NPR News: 03-23-2026 5PM EDT

President Trump announced that the US is in talks with a "respected Iranian leader," claiming Iran is eager for a deal to end the war. He said the US had planned to shoot down Iranian power plants tomorrow but is holding off in hopes of an agreement beneficial to all, including Middle Eastern allies like Israel. Tehran has not confirmed the talks. This shift drove down oil prices and boosted stock markets.

Energy Prices and Economic Ripple Effects

Gasoline prices continue rising nationwide despite volatile crude oil swings. AAA reports the national average is nearly a dollar higher than before the war with Iran began. GasBuddy analysts see few signs of stabilization, with higher pump prices expected to increase month-over-month US inflation. DoorDash launched an emergency relief program for delivery drivers, providing fuel payments based on miles driven and promoting switches to electric vehicles to offset costs.

Government Shutdown Hits Airports

With the partial government shutdown disrupting air travel, the Trump administration is deploying ICE agents to busy airports to supplement short-staffed TSA lines. In Atlanta, passenger Justin Hurst missed a flight to Texas after a four-hour wait and criticized the move, noting ICE agents appeared idle in groups while TSA lacked funding. Officials advise arriving four hours early. The deployment's duration remains unclear.