NPR News: 05-15-2026 7AM EDT

President Trump has returned to the US after a state visit to China, where he touted unspecified business deals as a success. The episode also covers escalating tensions with Iran, a UK political crisis for Labour, Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI, a major Russian attack on Ukraine, ongoing aid challenges for immigrants in Minneapolis, and severe weather risks in the Central Plains.

Trump's China Trip and Iran Ship Seizure

Trump concluded his visit to China without announcing details on the business deals he described as successful during a Fox News interview. Before departing, he warned Iran to negotiate a deal with the US or face annihilation. Separately, another ship anchored off the United Arab Emirates coast was seized by unauthorized personnel and taken to Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif stated that Iran is defending itself in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains open to friendly countries. Nearly all oil tankers and commercial ships have been blocked from transiting the strait since March, following Iranian threats amid the US-Israeli war. These incidents highlight ongoing disruptions to global oil shipping routes, amplifying economic pressures from the conflict.