NPR News: 03-20-2026 6PM EDT

This NPR News Now broadcast covers developments three weeks into the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, alongside domestic legal rulings, government operations, regulatory pushes, and lighter oddities, with the Middle East conflict dominating due to its military and economic ripples.

Escalating Deployments and Market Fallout in Iran Conflict

More U.S. Marines are deploying to the Middle East amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, now in its third week. The USS Boxer carrier group, carrying thousands from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, has departed California and will reach the Gulf in about three weeks, per two U.S. officials speaking off-record. This supplements the USS Tripoli group, with over 2,000 Marines, nearing arrival from Japan. CENTCOM declined comment on the deployments or mission, but Marines serve as ground troops, signaling potential for expanded operations beyond initial airstrikes.

Stock markets fell sharply on fears of prolonged conflict. The Dow dropped 443 points, or 1%, with all major indexes down for a fourth straight week. Investors initially hoped for a quick end when attacks began late last month but now brace for extended fighting. The Strait of Hormuz remains nearly closed, blocking energy supplies and shipments like fertilizer. This raises inflation risks and prospects of a global energy crisis hitting the economy.