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NPR News Now

NPR News: 02-28-2026 8AM EST

28 Feb 2026

Transcription

Chapter 1: What are the latest developments in U.S.-Iran relations?

0.031 - 23.727 Windsor Johnston

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The United States and Israel have carried out joint airstrikes against Iran today. In a post on social media, President Trump said the U.S. military is attacking Tehran in what he calls a major combat operation. NPR's Tamara Keith reports the president is also calling for a regime change.

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23.707 - 43.256 Donald Trump

Trump cited malign behavior by Iran and its proxies going back to the 1980s. He asserted that Iran is trying to rebuild its nuclear program and could develop a missile that may someday reach the U.S. He said Iran's missile industry, Navy, and proxies would all be targeted.

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43.296 - 53.491 Unknown

This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces. He then spoke directly to the people of Iran.

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Chapter 2: How is President Trump justifying military actions against Iran?

53.511 - 64.245 Unknown

Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.

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64.586 - 80.106 Windsor Johnston

Tamara Keith, NPR News. Democratic lawmakers say President Trump has launched an illegal regime change war in Iran, putting American lives at risk. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna posted a video on social media just a short time ago.

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80.086 - 97.977 Ro Khanna

Donald Trump has launched a war on Iran. The Congress must reconvene on Monday to vote on Thomas Massey and my War Powers Resolution to stop this war. Trump says his goal is to topple the Iranian regime, but the American people are tired of regime change wars.

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97.957 - 123.357 Windsor Johnston

Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the Armed Services Committee, calls the operation pivotal and necessary to protect Americans and American interests. Iran has launched missiles and drones in counterattacks against Israel and hit a U.S. base in Bahrain. It says Israeli and American interests in the Middle East are now potential targets. NPR's Jane Araf reports.

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123.404 - 145.268 Jane Araf

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced what it called the first wave of attacks on Israel, while the Bahraini government said a U.S. naval base that is home to the Fifth Fleet had been hit. After the U.S. strikes early Saturday in the Iranian capital, Iran made clear it considered all American and Israeli interests and assets in the Middle East targets.

145.829 - 167.914 Jane Araf

Several countries in the region closed their airspaces, while major airlines said they were canceling flights. In Jordan, fighter jets patrolled while explosions, believed to be missiles being intercepted, were heard. The U.S. Embassy in Jordan issued an advisory to American citizens to shelter in place until further notice. Jane Araf, NPR News, Amman.

168.235 - 195.16 Windsor Johnston

As the U.S. and Israel carry out strikes, reports say a school in Iran has been hit, killing at least 53 female students. This is NPR. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has declared the AI firm Anthropic as a risk to national security. As NPR's Jeff Brumfield reports, it's an unusual decision that could hurt the company's business.

195.494 - 235.054 Jeff Brumfield

Hegseth made the announcement in a post on X. He said, quote, like the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. If the ban goes forward, it could be a huge blow to Anthropic's business with other large firms. The announcement resulted from a dispute over how Anthropic's tools can be used by the Pentagon. Anthropic wanted restrictions on AI's use for mass surveillance and automated weapons.

235.555 - 237.297 Jeff Brumfield

Jeff Brumfield, NPR News.

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