NPR News: 03-12-2026 1AM EDT

Here is a summary of the NPR News Now episode for March 12, 2026.

The episode covers a volatile mix of geopolitical conflict, energy market intervention, and domestic political fallout, anchored by the escalating Iran War and the U.S. response to stabilize oil prices. President Trump touted a coordinated international release of 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, a move the International Energy Agency agreed to in an effort to calm markets. This came as oil prices briefly topped $100 per barrel before settling, and as Iran stepped up attacks on Gulf shipping—including an incident where Iranian boats appeared to set two fuel tankers on fire in Iraqi waters. Iran has warned the world should be prepared for oil to reach $200 a barrel.

U.N. Security Council Condemns Iran

The United Nations Security Council voted to condemn Iran for launching missiles and drones at Gulf Arab countries. The resolution, which the U.S. said had a record number of co-sponsors (135 countries), was framed by the U.S. as a sign of global unity against Iran’s actions. The U.S. representative stated that Iran’s attempt to “hold their neighbors hostage has clearly backfired,” as shown by the vote. Russia and China argued that the Council should also criticize the U.S., and Russia’s ambassador proposed an alternative text, but that measure failed.