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.

U.S. military to block ships from Iran’s ports after peace talks fail
The U.S. Central Command said the blockade would be "enforced impartially against vessels of all nations" from 10 a.m. EDT, following the breakdown of talks after 21 hours of negotiations.
Trump says Iran ‘doing a very poor job’ in reopening the Strait of Hormuz
The fragile ceasefire agreement was tested again on Friday after Iran refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Israel and Hezbollah traded strikes in Lebanon, and Kuwait was attacked with drones.
Lebanon digs for survivors after deadliest day of renewed war between Israel and Hezbollah
Lebanon reels from its deadliest day in over five weeks of war between Israel and Hezbollah. Rescue workers searched for survivors Wednesday after widespread Israeli strikes killed at least 203 people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Trump warns strikes will resume if Iran doesn’t agree to his peace terms
President Trump said that any peace deal would not allow nuclear enrichment in Iran, and would need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, as conflicting messages surface over the terms of the ceasefire.
As part of the agreement, set to take effect immediately, Trump said the U.S. and Israel would suspend bombing Iran for two weeks, subject to Iran following through on its commitment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage during the ceasefire period.
As Trump threatens Iran's infrastructure, a Tehran couple wonders how to prepare
A couple living in Iran's capital have grown used to the sound of daily airstrikes five weeks into the war. They've taped up their windows and packed a bag with essentials in case they need to leave quickly. But they're uncertain of how to prepare for the loss of electricity or major bridges, if President Donald Trump follows through on recent threats.