NPR News: 06-20-2026 3PM EDT

Nora Raum· Host0:01

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Rom. Iran's military says it's closed the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic because the US has failed to stop Israel's bombing campaign in Lebanon, as spelled out in the preliminary agreement signed by President Trump to end the war. At least 16 people were killed today by Israeli strikes. NPR's Carrie Kahn reports.

Carrie Kahn0:23

Iran cited Israel's ongoing killing and displacement in Lebanon as one reason for closing the vital strait, along with Israel's refusal to withdraw from Lebanon, where it is fighting Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants. Israel says it is defending itself. Hezbollah says Israel is trying to sabotage the fragile preliminary peace pact between the US and Iran, which stipulates that hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, must cease. US Central Command military, however, says the strait is open and says more than 50 ships have passed through on Saturday. On Fox News, Vice President JD Vance said US envoys are in Switzerland ready for talks. Iran's foreign ministry says it is sending a delegation, too. Carrie Kahn, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

Nora Raum· Host1:10

Cuban lawmakers have approved sweeping reforms towards becoming a market economy in a bid to survive US sanctions. The reforms would privatize a vast swath of the country's socialist economy. The BBC's Will Grant reports the US State Department has dismissed the changes.

Will Grant· Soundbite1:29

Under the measures, the