Israel's Incursion Into Lebanon, NATO and Strait Of Hormuz, Cuba's Blackout and Trump

Summary

Up First from NPR

Episode: Israel's Incursion Into Lebanon, NATO and Strait Of Hormuz, Cuba's Blackout and Trump
Date: March 17, 2026

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Overview

This episode of NPR's "Up First" dives into three major global stories:

1. Israel's escalation against Iran and its ground incursion into Lebanon
2. Tensions between the US and NATO allies over the security of the Strait of Hormuz
3. A total blackout in Cuba amid US oil blockade and bold statements from President Trump

The episode includes field reporting, expert analysis, and insights into how these developments are impacting global politics and everyday lives.

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1. Israel's Strikes and Lebanon Ground Incursion

Key Discussion Points:

• Assassination of Iranian Officials

  • Israel claims to have killed two high-ranking Iranian officials:
    • Ali Larajani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council
    • Gholam Reza Soleimani, commander of Iran's Basij paramilitary forces
  • Iran has not confirmed these killings yet.
  • The importance: “These would be the highest profile assassinations since the February 28th attack that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.” (Hadil Al Shalchi, 01:54)
  • Larajani described as Iran’s de facto leader, directing Iran’s military activities and previously advising on nuclear strategy.
  • The Basij militia implicated in violent crackdowns on protests earlier in the year.

• Israeli Ground Operations in Lebanon

  • Israel expands its military action into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah.
  • “Troops are going deeper into parts of southern Lebanon. Israel has also issued new evacuation orders for people in the south. The Lebanese government now says a million people are displaced.” (Hadil Al Shalchi, 03:07)
  • Many towns in the affected areas are “hauntingly quiet,” with widespread destruction from airstrikes.

• US Diplomacy and Sanctions Push

  • The US State Department instructs diplomats to lobby for international sanctions against Iran’s IRGC and Hezbollah.
  • Objective: to neutralize Iran’s nuclear program and weaken its military and proxy networks.
  • However, “The US didn’t prepare Homefront or public opinion. They didn’t forge any coalition among the Europeans, the Arabs, amongst oil consumers. And now we’re seeing President Trump expressing frustration that no one is on board with his war.” (Hadil Al Shalchi, 04:22–05:17)

Notable Quotes:

• “I saw stores that are shuttered. The streets are hauntingly quiet. So many buildings I saw, including homes and schools, have been turned to rubble because of Israel’s airstrikes.” — Hadil Al Shalchi, 03:32
• “Their fears may be justified. This week, the Israeli defense minister said those evacuated south of the Latani river…will be allowed to return to their homes until, quote, the safety of northern Israeli residents is guaranteed.” (03:57)

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2. NATO, The US, and the Strait of Hormuz

Key Discussion Points:

• US Demands for NATO Action

  • President Trump criticizes European allies for not helping to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway blocked by Iran.
  • “I always said, you know, the problem with NATO is we’ll always be there for them, but they’ll never be there for us.” (Donald Trump, 00:25)

• European Reluctance and NATO Dynamics

  • EU countries, despite not supporting the Iranian regime, are unwilling to intervene militarily.
  • According to Giuseppe Spadafora, “Trump continues to speak of NATO as an outdated entity as opposed to an alliance of which the US is part…which is very different from the way traditional US Presidents have spoken about NATO, about doing things together.” (06:30)
  • President Trump’s threats to NATO (“it will be bad for NATO if allies don’t join in”) may be reinforcing divisions rather than solidarity.

• Operational Discussions

  • EU foreign ministers consider expanding “Operation Aspidus” (a mission in the Red Sea) to cover the Strait of Hormuz, but there is no appetite for this.
  • “There was no appetite from the member states to do that. Nobody wants to go actively in this war.” — Hadil Al Shalchi quoting EU official, 07:51 and 08:03

• Europe’s Other Priorities

  • The war in Ukraine remains Europe’s first priority, as highlighted by Finnish Foreign Minister Elena Valtonen:
    • “From the Finnish perspective, we are securing 1340 kilometers of border against Russia… The main focus for Europe is and will remain the defence of Ukraine as well. And that is certainly which also requires a lot from all of us.” (Elena Valtonen, 08:35)

Notable Quotes:

• “European countries very much feel that this is not their war. Michelle, Trump didn’t consult them going into it, and then he demanded to use European military bases in the Middle East.” — Terry Schultz, 07:11
• “Nobody wants to go actively in this war.” (Hadil Al Shalchi quoting EU foreign policy chief, 08:03)

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3. Cuba’s Blackout, US Blockade, and Trump’s Cuba Remarks

Key Discussion Points:

