NPR News: 03-01-2026 1AM EST

0:00the U.S. launches a military operation against Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. On State of the World, we'll bring you the latest on the operation, as well as reaction from the region and around the globe. Listen to State of the World on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts. Live from NPR news, I'm Dale Wilman. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Hamanani, his daughter and his grandchild have been killed in the U.S. Israeli strikes underway in that country. That's according to Iran's state media. As NPR's Danielle Kurtz-Leban reports, President Trump says on social media that the U.S. will continue to bomb Iran indefinitely. In his post, Trump called Hamanai quote, one of the most evil people in history, and touted the U.S. intelligence and technology that had led to Hamanai's death. Earlier today, Trump had urged Iranians to quote, take over your government. Trump in his post said he hopes the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian police will join the people in

1:04that. He added that the U.S. bombing campaign quote, will continue uninterrupted throughout the week, or as long as necessary, to achieve our objective of peace throughout the Middle East, and indeed the world. In an interview with Iran's state news agency today, red crescent has said that more than 200 people have been killed and more than 700 wounded thus far in the strikes. Danielle Kurtz-Leban and PR News. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says he will not shed any tears about the deaths of Iran's leader, saying he brutalized his own people. But he says he's troubled by what seems to be a lack of U.S. leadership for what happens after the bombing stops. What comes next is unclear because the Trump administration has not been able to articulate a plan, one, to ensure that U.S. forces are not entangled in a forever war in the Middle East, which we know would be a disaster. And this notion of regime change has never been successful as most recently indicated by its failure in Iraq, its failure in Libya, and its

2:10failure in Afghanistan. Key members of both parties of Congress, meanwhile, demanding a quick vote on a war power's resolution that could restrain Trump's attack on Iran. However, most Republicans disagree with that motion. Following the strikes, Iran says it's closing the straight-of-war moves that waterway is crucial to the world oil trade, and Paris-Jane Ref has more. Iran's state media said this was the announcement relayed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy to ships in the area around the strategic waterway. All navigating through the straight-of-war move is forbidden. No ship in every type is not allowed to pass from a straight-of-war move. Iran also warned plan to launch drone attacks on commercial vessels. It said they would be part of what it called intense attacks during the night targeting military and economic interests. The narrow waterway, controlled by Iran, connects the biggest gulf oil producers with the export route to outside markets, closing the straight could lead

3:15to higher oil prices. Jaina Raf and Pierre News, Aman. And you're listening to NPR News. China has called for the military strikes against Iran to stop immediately NPR's Jennifer Pack reports from Beijing. China's foreign ministry has called on the U.S. and Israel to respect Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. And it says all sides should resume talks to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East. China and Iran are close strategic partners, but that friendship has its limits. Just days before the strikes, an Iranian broadcaster asked at a Chinese foreign ministry press conference where their China would join Russia to support Iran in the event the U.S. attacks. Spokesperson Maunin did not answer the question directly. Instead, she says China hopes all parties will exercise restraint and is happy to facilitate peaceful talks. Jennifer Pack and Pierre News, Beijing. Hundreds of thousands of travelers are stranded,

4:17following the start of the fighting on Saturday. Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain have all closed their airspace to commercial flights. And that has led to the closure of key hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doa, more than 1800 flights have also been canceled by major Middle Eastern airlines. It's unclear how long the disruptions will last. Oil traders are preparing for potentially major swings in prices when markets open this coming week. On Friday, Brent crude closed to the 7-month high of $72.87 on fears of a war with Iran. And now that fighting has begun, it's unclear what will happen with prices, and all to say prices could calm down though if shipping lanes remain open. I'm Dale Wilman, NPR News.