NPR News: 04-03-2026 10AM EDT

This NPR News Now update from April 3, 2026, covers escalating tensions in the US-Israel war with Iran now five weeks old, ripple effects on Gulf states and global oil flows, a stronger-than-expected US jobs report despite war-related economic uncertainty, Trump administration personnel and budget moves, and a brief science report from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Middle East Conflict Widens

The US and Israel continue strikes on Iran, which has responded by firing at Persian Gulf neighbors. UAE officials reported a fire at a gas facility in Abu Dhabi, attributing it to Iranian attacks. Since the war began, Iran has launched over 2,000 drones and more than 470 missiles at the UAE, though most were intercepted. These developments heighten risks to regional infrastructure and underscore Iran's strategy of targeting US allies to broaden the conflict. Bahrain has proposed a UN Security Council resolution authorizing "defensive measures" to secure ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz, but it faces likely vetoes from Russia and China due to its potential to greenlight force.