NPR News: 04-18-2026 6AM EDT
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.
What recent developments occurred in the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran's military says the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state and the waterway is now under strict management and control by the armed forces. Tehran says the restriction will be in place until the U.S. completely lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. The announcement came shortly after President Trump said the blockade will remain in place. Speaking aboard Air Force One last night, Trump was asked about his plans if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire with Tehran expires next week.
What are the implications of the U.S. blockade on Iran?
Maybe I won't extend it, but the blockade is going to remain. But maybe I won't extend it. So you have a blockade, and unfortunately we'll have to start dropping bombs again.
The leaders of the nations trying to help broker a longer ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran met in southern Turkey last night.
How is the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon holding up?
Dori Buskaran reports from Istanbul.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey met on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in a rare gathering to help negotiate an end to the war between the U.S. and Iran. The leaders of Pakistan and Turkey met separately. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the two would work to extend the ceasefire until peace is achieved in Iran.
What are Israelis' views on continuing the fight against Hezbollah?
That's Dori Buscarin reporting. The ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese government seems to be holding for now. The Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah says it welcomes the pause, though it will keep a close watch on Israel. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports most Israelis say they believe their army must continue fighting in Lebanon.
Some 69% of Israelis want to keep fighting Hezbollah and finish with it for good. That is true even among Israelis who do not support right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says Amos Harrell.
How is the U.S. addressing energy supply disruptions due to the Iran conflict?
the defense and security analyst for Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Harrell says two things can be true at once. Israelis can think Netanyahu should leave office.
And still feel that the war itself is justified and that Israel should react amongst strongly. Never repeat the mistakes that led to October 7th. You should be more proactive, take the initiative and be tougher against your enemies or otherwise you won't survive in this region.
He says Israelis consider Hezbollah an existential threat. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR News, Tel Aviv.
U.S. officials are preparing for ceasefire talks between Israel and Lebanon next week in Washington. The discussions will involve senior diplomats at the State Department. The U.S. is temporarily easing some sanctions on Russian oil shipments in an effort to offset supply disruptions tied to the war in Iran. The Treasury Department says the 30-day waiver applies to oil already loaded onto tankers. That's despite earlier comments suggesting no such move was planned.
What is the current status of the proposed Nexstar and Tegna merger?
You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Stocks on Wall Street soared this week before Iran had reimposed restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. NPR's Scott Horsley reports investors are hoping that will ease sky-high energy prices.
Giddy investors had already pushed stocks to record highs this week, even before Iran announced on Friday that it would allow a resumption of shipping traffic through the strait. The first oil tanker cleared the critical choke point hours later. Investors are hoping that if the strait remains open, that will ease the global energy crunch that sent gasoline and diesel prices soaring. The U.S. benchmark for crude oil dropped to about $83 a barrel. Retail gasoline prices have also begun falling, although experts say it could take the better part of a year to fully unwind the wartime price spike. For the week, the Dow rose more than 3 percent, the S&P 500 index jumped 4.5 percent, and the Nasdaq soared 6.8 percent.
Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.
A federal judge has blocked the proposed $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar and Tegna pending the outcome of an antitrust lawsuit. The deal would create one of the largest local TV station groups in the country with holdings in more than 40 states.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:05
2
What recent developments occurred in the Strait of Hormuz?
0:05–0:36
3
What are the implications of the U.S. blockade on Iran?
0:36–0:55
4
How is the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon holding up?
0:55–1:18
5
What are Israelis' views on continuing the fight against Hezbollah?
1:18–1:52
6
How is the U.S. addressing energy supply disruptions due to the Iran conflict?
1:52–2:55
7
What is the current status of the proposed Nexstar and Tegna merger?
2:55–5:03