Panorama sparks fury over Iranian special: 'The BBC should be ashamed'

BBC Panorama has been hit with a furious backlash from viewers after its latest episode examining the war with Iran aired on Monday night (March 9). The long-running investigative programme looked at the escalating conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States, as thousands of targets across Iran are struck and Tehran launches missiles and drones at neighbouring countries. The episode, fronted by journalist Jane Corbin, examined the origins of the US-Israeli offensive and the potential fallout for the wider region.

It also touched on the diplomatic tensions between Washington and London after Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused to allow UK bases to be used in the initial strikes. But within minutes of the programme airing, viewers flooded social media with criticism - with some accusing the BBC of bias and others questioning the show's reporting. One furious viewer wrote: "BBC panorama is an absolute disgrace. They treat PROVEN terrorists in Iran as if they are scholars and have the same level of morality as the US and Israel who do NOT target civilians.

"The bbc should be ashamed. Free Iran! #defundthebbc." Another complained the programme failed to deliver the arguably hard-hitting journalism Panorama is known for.

They said: "@BBCPanorama On the war on Iran, just like the war itself, doesn't know what it wants to say or where it's going! What's the point in repeating events and analysis we've heard the whole week. Panorama is supposed to be an investigative program. Really hopeless!"

Others went further, suggesting the BBC should scrap the long-running current affairs show altogether. One viewer wrote: "The BBC waste millions on Panorama and it's all fake. Why not axe it and bring back entertainment shows which attract more viewers."

Some viewers also questioned the accuracy of the programme's reporting on the conflict. One wrote: "#Panorama risking it again tonight. I hope the BBC have cast iron proof that the missile that hit the school was a US missile #iran."

Another added: "BBC Panorama special on Iran, Israel & USA is straight up propaganda turned it off."

According to the BBC synopsis, the documentary aimed to examine "the origins and aims of the US/Israeli offensive against Iran" and ask how far the conflict could escalate - and what it means for people caught up in the fighting.

The criticism of the BBC programme comes as Britain's response to the escalating Iran conflict has itself come under intense scrutiny.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced mounting criticism both at home and abroad after refusing to join the initial US-Israeli offensive strikes on Iran.

Instead, the UK has limited its role to defensive operations, allowing American forces to use British bases for defensive missions while RAF jets help intercept missiles and drones targeting allies in the region.

The cautious approach has sparked a public rift with Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticised the British government for delaying support during the conflict.

The US president even mocked reports that Britain could deploy aircraft carriers to the Middle East, writing on social media: "we don't need people that join Wars after we've already won!" while referring to Britain as "our once great ally."