NPR News: 07-20-2026 6PM EDT

Ryland Barton· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. The US is carrying out its 10th consecutive day of strikes on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It comes as Iran has attacked American Gulf allies, and three US service members were killed in recent days. Meanwhile, the State Department says Israel and Lebanon are moving ahead with a deal to begin restoring Lebanese sovereignty in the south and stop attacks from Iranian-backed Hezbollah on Israel. Lebanon's president is set to visit the White House tomorrow, as NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports.

Michelle Kellerman0:32

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he's been talking to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about international investments and a future when Aoun's government, not Iranian-backed Hezbollah, is fully in control of the country.

Marco Rubio· Soundbite0:45

I think President Aoun will be able to return to Lebanon and say to the people of Lebanon that he is the one that's getting positive results for the people, all Lebanese, including Christians, Sunni, and Shia, and Bedouin and Druze, all the people of a very diverse country. Not Hezbollah, not Iran.

Michelle Kellerman1:00

Israel controls much of southern Lebanon but is pulling back in several pilot zones. US officials say this gives the Lebanese state a chance to reassert control in areas historically dominated by Hezbollah. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department.

Ryland Barton· Host1:16

Several Texas communities are starting recovery efforts after heavy floods damaged property and took the lives of two people, but some are still in danger. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey reports.

Blaise Gainey1:27

During a press conference Monday afternoon,