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5 min readNPR News Now: March 13, 2026 — 4PM EDT
Two weeks into the U.S. war with Iran, the military has confirmed at least thirteen American service member deaths since the conflict began. Six of those died when their KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while supporting combat operations. U.S. Central Command says the aircraft went down in friendly airspace. Separately, NPR has confirmed that more than 2,000 Marines based in Japan will be deployed to the Middle East.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described today's U.S. strikes against Iran as "the most destructive yet," echoing language he used earlier this week. He offered a striking figure on the scale of operations: "Between our air force and that of the Israelis, over fifteen thousand enemy targets have been struck. That's well over one thousand a day. No other combination of countries in the world." Meanwhile, with oil and gas shipments blocked from transiting the Strait of Hormuz because of the war, Brent crude oil again topped $100 a barrel today.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:04) **U.S. Military Confirms 13 Deaths in Iran War** - Two weeks into the conflict, the Pentagon reports casualties including six service members killed in a KC-135 refueling aircraft crash in western Iraq.
- 2 (00:26) **2,000 Marines to Deploy from Japan to Middle East** - NPR confirms the deployment as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calls today's U.S. strikes the most destructive yet.
- 3 (00:55) **Oil Prices Surge Past $100 a Barrel** - Brent crude tops $100 as oil and gas shipments are blocked through the Strait of Hormuz due to the war.
- 4 (01:03) **EU Leaders Condemn Trump's Decision to Ease Russian Oil Sanctions** - Terry Schultz reports the U.S. move comes after G7 nations urged Washington to keep curbs in place.
- 5 (02:03) **Investigation Continues into Detroit Synagogue Attack** - Federal and state agencies probe the lead-up to the attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township.
- 6 (03:01) **Hyundai to Recall 2026 Palisade SUVs Over Defective Power Seats** - A stop-sale and recall are planned for the U.S. and Canada following a deadly incident over the weekend.
- 7 (03:20) **U.S. GDP Growth Revised Down to 0.7%** - The economy expanded less than initially thought in late 2025 during a historically long government shutdown.
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