NPR News: 07-18-2026 7PM EDT

Jeanine Herbst· Host0:01

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. US Central Command says the US launched new airstrikes against Iran tonight to quote, "swiftly punish the Revolutionary Guard" after deadly attacks on US troops that left two dead at a base in Jordan and to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, in a statement today, Iran's Supreme Leader called on Iranians to be steadfast as fighting in the war between Iran and the US escalates. NPR's Hadil Al-Shalchi reports.

Hadil Al-Shalchi0:32

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 US continues its strikes on Iran. Khamenei urged Iranians not to let the US, 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 US attacks continued, it would target airports in the United Arab Emirates. US Central Command said four US service members were also wounded and one is missing in the Iranian attack on a base in Jordan. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Istanbul.

Jeanine Herbst· Host1:16

There's more information coming out about two men killed by ICE officers, one in Texas, the other in Maine, both shot and killed in their vehicles as they headed to work. ICE says neither man was their target. NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran has more.

Sergio Martinez Beltran1:29

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