NPR News: 05-04-2026 10PM EDT

The latest NPR News Now broadcast delivers a snapshot of global tensions, U.S. legal maneuvers, and domestic environmental efforts, with the standout story being a U.S. military push to break Iran's two-month blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Naval Operation Clears Strait of Hormuz

After nearly two months of Iranian blockade, the U.S. launched a major operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. NPR's Greg Meyer reported that two commercial ships have successfully transited so far under U.S. protection. U.S. Admiral Brad Cooper, the commanding officer, described the first day as challenging, with Iranian forces deploying cruise missiles, drones, small boats, and ships against the protected vessels. U.S. forces defeated every threat, though most Iranian fire targeted the merchant ships, with U.S. naval vessels also coming under attack. No ships were hit.

The operation aims to expand, but uncertainty lingers over how many of the hundreds of merchant ships stranded in the Gulf will risk passage even with escort. This comes as the U.S. maintains its own blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, highlighting mutual escalation in the Persian Gulf. The strait's reopening matters for stabilizing energy supplies, as disruptions have already idled vast shipping fleets.