Scott Simon

At least two U.S.

Marine units are on their way.

Their mission is as yet unclear.

I'm Scott Simon.

Some 3,000 oil tankers, gas tankers, and cargo ships are stranded in the Persian Gulf, unwilling to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

So please stay with us.

We've got the news you need to start your weekend.

First up today, the latest on the fighting in Iran.

NPR's Emily Fang is on the Turkish border with Iran and joins us now.

Emily, thanks for being with us.

22nd day of this war.

Tell us what Iranians you're meeting there at the border have been telling you about what they've been going through.

We have noted that Israel has succeeded in killing several of Iran's most senior officials this week, including its security chief.

How well have those attacks been at sparing civilians?

And what do Iranians tell you about their day-to-day lives?

Jen Piers, Emily Fang, thanks so much for being with us.

But the U.S.

hasn't reached the many goals they've declared, and there is no sign when the war might end.

We're joined by NPR National Security Correspondent Greg Myrie.

Greg, thanks for being with us.