Up First from NPR Israel's Incursion Into Lebanon, NATO and Strait Of Hormuz, Cuba's Blackout and Trump
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Mar 17, 2026 
Hadil al-Shelchi, Beirut-based NPR correspondent, tracks Israel’s expanding operations in Lebanon, mass displacement, and rising diplomatic pressure. Terry Schultz, Brussels journalist, unpacks Europe’s resistance to U.S. calls on the Strait of Hormuz and NATO strains. Ada Peralta, NPR Latin America correspondent, follows Cuba’s sweeping blackout, oil blockade pressures, unrest, and Trump’s escalating rhetoric.
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Israel Expands Ground Operations In Southern Lebanon
- Israel has expanded limited ground operations into southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah while issuing mass evacuations that displaced about one million people.
- Journalists report towns emptied, schools destroyed, and Israeli orders barring return south of the Litani River until Israeli northern safety is "guaranteed".
U.S. Seeks International Support Against Iran
- The U.S. is urging allies to designate the IRGC and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations and to coordinate sanctions to pressure Iran.
- A State Department cable instructs diplomats to push this messaging and frame U.S. and Israeli strikes as aimed at Iran's nuclear, missile and proxy capabilities.
Europe Hesitates To Join U.S. On Hormuz Operations
- European allies are reluctant to police the Strait of Hormuz or join offensive actions against Iran because they view the conflict as not theirs and are preoccupied with defending Ukraine.
- EU ministers rejected expanding Operation Aspides to the Strait and prioritized resources for Europe's border security and the war in Ukraine.