NPR News: 03-30-2026 7PM EDT

President Trump announced progress in talks to end the U.S. war with Iran but issued new threats if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, amid ongoing regional escalations and surging oil prices. Other headlines include Israel's new death penalty law for certain Palestinian convicts, a DOJ whistleblower's stalled complaint, criticism of an airline CEO's language choice, an actress's death, and a unusual world record.

Trump Threats and Iran Negotiations

President Trump stated the U.S. is in "serious discussions" to end the war in Iran, with progress made. However, he demanded the Strait of Hormuz open "immediately for business," threatening additional U.S. attacks on Iran's electrical plants, oil wells, Kharg Island—which handles most of Iran's oil exports—and desalination plants. This follows an earlier April 6 deadline, but the White House did not clarify if the new statement overrides it. NPR's reporting highlights how these mixed signals continue to unsettle markets and allies. Iran has retaliated by targeting energy infrastructure in Israel and Kuwait, while Yemen's Houthi rebels fired missiles at Israel, stoking fears of wider Iranian-backed conflict involving U.S. and Israeli forces.