NPR News: 07-20-2026 5AM EDT

The U.S. military conducted a ninth consecutive night of airstrikes against targets in Iran, while a separate service member was killed in action in northern Iraq. Back in the U.S., hundreds gathered in Houston to protest the killing of a man by ICE agents during a traffic stop, and Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the men’s World Cup. Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey shattered box office records in its opening weekend, and gasoline prices climbed back to a national average of $4 a gallon as the conflict with Iran intensifies.

Escalation in the Middle East

U.S. Central Command confirmed that American forces carried out a ninth straight night of attacks against Iran. In southern Iran, residents reported widespread electricity outages and water shortages after officials said a water desalination plant was struck. The hostilities come as talks to end the war have stalled, with both sides continuing to trade fire over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Separately, the military announced another U.S. service member was killed in action in northern Iraq on Saturday.

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