NPR News: 04-18-2026 7AM EDT

Iran's reimposition of shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz dominates this NPR News Now roundup, amid a fragile ceasefire with the US and Israel set to expire early next week. Other headlines cover ongoing US severe weather, a blocked TV station merger, the opening of LACMA's new galleries, and airline route cuts tied to surging fuel costs from the conflict.

Strait of Hormuz Restrictions Escalate

Iran announced restrictions on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz the morning after President Trump stated that a US blockade would remain in place until a peace agreement with Tehran is reached. NPR's Katlansdorf, reporting from Beirut, noted that Iran accuses the US of violating the ceasefire deal by maintaining the blockade on Iranian ports. Iran says its restrictions will persist as long as the US blockade continues. The ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran expires early next week, and Trump warned Friday night that attacks on Iran could resume if no deal is reached. This back-and-forth raises risks for global shipping through the vital oil chokepoint, which handles about 20% of the world's oil trade, though the transcript does not quantify current impacts.