• Total Blackout in Cuba

  • The entire nation is plunged into darkness, affecting nearly 11 million people.
  • The blackout is attributed to longstanding infrastructure problems made worse by a three-month US oil blockade.
  • “The Cuban government has simply not been able to keep up with maintenance. But this also comes amid an oil blockade by the United States. President Diaz Canel blamed the U.S. for, quote, cruelly squeezing energy resources.” (Ada Peralta, 10:00)

• President Trump's Comments and US-Cuba Relations

  • Trump stokes tensions, stating: “Whether I free it, take it, I think I can do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth?” (Donald Trump, 00:38 and again at 10:54)
  • Recent US actions in Venezuela raise the stakes for Cuba; the Cuban government responds with concessions, including:
    • Releasing 51 political prisoners
    • Allowing overseas Cubans to invest in and own businesses on the island

• Domestic Unrest and Economic Crisis

  • Reports of demonstrations, including arson at a Communist Party office in Morón after 26 hours without power.
  • “Hospitals don’t have medicine, food rations have been disrupted. International airlines have canceled flights. The government is trying to ease pressure by opening up parts of the economy…But it’s unclear how quickly or even if that can ease the pain.” (Ada Peralta, 12:04 and 12:27)

Notable Quotes:

• “I do believe I’ll be the honor of having the honor of taking Cuba. That’d be good. That’s a big honor, taking Cuba. Taking Cuba in some form. Yeah, taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth?” — President Trump, 10:54
• “What’s clear is that the anger reflects how severe the crisis has become.” — Ada Peralta, 12:14

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• Israel’s Attacks on Iran, Ground Incursion in Lebanon: 01:31–05:22
• NATO, Europe and the Strait of Hormuz: 05:23–09:14
• Cuba’s Blackout, US Blockade, Trump’s Comments: 09:27–12:49

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Memorable Moments

• Hadil Al Shalchi’s eyewitness reporting from Lebanon (03:07–04:07) paints a stark picture of the toll on civilians.
• President Trump’s candid, unscripted comments about Cuba (“I think I can do anything I want with it.” 10:54) highlight a new era of US brinkmanship in the Caribbean.
• EU’s open resistance to US pressure on military involvement, underlining a transatlantic rift.
• Small but significant protests erupting in Cuba despite decades of repression—a potential harbinger of wider unrest. (12:04)

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Conclusion

NPR’s "Up First" delivers a succinct yet comprehensive wrap-up of some of the world’s most urgent crises—escalating violence in the Middle East, fraying Western alliances, and deepening hardship in Cuba. The episode offers not just headlines, but also on-the-ground observations, diplomatic context, and expert testimony for listeners who want to understand the rapidly shifting global landscape.

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Transcript

[Michelle Martin]

Israel's defense minister says they killed two senior Iranian officials in airstrikes on Tehran.

[Jaime Martinez]

And another front in the war is raging in Lebanon as Israel says it is expanding its ground operations in the country.

[Michelle Martin]

Jaime Martinez. That is Michelle Martin. And this is up first from NPR News. President Trump scolds allies for not doing more to protect the Strait of Hormuz.

[Donald Trump]

I always said, you know, the problem with NATO is we'll always be there for them, but they'll never be there for us.

[Michelle Martin]

European leaders, leaders are hesitant to get involved in the war with Iran.

[Jaime Martinez]

And the president is musing about a takeover of Cuba.

[Donald Trump]

Whether I free it, take it, I think I can do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth?

[Jaime Martinez]

He made those comments as the island nation goes into a total blackout. Stay with us. We'll give you news you need to start your day.

[Joanna Strober]

This message comes from midi Health CEO Joanna Strober shares why they started a virtual care platform for women in perimenopause and menopause. Our goal at MITI is to make sure that all women have access to really expert care starting around 35 and 40, making sure that they get access to all the things that can help them thrive as they're growing older. Midi Health committed to helping women in midlife with perimenopause and menopause care, accessible via telehealth [e-mail] Israel's defense minister says

[Jaime Martinez]

the Israeli military has killed two senior Iranian officials.

[Michelle Martin]

They are the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and the commander of Iran's paramilitary Basij forces. Iran did not immediately confirm the killings.

[Jaime Martinez]

NPR's Hadil Al Shalchi is in Beirut and has the latest information for us. Good morning, Hadil.

[Hadil Al Shalchi]

Good morning.

[Jaime Martinez]

So how significant are these latest killings?

[Hadil Al Shalchi]

These would be the highest profile assassinations since the February 28th attack that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Defense Minister Israel Katz says Israel killed Ali Larajani, head of the Supreme National Security Council and public policy advisor to the supreme leader. An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described him as Iran's de facto leader and that he's been directing Iran's attacks in this war. Now, Lara Jani is a former parliamentary speaker and senior policy advisor. He used to advise the late supreme leader on strategy in nuclear talks with the Trump administration. He also served as a secretary of Iran's top security body, known as the Supreme National Security Council. And the Israeli military also confirmed the death of Gholam Reza Soleimani, who was the head of the besieged forces. That's the militia responsible for violently cracking down on street protests against the Iranian government earlier this year. It killed thousands in those protests. And it's estimated that the militia is made up of 1 million members.

