BBC correspondent noted for his reports on the Arab spring
Jon Leyne, who has died of a brain tumour aged 55, became a familiar face in the latter stages of his distinguished career as a BBC foreign correspondent. He was at the forefront of the coverage of the Arab spring and reported on the rebellions against Muammar Gaddafi in Libya and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt. Against febrile backdrops such as Tahrir Square, Leyne's reports and contextual analysis, delivered in his trademark calm manner, encompassed all the best understated virtues of BBC journalism. He was rigorous in his fact checking: second sources were meat and drink to him.
Born in London, Leyne was educated at Winchester college and studied history at Exeter University. After gaining an MPhil at Oxford, in the study of the international response to global terrorism, he joined the BBC in 1985. From 1992 to 1994, he served as United Nations correspondent in New York. After postings in Europe and the Middle East, he became state department correspondent, based in Washington DC, in 2001. It was a turbulent time: he was near the Pentagon when it was attacked on 9/11 and he accompanied Colin Powell, the then secretary of state, on his post-9/11 shuttle diplomacy in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and the Middle East.
In 2004, Leyne was appointed Jordan correspondent, covering both sides of the second Palestinian intifada. He also reported from Lebanon and Syria during the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
In 2007 came his most difficult posting– Tehran. The Iranian government was suspicious of foreign reporters, particularly after massive street protests erupted in response to disputed presidential elections in June 2009. Despite continued threats that the BBC bureau would be shut down, Leyne refused to dilute his coverage, exhibiting much bravery. Eventually, he was expelled when the authorities accused the BBC of fomenting revolt. Shortly after his departure, a pro-government Iranian newspaper accused him of hiring thugs to kill Neda Agha-Soltan– who was shot dead during election protests – so that he could make a documentary.
In 2011, Leyne was one of the first western journalists to reach Benghazi, the fulcrum of the rebel campaign against Gaddafi. He took a great interest in the role of women in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and Egypt. His coverage of the turmoil in Cairo helped to earn BBC World News a nomination at this year's News and Documentary Emmy awards.
Leyne, who had a lifelong interest in rowing, kept himself in good shape, jogging in the streets of Cairo to unwind. His other great form of relaxation was music. One of his priorities on starting a new posting was to locate a grand piano on which to play. He was a regular attender at the Proms and at the summer concerts at Wolf Trap near Washington DC.
He hosted parties in the American capital, where he entertained high-ranking state department members and showed off his culinary skills. However, he liked nothing more than spending time with his family in his farmhouse on the Isle of Seil, off the west coast of Scotland, and sailing in his Wayfarer dinghy.
He is survived by his wife, Maire, and his stepchildren, Rachel and John.
• Jonathan Jeremy Caradoc Leyne, broadcaster, born 28 February 1958; died 27 July 2013