Corva Coleman

has now signed global health agreements with 30 other countries worth about $21 billion.

NPR's Gabriela Emanuel reports.

And I'm Corva Coleman, NPR News, from Washington.

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Corva Coleman.

The U.S.

military says it will start enforcing a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz this hour.

It's an effort to put additional pressure on Iran.

As NPR's Greg Myrie reports, President Trump announced the blockade yesterday after U.S.-Iran peace talks over the weekend failed to produce a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron says France and Britain are organizing a conference to help find ways to restore navigation through the Strait.

Writing online, Macron says he's calling for a peaceful multinational mission that is not a part of the warring parties.

He says it should be set up as soon as circumstances allow.

Stocks opened mixed this morning as crude oil prices jumped back above $100 a barrel.

NPR's Scott Horsley reports the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 230 points in early trading.

Some Democrats are urging California Congressman Eric Swalwell to resign his congressional seat.

He has already suspended his campaign for California governor.

News reports came to light last week alleging that Swalwell engaged in sexual assault and sexual misconduct against some women.

including former staff members.

From member station KQED, Guy Marzarati says Swalwell rejected the accusations.

You're listening to NPR News from Washington.

A federal judge has dismissed President Trump's defamation case against the Wall Street Journal.