Iranian regime and for antisemitic and anti-Israel hostility. We'll hear from Lord Walney who supports a ban, and from one of the organisers of the march.Also on the programme:The creator of Wordle tells us why he's moving from a simple word game to cryptic crosswords:And if you're a woman who drives an Uber or hails one in the United States, you can now ask for a women-only journey. We talk to a female cabbie and the owner of a new women's taxi business here in the UK.

President Trump tonight described the war in Iran as "a short term excursion" after he'd told CBS the war was "ahead of schedule" and "very complete, pretty much".He spoke as the economic impact of the war became clearer. With oil prices rising - and inflation likely to rise as well - we hear advice on how to drive more efficiently.Also on the programme: After chaotic ticket sales for Taylor Swift's Eras tour, Live Nation and Ticketmaster settle a lawsuit in the United States. What will it mean for ticket prices here?

The US has said only Iran's unconditional surrender will end American and Israeli bombardment. President Trump has warned the war could last four to six weeks. We hear from people on the ground in Tehran and assess the conflict one week on with Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet.Also on the programme, the opening of the Paralympics sees Russia return from sporting exile.And the story of a 19th century lesbian landowner brought to life by the Northern Ballet.

President Trump has just urged Iranian diplomats to apply for asylum as he set out the scale of damage inflicted on Iran's military. A former Pentagon analyst joins us to assess America's objectives. We also hear from Iran’s teachers’ union about the strikes in the south of the country that killed over 100 children. Also on the programme, we hear from a British national stranded with her family in Qatar after her flight transfer was interrupted by Iranian missile attacks.And why bad vibes could disrupt the first F1 Grand Prix of the year.

Fresh strikes by the US and Israel have begun in Iran tonight. Earlier in the day US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also confirmed an American submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile the US Senate failes in a bid to pass curbs on President Trump's war powers.We hear how the war is unfolding on the ground in Iran, and how the country's remaining leadership is responding. We also speak to a MAGA supporter who says Trump has abandoned his non-interventionist stance, and a US Republican Congressman who defends the military action.Also on the programme: how pregnancy changes a woman's brain, and the dog breeds that some owners fear could be phased out under new guidelines.

The US President doubled down on criticism of Keir Starmer for delays in allowing the Americans to launch strikes on Iran from Diego Garcia. We ask if the Transatlantic relationship can weather the conflict with Iran. Also on the programme: oil and gas prices rocket as Iran attacks shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. And which piece of music gives you the chills? A study finds that spine-tingling response to emotive music and art could be genetic.