NPR News: 04-12-2026 10AM EDT

Live from NPR News in Washington, Windsor Johnston opens the broadcast with President Trump threatening to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a key sticking point in failed peace talks with Iran. Vice President J.D. Vance and a U.S. delegation are returning to Washington after negotiations in Islamabad, where Pakistan’s foreign ministry said it would continue facilitating dialogue. The ministry credited its Army Chief Asim Munir—whom President Trump has called his “favorite field marshal”—with helping broker a ceasefire. But the fate of that ceasefire and prospects for longer-term peace remain uncertain, with the process depending on “seriousness and good faith from the American side.”

War Powers and Gas Prices at Home

Back in Washington, a vote is expected in the Senate this week on a resolution to limit President Trump’s war powers over Iran. NPR’s Eric McDaniel reports that lawmakers want Congress to reassert its constitutional authority to declare war, though such votes have historically failed. The president’s social media posts about “ending Iranian civilization” before announcing the ceasefire last week have intensified the debate over congressional approval for military action.