NPR News Now – February 28, 2026, 5PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst, NPR

Episode Overview

This breaking news update covers a rapidly escalating international crisis in the Middle East following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, major U.S. and Israeli military strikes, and global reactions. The episode also briefly spotlights NASA's upcoming Artemis 2 lunar mission, notable box office news, and highlights from Wall Street.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Death of Iran's Supreme Leader & U.S./Israeli Military Strikes

• Main News:

  • President Trump announced on social media that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is dead.
  • A source confirmed to NPR that Khamenei was killed by an Israeli strike (00:13).
  • Earlier today, joint U.S.-Israel strikes targeted Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure.

• President Trump's Address:

  • Trump called for regime change in Iran, referencing decades of hostile Iranian behavior and vowing broad military action against Iran's missile industry, navy, and proxies.
  • Direct warning to Iran’s leadership and citizens, emphasizing a resolve to not let Iran threaten the U.S. or its allies.
  • Quote:

    "This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States armed forces."
    – President Trump, 01:01

• Message to the Iranian People:

  • Trump urged Iranians to stay indoors for their safety, warning of ongoing bombardment and encouraging them to seize control of their country once strikes subside.
  • Quote:

    "Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take."
    – President Trump, 01:11

2. Iran’s Response: Strait of Hormuz Closure & Threats

• Closure of the Strait of Hormuz:

  • Iran announced the immediate closure of the strategic waterway, vital for global oil trade (01:24).

  • All maritime navigation in the area is forbidden, as announced by state media and relayed by the IRGC Navy.

  • Quote:

    "All navigating through the Strait of Hormuz is forbidden."
    – NPR News, 01:42
    "No ship in every type is not allowed to pass from a state of hormones."
    – Iranian official, 01:46

• Threat of Drone Attacks:

  • Iran threatened to launch drone attacks on commercial vessels, promising "intense attacks during the night" targeting both military and economic interests in the region (01:52).
  • Jane Araf notes that closure could spike oil prices due to the strait's importance.

3. European Reaction: Calls for Diplomacy

• European Leaders' Stance:

  • France, Germany, and the U.K. (the E3) called for diplomatic talks on Iran’s nuclear program to resume, while distancing themselves from the current military strikes (02:17).

  • The E3 emphasized their commitment to regional stability and civilian safety but warned Iran against destabilizing actions and violations of human rights.

  • Quote:

    "The leaders of Europe’s three most powerful countries...underlined that they are not participating in the military strikes and reiterated their commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life."
    – Eleanor Beardsley, 02:31

  • The E3 also insisted that the Iranian people should determine their country's future.

4. NASA Artemis 2 Lunar Mission Update

• Launch Delay:

  • The Artemis 2 moon mission — which will feature the first female and first Black astronauts bound for the moon — is postponed again, now targeting April at the earliest due to hydrogen and helium leaks (03:10).

• Mission Goals:

  • Beyond lunar exploration, the mission will conduct research on astronaut health and rocket performance.

5. Entertainment Industry: Scream 7 & Studio Merger

• Box Office Leader:

  • "Scream 7" is on track to gross nearly $60 million in its opening weekend, more than any previous Scream film (03:59).

• Quote from Film:
  > "I'm gonna make everyone you love suffer."
  – Ghostface (Scream 7), 04:15

• Paramount's Takeover of Warner Brothers:

  • Paramount Pictures reportedly succeeded in a hostile takeover of Warner Brothers, marking a significant shift in Hollywood studio ownership.

6. Financial Markets Recap

• Wall Street Performance:
  • All three major U.S. indices declined over the week, with the Dow down more than 1% (04:41).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on U.S. military action:

  "This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States armed forces." (01:01)

• Call to the Iranian people:

  "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take." (01:11)

• Iranian announcement, closing Strait of Hormuz:

  "All navigating through the Strait of Hormuz is forbidden." (01:42)

• European leaders on military strikes:

  "They are not participating in the military strikes and reiterated their commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life." (02:31)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:13 – Death of Iran’s supreme leader, joint U.S./Israel strikes
• 01:01 – 01:22 – President Trump’s messages; regime change calls
• 01:24 – 02:17 – Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, threatens drones
• 02:17 – 03:10 – European leaders’ diplomatic calls
• 03:10 – 03:59 – NASA Artemis 2 mission update
• 03:59 – 04:41 – Scream 7 box office, Paramount’s merger
• 04:41 – End – Weekly Wall Street summary

This episode is densely packed with urgent geopolitical developments, setting the stage for possible historic changes in the Middle East, while also covering significant updates in science, entertainment, and finance.