NPR News: 06-22-2026 4AM EDT

Dale Willman· Host0:01

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Willman. Top US and Iranian negotiators are beginning a second day of talks in Switzerland with the hope of finalizing a deal to end the almost four-month-old US and Israeli war against Iran. Vice President J.D. Vance is leading the initial talks. Vance had earlier expressed optimism that a long-term deal could be reached. NPR's Rob Schmitz reports that President Trump threatened to resume attacks on Iran earlier in the day.

Rob Schmitz0:26

Speaking on Fox News, President Trump vowed to resume bombing Iran and, quote, "take over the Strait of Hormuz if a deal is not reached between the US and Iran in Switzerland." There are renewed tensions over the shipping lane after Iran said it would be closed due to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The US military has denied that Iran is in control of the strait. Resolving the tensions over the strait and ensuring a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon are among the top priorities for Vice President J.D. Vance and the US delegation in Switzerland. Rob Schmitz, NPR News, Berlin.

Dale Willman· Host1:00

China has imposed restrictions on dozens of US companies, including American rare earth producers. This is in retaliation for recent measures from the US side against Chinese firms, says NPR's Jennifer Pak in Beijing.

Jennifer Pak1:12

Two weeks ago, the Pentagon expanded a list that bars some Chinese companies from doing business with the US military, saying the firms have links to the Chinese army. The list includes Chinese tech giants Alibaba, Baidu, and EV maker BYD, companies that have denied links to China's military.