NPR News: 05-06-2026 7PM EDT

President Trump paused a U.S. military operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid reports of progress toward a deal to end the war with Iran, leaving hundreds of vessels stuck and shipping costs mounting. The episode also covers travel disruptions, shelved vaccine studies, market gains, UK political pressures, a Georgia school phone ban extension, and a horse racing update.

Strait of Hormuz Standoff Paused

Shipping companies face ongoing uncertainty with hundreds of vessels backed up in the Persian Gulf due to the Strait of Hormuz closure tied to the Iran war. Trump had announced "Project Freedom," where the U.S. military would guide ships through the strait, but abruptly paused it to prioritize a potential final deal with Iran. NPR's A. Bitroy reports the shift surprised nearly everyone, including Israel, which had prepared for escalation rather than de-escalation. A source briefed on the matter noted Israel was unaware of the pause. Trump cited "great progress" in negotiations, influenced by regional calls, including from former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan—mediating talks—and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who urged reconciliation. This leaves shippers "whipsawed" by indecision on reopening timelines, amplifying economic pressures from the conflict.