NPR News: 05-05-2026 7PM EDT

This NPR News Now broadcast from May 5, 2026, rounds up international tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and Ukraine alongside U.S. economic strains from energy prices, drug pricing deals, and emerging policy studies, with brief notes on lighter domestic items.

Strait of Hormuz Shipping Blockade

Iran has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz for about two months, disrupting a critical chokepoint for global oil and commercial shipping. The U.S. launched a new effort to reopen it to traffic despite ongoing attacks, with two U.S.-flagged ships successfully crossing on Monday. Industry groups contacted by the reporter unanimously described conditions as too dangerous for broader use, citing risks of Iranian strikes on vessels. They expect few or no cargo ships to transit until there's confidence in Iran's restraint or a firm U.S.-Iran peace agreement.

The backlog is severe: around 1,500 ships remain stuck in the Persian Gulf, including 1,000 large oceangoing vessels such as oil tankers. This standoff exacerbates global supply chain pressures and energy market volatility, as the strait handles a significant share of the world's oil exports. Without resolution, commercial operators face prolonged delays and heightened insurance costs, potentially sustaining elevated fuel prices worldwide.