[Jaime Martinez]

Now, Iran is not the only front in this war. So let's move to where you are. Lebanon. Israel announced a ground incursion into the south. What can you tell us about that?

[Hadil Al Shalchi]

Right, so the Israeli military here says it has begun, quote, limited and targeted ground operations against Hezbollah, the Iranian backed militant group. Troops are going deeper into parts of southern Lebanon. Israel has also issued new evacuation orders for people in the south. The Lebanese government now says a million people are displaced. I was in the south over the weekend and the couple of towns I visited in the Beqaa Valley are already empty because of these evacuation orders. You know, I saw stores that are shuttered. The streets are hauntingly quiet. So many buildings I saw, including homes and schools, have been turned to rubble because of Israel's airstrikes. And the very few people still there told me they're worried to leave because they may never be able to go back again. And, you know, their fears may be justified. This week, the Israeli defense minister said those evacuated south of the Latani river, which is considered a front line in the conflict, will be allowed to return to their homes until, quote, the safety of northern Israeli residents is guaranteed.

[Jaime Martinez]

Now, we reported yesterday that the State Department is giving US Embassies talking points. It's trying to encourage more countries to impose sanctions on Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps at Hezbollah, Iran's proxy in Lebanon. What can you tell us about that?

[Hadil Al Shalchi]

Well, I mean, it's clear that the US Is trying to build an international coalition. According to a State Department CABLE Seen by NPR, the U.S. says Iran responds better to collective, not unilateral. So the cable is telling US Diplomats to lobby their host governments to designate the IRGC and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, that they should work on that with Israeli diplomats. It also says the goal of the US And Israeli strikes are to, quote, neutralize Iran's nuclear program, destroy its ballistic missile program, disrupt its proxy networks and diminish its naval capabilities. Now, the State Department didn't respond to NPR's request for comment, but it's obvious that the U.S. didn't prepare Homefront or public opinion. They didn't seek any international legitimacy. They didn't forge any coalition among the Europeans, the Arabs, amongst oil consumers. And now we're seeing President Trump expressing frustration that no one is on board

[Jaime Martinez]

with his war, that is. And here's Hadil El Shalchi in Beirut. Hadil, thank you.

[Hadil Al Shalchi]

You're so welcome.

[Jaime Martinez]

Some of America's staunchest European allies are refusing to send their warships to police the Strait of Hormuz. That's the waterway where lots of the world's oil passes through, largely shut off by Iran since the US And Israel launch strikes against it.

[Michelle Martin]

President Trump complains the US can't count on the loyalty of its partners, despite years of providing defense to Europe. NATO countries are planning to meet today in Brussels to discuss the situation in the Middle east amid the strained relations between the US and its allies.

[Jaime Martinez]

Terry Schultz is in Brussels, and she's with us now to talk about all this. Good morning, Terry.

[Terry Schultz]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Jaime Martinez]

So President Trump says NATO allies have an obligation to help the US Reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He says the US has protected its European partners for many years, and now it's time for them basically to pay it back. Is that argument going anywhere?

[Terry Schultz]

It actually may be backfiring, Michelle. Today's the first time since Trump's remarks that NATO ambassadors are meeting to discuss the Middle east, and there could be some movement, but it's unlikely. It's unclear whether the US Ambassador to NATO will formally ask for help. I spoke with Giuseppe Spadafora, an analyst with the EU Institute for Security Studies, who doesn't think any such request is going to fly.

[Giuseppe Spadafora]

Trump continues to speak of NATO as an outdated entity as opposed to an alliance of which the US Is part. For example, in recent interview, you said that the US has helped NATO with Ukraine, and consequently the allies should help the US With Iran, which, of course is very different from the way that traditional US Presidents have spoken about NATO, about doing things together.

[Terry Schultz]

And those threats from the president saying it will be bad for NATO if allies don't join in seem to just reinforce that feeling of a lack of solidarity when he's seeking the opposite.

[Jaime Martinez]

And you know that European foreign minister declined to support the US at their meeting yesterday. Say more about why that is.

[Terry Schultz]

Yep, that's true. European countries very much feel that this is not their war. Michelle Trump didn't consult them going into it, and then he demanded to use European military bases in the Middle East. So while they're not sorry to see the Iranian regime under attack, they don't want to participate in offensive actions.

[Jaime Martinez]

Much of the discussion among EU foreign ministers was about possibly expanding a naval mission that's already operating in the region. Is that option still on the table?

[Terry Schultz]

That's Right. They were talking about Operation Aspidus and it's focused on protecting navigation through the Red Sea. Ministers discussed changing the mandate of that operation to expand it to the Strait of Hormuz. But EU foreign policy chief Kayakala says there was no support for this idea.

