NPR News: 05-03-2026 10PM EDT

President Trump announced that the U.S. will begin escorting stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz starting tomorrow under "Project Freedom," citing humanitarian needs to safely extract ships and crews amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions. This NPR News Now roundup also covers domestic redistricting disputes, Rudy Giuliani's hospitalization, a tentative SAG-AFTRA contract, and weekend box office results, against a backdrop of rising global oil prices pushing U.S. gasoline above $4 per gallon.

U.S. to Escort Ships Through Strait of Hormuz

President Trump stated the U.S. military will guide vessels through the Strait using 15,000 service members and guided-missile support, as Iran has not agreed to reopen the waterway. Described as a humanitarian effort, Project Freedom carries a warning: any interference will be met with force. This comes amid stalled U.S.-Iran talks to end their war, with global oil prices surging in response—directly hiking U.S. regular gasoline to over $4 a gallon. NPR's Tamara Keith noted the move aims to free trapped ships without broader escalation, though Iran's stance leaves risks open.