PBS NewsHour - World

As the world waits to hear if there will be diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran, on Friday U.S. fighter jets fired on Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of the ongoing U.S. blockade. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Rubio continued his visit to Rome, where he urged Europe to do more to reopen the strait. Nick Schifrin reports on the day's developments. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

American counterterrorism officials are meeting Friday with officials from other allied nations to coordinate efforts against what the U.S. calls "deadly threats from terror groups and non-state actors." But the recently released U.S. strategy to fight terrorism contains some unusual targets. William Brangham speaks with Colin Clarke, executive director of The Soufan Center, for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The U.S. and Iran have exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, with the top Iranian military command accusing Americans of violating the now-month-old ceasefire, while the U.S. says the truce remains in effect. Nick Schifrin joins Amna Nawaz with the latest developments. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Secretary of State Rubio on Thursday tried to smooth over another conflict sparked by the Iran war, this one with the pope. A meeting between Rubio and Pope Leo came after Trump repeatedly accused the pontiff of wanting Iran to have a nuclear weapon. Stephanie Sy reports on the meeting, and Amna Nawaz speaks with Miguel Diaz, former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, for more analysis. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Thursday, lawmakers in Tennessee passed a new congressional map favoring Republicans, the man accused of a firebomb attack on a pro-Israel rally in Colorado was sentenced to life in prison, health authorities are tracking passengers who left the cruise ship at the center of a hantavirus outbreak, and at least 17 people were injured by powerful overnight storms in Mississippi. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In the Atlantic, Spain's Canary Islands are destinations for thousands of migrants seeking asylum in Europe. It's a dangerous, desperate journey — many have died trying to reach European shores. Fellows from the University of British Columbia's Global Reporting Program visited the island and worked with special correspondent Malcolm Brabant on this report. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Strait of Hormuz closure is not only driving up prices at the pump in the U.S., it's also driving up the cost of delivering humanitarian aid around the world. That is particularly acute for Somalia, which is facing one of the most complex hunger crises in recent years. Nick Schifrin speaks with the World Food Program's Matthew Hollingworth for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

President Trump told PBS News Hour Wednesday there's a "very good chance" the U.S. and Iran are nearing a deal to end the war. The deal on the table would be a negotiated memorandum of understanding that would limit Iran's nuclear program and open the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has kept a chokehold since the beginning of the war and where U.S. warships continue a blockade. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

With the U.S and Iran considering a potential deal to end the war we turn to two or our experts. Alan Eyre of the Middle East Institute was a senior member of the Obama administration's negotiating team for the previous Iran nuclear deal. Miad Maleki was born in Iran and is a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. They join Aman Nawaz for additional perspective. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is now four weeks old. For the people of Iran who've endured decades of repression, economic privation and now a devastating air war, the ceasefire has brought a reprieve. But the threats and counter threats between the U.S. and Iran persist, as does the specter of renewed conflict. Reza Sayah reports from Tehran, a city on edge. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Top U.S. officials said Tuesday that the ceasefire with Iran has not ended, despite exchanges of fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Both Rubio and Hegseth said the U.S. was in a new phase of operations designed to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels stuck in the Persian Gulf. But so far, very few ships appear to want to run the Iranian gauntlet in the strait. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Tomorrow marks four weeks since the day known as "Black Wednesday" in Lebanon. The Israeli military, claiming to be targeting Hezbollah militants, unleashed an unprecedented aerial campaign on April 8 that killed more than 350 people in a matter of minutes. Special correspondent Simon Foltyn reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Douglas Stuart won the coveted Booker Prize in 2020 for his debut novel, "Shuggie Bain," about a boy in 1980s working-class Glasgow caring for his mother as she struggled with alcoholism. Geoff Bennett spoke to Stuart about his latest book, "John of John," which follows a young man as he returns to his home in the islands off the coast of Scotland. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The tenuous truce between the U.S. and Iran was tested Monday, as American ships clearing a lane in the Strait of Hormuz came under fire and sank Iranian boats. Iran also fired drones and missiles at a key oil terminal in the United Arab Emirates, spooking markets and raising concerns that war could resume. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The U.S. military remains poised to resume the war as tensions rose on Monday with President Trump threatening that if Iran fires on U.S. vessels, "they will be blown off the face of the earth." Ian Ralby, president of Auxilium Worldwide, and Ret. Admiral Andrew Loiselle, who has extensive experience in the Navy and operating ships and aircraft in the Middle East, join Nick Schifrin for perspective. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

It has been 60 days since the Iran war began, which means Friday is a legal deadline for the Trump administration to seek congressional authorization. But the White House informed Congress that it didn't need approval because the war had been "terminated" during the current ceasefire. Nick Schifrin joins Amna Nawaz with the latest developments. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Friday, Trump says he's raising tariffs next week on cars and trucks from the EU, the Pentagon says it has made deals with seven major tech companies to use their AI tools, a former Miami congressman with ties to Rubio was convicted of secretly lobbying for Venezuela, and events have been taking place around the world to mark May Day, also known as International Workers' Day. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Israel, and the war in Gaza that followed, have left countless families grappling with profound loss. Two men, one Israeli, the other Palestinian, tell the story of their unexpected journey toward understanding and reconciliation in a new book, "The Future is Peace." Ali Rogin speaks with them to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

