WORLD Radio News - WORLD Radio News: 3-19-26 (3/3)

Episode Date: March 19, 2026

The latest headlines in three minutes from WORLD updated three times throughout the day.Sign-up for the daily Sift email at thesift.org.Support sound journalism, grounded in facts and Biblical truth at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from WatersEdge. Competitive rates and supporting churches. 4.55% APY on a 13-month term investment. WatersEdge.com/invest

With World Radio News, I'm Mary Reichard. In Washington, President Donald Trump hosted a special guest at the White House today. Japanese Prime Minister Sinai Takaichi, a major topic of discussion, the ongoing conflict with Iran, and whether Japan will help the U.S. secure the Strait of Hormuz. Trump told reporters 90% of Japan's oil flows through the strait. Look, I expect up because, you know, we have that kind of relationship, and we step up and we spend a lot of money on Japan. Speaking through an interpreter, the Prime Minister agreed that Iran is a potential threat.

Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed. Many countries are rejecting Trump's call to secure the strait, saying they do not want to be dragged into an expanding regional conflict. Senator Mark Wayne Mullen is a step closer to becoming the next Homeland Security Secretary. The Senate Homeland Security Committee advancing his nomination, morning. On this vote, the yeas are eight, the nays are seven, and the motion to report the nominee is agreed to. That will now go to a full vote on the Senate floor, possibly next week. Mullen told the committee he would bring stability to the agency after President Trump removed Christy Noem

as DHS chief. Washington is moving to loosen China's grip on a key ally's vast mineral resources, striking a new trade deal. World's Benjamin Iker reports. States in Indonesia have sealed a new agreement, giving American investors access to Indonesia's critical mineral sector. That includes nickel deposits that power electric vehicle batteries. Indonesia is the world's largest nickel producer, and its mining sector is currently dominated by Chinese companies. Under the deal, Indonesia has also agreed to purchase $15 billion in American energy over time, mainly oil, natural gas, and coal. In turn, the U.S. trimmed a threatened 32% tariff to 19% and granted broader access to the American market.

Indonesia's parliament will still need to ratify the agreement before it takes effect. For World, I'm Benjamin Eicher. China says it's cracking down on trafficking of fentanyl precursors. Authorities in Hubei province say they've just arrested seven people and shut down more than 200 websites. The crackdown follows an agreement China made last. October to target the fentanyl precursor trade in exchange for the U.S. cutting in half fentanyl-related tariffs. The announcement also comes shortly after President Trump postponed a planned trip to Beijing amid the war in Iran. For World Radio, I'm Mary Reichard. For more sound journalism grounded in facts

in biblical truth, visit worldradio.news. Additional support comes from Water's Edge, competitive rates, and supporting churches. 4.55% APY on a 13-month-term investment. Watersedge.com slash invest.