NPR News: 05-04-2026 10AM EDT

US Navy ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf amid rising tensions with Iran, a move President Trump announced as part of Project Freedom. This NPR News Now update covers these developments alongside market reactions, a key social media trial, military incidents, an aviation mishap, and a Colorado River water-sharing proposal, with Middle East frictions driving much of the day's urgency.

Strait of Hormuz Transits and Iran Peace Efforts

The Defense Department reported that US Navy guided-missile destroyers passed through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf, with two US-flagged merchant vessels also completing the transit safely. This follows Iran's threats to attack military ships in the strait. The US military denied Iranian claims of striking a US Navy ship earlier in the day. President Trump framed the transits as part of Project Freedom to ensure safe passage. Separately, Iran is reviewing a US response to its peace proposal, which state media says focuses solely on ending the war in Iran and Lebanon, excluding Washington's key demand for nuclear negotiations. Trump stated Friday he was unsatisfied with Iran's submitted peace plans. These events heighten risks to oil tanker traffic, a vital global chokepoint.