NPR News: 07-16-2026 11AM EDT

Windsor Johnston· Host0:01

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The latest exchange of strikes between the US and Iran is raising new fears of a broader regional war. US forces have expanded attacks into northern Iran, while Tehran has retaliated with missiles and drones across the Gulf. In Iraq, drones targeted Erbil today, the first such attack on the Kurdistan region's capital since the April ceasefire. NPR's Jane Arraf reports.

Jane Arraf0:29

The US maintains a military base at Erbil's International Airport, which in the past has been heavily targeted by both Iran and Iranian-backed Iraqi militias. The Kurdistan region of Iraq's security directorate said US-led coalition forces shot down eight drones Wednesday night in the capital Erbil's airspace. No casualties were reported. The drones were launched amid increased attacks between the US and Iran this week. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, currently on a visit to the US, said the attack was a criminal attempt aimed at disrupting Iraqi peace and stability. Jane Arraf, NPR News, Amman.

Windsor Johnston· Host1:11

Nearly half of House Democrats voted yesterday to cut off US aid to Israel. It wasn't enough to pass, but NPR's Barbara Sprunt reports it reflects a major political shift for the party.

Barbara Sprunt1:23

The proposed amendment to a State Department funding bill would have removed over three billion dollars in funding to Israel.