NPR News: 03-11-2026 1PM EDT

The Trump administration has asked Israel to stop targeting Iranian oil facilities after Israeli strikes over the weekend caused more damage than Washington anticipated. The request, which Israel has reportedly agreed to, comes as the International Energy Agency approved the release of 400 million barrels from emergency stockpiles to address the growing threat of an oil crisis. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has restarted the Global Entry program after suspending it for more than two weeks, and a new inflation report shows February prices rose 2.4 percent annually, though March data is expected to look very different due to the conflict with Iran.

Israel agrees to U.S. request on Iranian oil targets

Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities over the weekend produced massive pillars of fire and blackened skies over Tehran. The World Health Organization warned the attacks could cause severe health impacts. An official in the region briefed on the matter told NPR that the Trump administration was notified in advance before the strikes but was surprised by the extent of the damage. The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said Israel has agreed to the U.S. request to no longer target Iranian oil facilities in the war. Senator Lindsey Graham, who has been calling for regime change in Iran, said Iranians will need the oil reserves in the future.