NPR News: 05-16-2026 3PM EDT

This episode of NPR News Now reports on diplomatic activity tied to the Iran conflict, a humanitarian funding gap in Cuba, a competitive Senate primary in Louisiana, nationwide voting rights protests, new research on antidepressant use during pregnancy, and a seasonal event in California.

Iran Diplomacy and the Hormuz Blockade

Iranian state media reported an unannounced visit by Pakistan’s interior minister to Tehran. The minister, identified as Mahassanakvi, met with his Iranian counterpart Escandar Mumini. No additional details were released, but the visit occurs against the backdrop of Pakistan’s ongoing mediation role in the conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. A ceasefire has remained in place for several weeks. Both Iran and the United States continue to enforce blockades at the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage that carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies and about one-third of the world’s traded fertilizer. The restrictions have already produced higher gasoline prices and fertilizer shortages in multiple regions.