NPR News: 07-18-2026 3PM EDT

Nora Raum· Host0:01

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Rom. U.S. Central Command says another two U.S. service members were killed in the war with Iran. They died in an Iranian attack in Jordan yesterday. In a statement released today, Iran's supreme leader called on Iranians to be steadfast as fighting escalates between Iran and the U.S. NPR's Hadil Al-Shalchi reports.

Hadil Al-Shalchi0:25

In a statement read by a news anchor on Iranian state media, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mostafa Khamenei called President Trump's signature on their memorandum of understanding, quote, "worthless and invalid." He warned of, quote, "unforgettable lessons" if the U.S. continues its strikes on Iran. Khamenei urged Iranians not to let the U.S., quote, "receive any signs of weakness." Iranian state media said that a power station and a desalination facility and bridges were struck. Iran warned that if the U.S. attacks continued, it would target airports in the United Arab Emirates. U.S. Central Command said four U.S. service members were also wounded and one is missing in the Iranian attack on a U.S. base in Jordan. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Istanbul.

Nora Raum· Host1:08

Canadians are pushing back after criticism from President Trump and other American politicians blaming Canadians for wildfire smoke drifting south of the border. More than 900 fires are burning across Canada. Dan Karpenchuk reports.

Dan Karpenchuk1:22

Ontario Premier Doug Ford urges critics to send support rather than complain, just as Canada has done for efforts to fight fires in California.