On Thursday, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East briefed Trump on potential military options and the ongoing blockade of the Persian Gulf while talks to end the war with Iran remain at a standstill. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Hegseth faced more grilling from lawmakers as the price of oil surges and a key deadline for congressional wartime authorization approaches. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Despite Trump's repeated threats to withdraw the United States from NATO, Germany's top military officer claims relations with American military leaders are as strong as ever, but he also says that the threat from Russia means Germany's push to strengthen its own armed forces is a race against time. Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For the first time since the U.S. went to war with Iran, Defense Secretary Hegseth faced sharp questions on Wednesday from Congress. During the hearing, the Pentagon revealed that the war so far has cost $25 billion. The fighting is on hold, but the military maintains its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

As the FIFA World Cup approaches this summer, what does it take to create the perfect pitch — or field — for soccer's biggest stage? Economics correspondent Paul Solman heads to Tennessee and puts his body on the line to find out. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

There seems to be little movement on the resumption of talks between the U.S. and Iran. There is also almost no movement through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital bottleneck that's essentially cut off 20% of the world's oil and gas supply. Tuesday, the UAE announced it will leave OPEC, the cartel that has largely controlled oil supplies for decades. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Karen Young. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The king and queen of England were received with high diplomatic fanfare at the White House on day two of the royal visit. King Charles became just the second monarch to address Congress. He delivered a message of unity and peace during a time of tense relations. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The U.S. said it's discussing a new Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz but pause all negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. Meanwhile, Lebanon marked the deadliest day since the fraying ceasefire in that country went into effect as Israeli attacks killed more than a dozen in the south. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Vice President JD Vance makes his first major foray onto the world stage as America's top negotiator with Iran. He's the most prominent isolationist in the Trump administration and his assignment puts him front and center on an issue with enormous consequences. Compass Points guest moderator Lisa Desjardins discusses more with Heather Conley, Matthew Kroenig, Curt Mills and Jeffrey Rathke. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Iran declared that it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial sea traffic, which President Trump eagerly supported in a social media post. But Trump also declared that the U.S. blockade of Iran's ports could continue. Meanwhile, the day-old truce between Israel and Hezbollah appeared to hold after weeks of disastrous fighting. Special correspondent Simona Foltyn reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

To discuss the status of the Strait of Hormuz and if it's really open to all ships, Amna Nawaz spoke with Ian Ralby. He is president of Auxilium Worldwide, a non-profit organization that focuses on ocean governance and maritime law and security. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

President Trump announced a ceasefire deal that would suspend fighting between Israel and Hezbollah for ten days. Hezbollah has not said whether it will abide by the ceasefire. Trump also says leaders from Israel and Lebanon are expected to meet soon in hopes of reaching a broader peace agreement. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For insights on the announced ceasefire by the U.S., Israel and Lebanon, Amna Nawaz spoke with author and journalist Kim Ghattas. Her recent book, "Black Wave," is about the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and she is now a visiting professor at Dartmouth College. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

To discuss the global stakes of the impasse in the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on deepening humanitarian crises, Geoff Bennett spoke with Jorge Moreira da Silva, the executive director of the UN's Office for Project Services and head of the UN task force on the strait. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Thursday, Pope Leo is warning of a world "ravaged by a handful of tyrants" who spend billions on war, the Senate voted to lift a federal ban on mining upstream from Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and police say former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife before killing himself. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

International mediators are pushing for new peace talks between the United States and Iran, and they're seeking to extend the fragile ceasefire that's set to expire next week. But nothing is set in stone, and the sides remain far apart on issues like the fate of Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. White House correspondent Liz Landers reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The toll of the wider war in the Middle East has been severe in Lebanon. Israel has invaded the country's south again and is demanding that people vacate more land. The United Nations' top refugee official, Barham Salih, is there on a mission to survey the crisis and he sat down with special correspondent Simona Foltyn. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Mediators are racing to bring the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table amid a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz and a precarious ceasefire. Historic talks, however, did happen on Tuesday. The U.S. hosted the first face-to-face meeting between Israel and Lebanon in decades to discuss the shared goal of ending the war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

To discuss how Iran's civilians are reacting to the latest developments in the Middle East conflict, Amna Nawaz spoke with special correspondent Reza Sayah in Tehran. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

To discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Amna Nawaz spoke with Barbara Leaf. She was assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs during the Biden administration. She's now a senior international policy advisor at the law firm, Arnold & Porter. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The U.S. began a blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, less than two days after a first effort at peace talks between the Americans and Iran failed in Pakistan. White House correspondent Liz Landers reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For perspective on the situation with Iran, Amna Nawaz spoke with Alan Eyre and Miad Maleki. Eyre was part of the Obama administration's negotiating team for the Iran nuclear deal and is now at the Middle East Institute. Maleki was born and raised in Iran and is now at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The incoming prime minister of Hungary struck a hopeful tone on Monday. Peter Magyar called for a swift transition of power and began to chart an ambitious course to reverse central pillars of Viktor Orbán's rule. Stephanie Sy discussed how the results could reverberate around the globe with Kim Lane Scheppele, a professor at Princeton University who lived and worked in Hungary. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

President Trump finds an off-ramp to the five-week war in Iran, but at what cost? He began the week threatening Iran's "whole civilization." But when Pakistan presented a plan to temporarily halt hostilities, Trump embraced it. Can the U.S. and Iran make a long-term deal? Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses that with Danielle Pletka, Dana Stroul, Ray Takeyh and Alex Vatanka. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Vice President JD Vance is heading to Pakistan, where he's set to meet Iranian officials in a bid to end the nearly six-week U.S.-Israel war with Iran. The demands are steep, trust is thin, and President Trump said he's unsure he'll support further talks after this round. In Lebanon, residents are still digging out from this week's Israeli strikes. Liz Landers reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy