Up First from NPR Life Inside Iran, Trump and Cuba, Fed Interest Rates
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Mar 18, 2026 
Arzu Rezvani, an NPR correspondent reporting from Iraq, follows life near the Iran border as fear, shortages, blackouts, and widening regional attacks reshape daily life. Franco Ordoñez, NPR’s White House correspondent, tracks Trump’s shifting signals on Cuba and the politics behind them. Scott Horsley, NPR’s chief economics correspondent, looks at the Fed’s rate dilemma as war-driven energy prices jump and the job market softens.
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Tearful Border Crossing Reveals Deep Fear
- An older Iranian woman crossing into Iraq was too fearful to speak about politics and begged the reporter to stop recording before crying that she wished airstrikes had killed her.
- Arzu Rezvani observed visible terror in people's eyes and widespread reluctance to discuss the government even after crossing the border.
Crackdown Uses Technology And Unusual Tactics
- Iran's internal security crackdown includes internet blackouts, more checkpoints, and phone checks for apps that bypass censorship.
- People report security forces checking phones, searching for bypass apps, and moving into mosques and stadiums to avoid being targeted.
Regional Escalation Is Broad And Intensifying
- Iran has escalated regional attacks, triggering interceptions by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and strikes in Israel including reported deaths in Tel Aviv.
- Arzu Rezvani reported explosions near Erbil and noted Baghdad and the U.S. embassy faced sustained attacks from Iran-backed militias.