[Hadil Al Shalchi]

The discussion on whether we are, you know, also extending this mandate to cover the Strait of Hormuz, there was no appetite from the member states to do that.

[Terry Schultz]

Nobody wants to go actively in this war.

[Jaime Martinez]

And as we have discussed so often, Europe already feels like it's helping to fight another war, Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine.

[Terry Schultz]

And that's right, the one that actually feels like an existential question in Europe. Again, no one here was campaigning to save former Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei, but it's Russian President Vladimir Putin they really see as an enemy and Ukraine as the territory they need to protect. Here's how Finnish Foreign Minister Elena Valtonen explained her country's consideration of Trump's call for help.

[Elena Valtonen]

We unfortunately have a hot war waging in Europe, too, and that is certainly our first priority. From the Finnish perspective, we are securing 1340 kilometers of border against Russia. Also, we very highly depend on also on the traffic of the Baltic Sea. So that is where most of our capabilities are employed now and will also be in the future. And as already pointed out, the main focus for Europe is and will remain the defence of Ukraine as well. And that is certainly which also requires a lot from all of us.

[Terry Schultz]

So we'll just have to see if President Trump ramps up the pressure enough to make European leaders change their priorities.

[Jaime Martinez]

Michelle, that's Terry Schulz in Brussels. Terry, thank you.

[Ada Peralta]

You're welcome.

[Jaime Martinez]

Now to Cuba. President Trump is suggesting he will take Cuba and, quote, do anything I want with it. Just as the island plunged into a

[Michelle Martin]

total blackout, Cuba's electricity grid suffered another catastrophic collapse on Monday, leaving the nearly 11 million people that live there without power. Now the blackout is happening as the US blockade of oil to Cuba is now in its third month.

[Jaime Martinez]

NPR's Ada Peralta is with us now with more details. Good morning, Aderation.

[Ada Peralta]

Hey, good morning, Michelle.

[Jaime Martinez]

So you were reminding us that this isn't the first all island power outage, but it is the largest since the US Oil blockade. What brought this one about?

[Ada Peralta]

I mean, we don't know. The Cuban electricity company hasn't given an explanation for the blackout, but they say some power is starting to come back online. Total blackouts have happened six times in the past year and a half. It's a long term problem. The power grid has been falling apart for decades and the Cuban government has simply not been able to keep up with maintenance. But this also comes amid an oil blockade by the United States. President Diaz Canel blamed the U.S. for, quote, cruelly squeezing energy resources. And that has made the situation in Cuba worse because the country depends on imported oil to run its thermal power plants. And for three months now, Cuba hasn't received any oil.

[Jaime Martinez]

And President Trump talked about Cuba just yesterday. Is he turning his attention to the island?

[Ada Peralta]

It seems that way. President Trump has the war in Iran to deal with. But yet yesterday in the Oval Office, he had this to say about Cuba.

[Donald Trump]

I do believe I'll be the honor of having the honor of taking Cuba. That'd be good. That's a big honor, taking Cuba. Taking Cuba in some form. Yeah, taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth?

[Ada Peralta]

And you know, after the US Seized President Nicolas Maduro Venezuela, that's a very clear threat. And I think what we're seeing from the Cuban side is attempts to appease the United States. Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel confirmed last week that negotiations between Washington and Havana are taking place. And Cuba has now announced two big concessions over the weekend. They said they would release 51 prisoners who were arrested during the 2021 protests. And they have also announced that Cubans not living in Cuba will be able to invest and own businesses in Cuba. Cuban officials I've spoken to say that if the US Wants an economic opening, they are willing to negotiate. The big question is whether economic changes alone will actually sad.

[Jaime Martinez]

And you know, Andrew, there were actually some protests, some rare protests that broke out in Cuba over these blackouts. What do we know about the public mood?

[Ada Peralta]

We've seen small demonstrations over the weekend in the town of Moron in central Cuba. Residents there took to the streets after a 26 hour blackout and they set fire to local Communist Party headquarters. And I think what's clear is that the anger reflects how severe the crisis has become. I was there a few months ago and things were already dire. Hospitals don't have medicine, food rations have been disrupted. International airlines have canceled flights. The government is trying to ease pressure by opening up parts of the economy. And they're also betting on solar energy. But it's unclear how quickly or even if that can ease the pain.

[Jaime Martinez]

That is Ada Peralta. We reached him in Mexico City. Ader, thank you.

[Ada Peralta]

Thank you, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Hannah Block, Tina Kraia, Tara Neal, Miguel Macias, Mohamed El Bardisi and Alice Wolfley was produced by Iman Ma' Ani and Nia Dumas and our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Nisha Hyness. Our technical director is Carly Strange. Our supervising senior producer is Vince Pearson. Join us again tomorrow.

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