Middle East

The war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza directly impacts many Minnesotans. And while MPR News does not have journalists stationed in the region, we do have a responsibility to our audiences to report on how this ongoing conflict affects people here. Our goal is to provide MPR News audiences with a variety of perspectives, context and factual information. We are committed to using language that is as precise as possible.

As you will see here, the majority of the coverage on our air and our website is provided by our national and international news partners, NPR and the BBC. The language and terminology used to describe the conflict are changing. If you have questions or concerns about our coverage please reach out to us.

Trump says he’s cancelling Iran strikes, deal pending
Trump said Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked the U.S. "to hold off any attack" on Iran because "the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to."
Hegseth estimates Iran war has cost $37.5 billion as he defends funding request at fiery hearing
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. war against Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far. Hegseth faced fiery questions and protests over the U.S. war against Iran at a Senate hearing Tuesday.
The U.S. is set to reinstate a blockade over the Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. military announced it will begin its blockade of Iranian ships over the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, as Iran vowed to assert its own control over the critical international waterway.
Two tankers hit in latest attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, British military says
The British military says two tankers have been struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz in the latest attacks targeting vessels moving through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf. That's according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center.
U.S. and Iran announce a deal to end the war, reopen Strait of Hormuz
The deal is a major breakthrough in the conflict that set the Middle East aflame and shook the global economy. However, it did not resolve critical issues set aside for further negotiations.
Trump is facing a new inflation warning from the bond market, adding to his midterm challenges
The world is getting more uptight about lending money to President Donald Trump’s government. The energy price spike triggered by the Iran war has seeped into the price of bonds that help fund the U.S. government.