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Iran blocks vital oil route as Israel expands its ground operations in Lebanon

NPR | By Daniel Estrin,

A Martínez

Published March 16, 2026 at 3:33 AM CDT

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As the war in Iran enters its third week, there's no end in sight. Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route, as Trump urges allies to act and Israel expands its ground operations.

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Daniel Estrin

Daniel Estrin is NPR's international correspondent in Jerusalem.

A Martínez

A Martínez is one of the hosts of Morning Edition and Up First. He came to NPR in 2021 and is based out of NPR West.