Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.

President Trump says he's taking his time and doesn't want to be rushed into making a deal to end the war in Iran.

Taking questions from reporters today at the White House, Trump was pressed about whether he would use a nuclear weapon.

Why would I use a nuclear weapon?

We've totally, in a very conventional

way, decimated them without it. No, I wouldn't use it. A nuclear weapon should never be allowed to

be used by anybody. Earlier today, Trump ordered the Navy to, quote, shoot and kill any boat

trying to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. NPR's Jackie Northern report, shipping through the waterway, has virtually stopped over

the fear of mines and Iranian attacks on ships.

There are no reliable numbers as to how many mines are in and around the Strait of Hormuz,

but the threat of one hitting a ship is enough to keep some vessels anchored.

The Washington Post reported that a classified Pentagon assessment shared with Congress

says it could take up to six months to clear the strait,

and that such an operation wouldn't begin until after the war.

President Trump dismissed that assessment and said in a social media post

that U.S. mine sweepers

had already started clearing the strait. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy boarded a second ship carrying oil from Iran that was bound for China.

Jackie Northam, NPR News.

The federal judge has ordered the release of an Egyptian national and her five children from immigration

detention. NPR's Jasmine Guards reports they had been held there for more than 10 months.

Hayam El Gamal's ex-husband, Mohamed Solomon, is accused of perpetrating the fatal firebombing

of peaceful pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado last year.

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