Rubio attempts to mend relations with Pope Leo in Vatican meeting after Trump's criticisms

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