NPR News: 03-18-2026 5PM EDT

This NPR News Now broadcast recaps key developments in the US-Iran war, including intelligence assessments and military fallout, alongside economic updates from the Federal Reserve and scattered health news.

Iran Status and US Intelligence Divide

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified to Congress that Iran's government, though weakened after nearly three weeks of US airstrikes, still appears functional. The hearing followed the resignation of National Counter Terrorism Center head Joe Kent, who protested the war by arguing Iran posed no imminent US threat; CIA Director John Ratcliffe countered that Iran has been a constant threat for years.

Middle East Operations and Casualties

Israel issued new evacuation orders for residents south of the Litani River buffer zone in South Lebanon, barring returns until northern Israeli safety is ensured, citing Hezbollah's use of crossings to transfer Iran-backed weapons. President Trump attended the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base of six US service members killed last week when their refueling plane crashed in friendly western Iraq territory during anti-Iran operations.