IRAN

Apr 19 2026POLITICS

Strait Tension: U. S. and Iran Trade Blame Over Ship Incidents

The Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil traffic, is stuck in a standoff. Both sides have accused each other of breaking a cease‑fire that was meant to keep ships safe. The U. S. claims Iran fired on vessels, while Iran says the American blockade is a war crime. A U. S. president p

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Apr 18 2026OPINION

A Simple Look at the Big Oil Fight in Iran

The recent U. S. air campaign over Iran has sparked mixed feelings among supporters of the president, some who still cheer because they believe a June strike ended Iran’s nuclear plans. The word “excursion” used by the president shows how unclear his statements are, especially when he claims to have

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Apr 18 2026POLITICS

New York Mayor Takes on War Costs and Rising Prices

The city’s newest mayor, a self‑described democratic socialist, recently discussed how the ongoing conflict in Iran is pushing up gasoline and other living expenses for New Yorkers. He said that while the war is a separate issue, it only adds to an already steep cost‑of‑living crisis that has been p

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Apr 18 2026POLITICS

Plan to Move Iran's Nuclear Material to the US Takes Shape

Plans are in motion for the United States to team up with Iran to gather enriched uranium from the country and transport it back home. The plan was shared by a top US official who spoke to the press recently. The official described the process as a slow-moving operation involving large machinery to

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Apr 18 2026OPINION

How NPR talks about Iran - and why it matters

NPR often calls Iran a "regime" but calls other governments just "governments. " It’s a simple word difference, but it shows how news organizations pick sides. Look at Israel, for example: it holds elections but only for about half its population. Meanwhile, Iran holds real elections across its whol

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Apr 18 2026CRYPTO

Iran’s Bitcoin experiment: Can crypto bypass oil sanctions?

Iran is testing a bold idea: charging oil tankers in Bitcoin to dodge US sanctions. The plan targets the Strait of Hormuz, where one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. Instead of dollars or local currency, ships might pay fees in BTC. But how practical is this? Experts debate whether Bitcoin’s speed

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Apr 18 2026POLITICS

How Iran’s War Could Freeze Climate Aid for Poor Nations

A fresh battle in the Persian Gulf isn’t just shaking up oil markets—it’s threatening the fragile promises rich countries made to help poorer nations fight climate change. Every dollar spent on war is one less dollar earmarked for solar panels, flood barriers, and clean-energy grids in places that d

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Apr 17 2026POLITICS

China Balances Middle East Peace Talks While Welcoming Trump

China is moving quickly to calm the fighting in Iran, all while getting ready for a meeting with U. S. President Donald Trump next month. The country’s top leader, Xi Jinping, will meet the president in mid‑May, and China wants to keep its ties with Iran strong without upsetting Washington. Becau

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Apr 16 2026POLITICS

Behind the Pentagon's Budget Battle: Where’s the Money Going?

The White House has no clear answer for how much the recent conflict with Iran might cost, even as officials push for a $1. 5 trillion military budget boost. The lack of transparency has sparked frustration among lawmakers, some of whom question why a specific price tag can’t be given for a war just

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Apr 16 2026POLITICS

The UK-China economic puzzle: fixing Middle East tensions

Financial leaders worldwide turn their eyes toward Washington this week, where one of the most powerful finance chiefs from Europe just fired a warning shot about money and markets. The head of the UK Treasury, sitting across from TV cameras in the capital of the United States, made clear that the o

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