NPR News: 07-02-2026 6PM EDT

Ryland Barton· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. Iran is enjoying an unexpected windfall after the Trump administration lifted sanctions on the country's oil sales. The move's expected to unlock billions of dollars for the regime. NPR's Jackie Northam reports.

Jackie Northam0:15

Lifting longstanding sanctions on its oil exports was a key demand by Iran during recent peace negotiations with the US and could pull in between eight and ten billion dollars for the regime while the agreement is in effect until August 21st. President Trump defended lifting oil sanctions, saying, in exchange, Iran agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz. Bob McNelly, president of Rapidan Energy Group, says the president had little choice.

Bob McNelly· Soundbite0:42

This is a ransom payment for oil. Iran took Hormuz hostage, and we had to pay Iran to release the hostage.

Jackie Northam0:51

There's been pushback by Iran hawks, who say the regime will use money from oil sales to build up its military and proxies in the region. Jackie Northam, NPR News.

Ryland Barton· Host1:02

Flights at one of Washington, DC's major airports will be temporarily suspended to accommodate America's 250th birthday's festivities this weekend. NPR's Joel Rose reports.

Joel Rose1:12

The Federal Aviation Administration says it will suspend air traffic near downtown Washington during the celebration for the country's 250th birthday, which will include fireworks and flyovers by military jets. The FAA says it expects flight operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to be paused