NPR News: 05-06-2026 1PM EDT

This NPR News Now episode from May 6, 2026, recaps a range of developments, with the most airtime on escalating U.S.-Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside U.S. political primaries, a new study on an Alaskan mega-tsunami, Tennessee redistricting, a congressional probe into Jeffrey Epstein ties, and an EEOC lawsuit against the New York Times.

U.S.-Iran Standoff in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guard issued an online message offering safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels, but it provided no new terms for access to this vital shipping lane. This came amid heightened conflict following the U.S.-launched Operation Project Freedom, which started Monday with the U.S. Navy escorting two U.S.-flagged merchant ships through the strait. During the operation, the Navy sank several Iranian Revolutionary Guard speedboats after Iran fired on U.S. Navy vessels and launched missiles toward the United Arab Emirates, raising fears of a prolonged regional stretch of disruptions.