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5 min readNPR News Now: March 12, 2026 — 12PM EDT
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mostafa Khamenei, issued his first public statement since his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on the first day of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. The younger Khamenei vowed to avenge “martyrs,” continue attacks on U.S. bases in the region, and maintain the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments. But NPR’s Greg Myre noted that Iranian state media read the statement in Khamenei’s name; the new leader was neither seen nor heard. “So one of the key questions is what condition is he in,” Myre said. Khamenei was believed to have been injured in the same Israeli airstrike on day one of the war that killed his father, the former Supreme Leader, along with his mother and wife.
Oil prices spiked overnight, and rising gas prices in the U.S. are becoming a political headache for President Trump. It is an economic indicator people track closely, and if the conflict drags on, the cost of fuel could drive up other prices too, according to conservative economist Stephen Moore. “Part of the problem for President Trump is that we already had people complaining about prices,” NPR’s Tamara Keith reported. Affordability was shaping up to be a top issue in this year’s midterm elections even before the gas price spike.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:04) **Iran's New Supreme Leader Issues First Statement** - Mustaba Khamini vows to avenge his father, continue attacks on U.S. bases, and maintain the Strait of Hormuz blockade, but his condition remains unknown after being injured in the initial Israeli airstrike.
- 2 (00:57) **Oil Prices Spike as Gas Becomes Political Headache for Trump** - The rising cost of fuel is a key economic indicator, with conservative economist Stephen Moore warning that prolonged conflict could drive up other prices.
- 3 (01:52) **New Allegations of DOGE Staffers Misusing Social Security Data** - An internal watchdog and congressional Democrats investigate claims of potential misuse of sensitive SSA data by Department of Government Efficiency staffers.
- 4 (03:05) **Rep. Jim Clyburn Announces Reelection Bid** - The top-ranking House Democrat seeks an 18th term in South Carolina's 6th district, ending speculation about his political future.
- 5 (03:36) **Strong El Niño Predicted for Summer 2026** - Federal forecasters say El Niño is likely to return between June and August, driving up global temperatures and potentially causing record-breaking heat.
- 6 (04:31) **Market Indices Down Roughly 1%** - The Dow is down 500 points this hour, reflecting broader economic concerns tied to the conflict and oil price spike.
- 7 Standout Quotes
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