NPR News: 05-04-2026 9AM EDT

This NPR News Now broadcast from May 4, 2026, covers a range of developments, with heavy emphasis on US military positioning amid Iran tensions, a troop withdrawal from Germany, and Supreme Court-related challenges on abortion access and voting rights redistricting.

Middle East Naval Operations and European Troop Shift

US Navy guided missile destroyers have transited the Strait of Hormuz and are now operating in the Arabian Gulf as part of Project Freedom, an initiative President Trump highlighted in an online post. Iran has threatened attacks on military ships in the strait, though the US military denied Iranian claims of striking a US Navy vessel. Separately, the Pentagon plans to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Germany, where about 38,000 are currently stationed. NPR's Mara Lyason reports this move stems not from national security but from Trump's anger at German Chancellor Frederick Mertz, who criticized the US for lacking a real strategy in the war in Iran. Germany has supported the US effort, including use of its bases, which defense experts say are essential for running US operations and staging Middle East activities. The withdrawal reduces the US footprint but leaves the bulk of troops in place.