NPR News: 08-04-2026 6PM EDT
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What is the latest on U.S. precision missile stockpiles as the Iran war enters month six?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. U.S. stockpiles of some precision missiles are almost depleted as the war in Iran enters its sixth month, NPR's Kat Lonsdorff reports.
Precision missiles like Tomahawks, Prisms, and Atacams are running out, according to a U.S. official familiar with the data who was not authorized to speak publicly. Stockpiles are expected to take years to replenish. These are offensive missiles. They can be fired from hundreds or even thousands of miles away to keep U.S. service members like pilots from having to get close to enemy targets. But many senior military officials and analysts believe the U.S. has a sufficient supply of offensive weapons, despite shortages in certain categories.
Why are U.S. defensive interceptors a bigger concern than offensive missiles?
The much bigger concern, they say, is the real possibility of the U.S. running low on defensive weapons, like interceptors used to shoot down incoming attack drones or missiles. Kat Lonsdorf, NPR News, Washington.
The Dow and S&P 500 hit record highs again today after Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said the U.S. could soon clinch a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. NPR's Rafael Nam reports.
In an interview with CNBC, Besant had a reassuring message for markets.
We are in talks with the Iranians, and I think there is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict.
That gave a big boost to stock markets amid hopes that the critical passageway could soon allow oil and other cargo to pass through. Global crude prices also dropped after Besant's comments. The market has swung like this before, only to swing back. The war with Iran has been a drag on the global economy for months, so any deal would be welcome. But time and time again, this has proven to be an unpredictable conflict. Rafael Nam, NPR News.
Big oil companies continue to record massive profits after fighting in Iran disrupted energy markets and sent oil and gasoline prices sharply higher. BP says that its profit more than doubled to $3.9 billion in the second quarter, and Saudi Aramco reported a 44% year-on-year increase. Big U.S. energy companies drew the ire of President Trump this week. Trump said that ExxonMobil and Chevron are making too much money. Russia and Ukraine are trading blame for a drone explosion that killed seven people, including several children and injured dozens more. NPR's Charles Maines has details.
The incident took place Monday at the Russian resort of Gelendzhik on the Black Sea coast. Online video appeared to capture the moment the drone crashed onto a beach crowded with vacationers. Yet the crackle of gunfire could also be heard, raising questions over whether the drone was brought down by Russian intercepts. Russia's local governor accused Ukraine of a deliberate strike on civilians. Ukrainian officials countered that Russia's military shot down the drone over the beach without elaborating on its real target. Yet the incident comes as Kiev is up strikes on Russian logistical and energy hubs, part of a wider campaign to make Russians feel the cost of a war Ukrainians have been living with for more than a decade.
The UN World Food Program says child malnutrition has reached critical levels in a third of Afghanistan's provinces. The situation is expected to worsen as funding shortfalls force cuts to food distribution and other support. The UN says 142 health centers closed in 2025 due to aid reductions. More than 13,000 children lost access to nutrition treatment. The Trump administration is planning to close five small diplomatic posts, saying this will save a few million dollars a year. The State Department says the move won't affect Americans abroad. NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports.
The State Department is closing down the embassy in the Caribbean island of Grenada and the consulates in Nagoya, Japan and Medan, Indonesia, as well as small posts in Winnipeg, Canada and Douala, Cameroon. The diplomatic offices have only a small number of employees. In Indonesia's case, the local guards far outnumber the four staffers at the consulate.
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Chapters
3 chapters
1
What is the latest on U.S. precision missile stockpiles as the Iran war enters month six?
0:00–0:40
2
Why are U.S. defensive interceptors a bigger concern than offensive missiles?
0:40–4:15
3
How did Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant's comments affect markets and the Strait of Hormuz outlook?
4:15–5:04