PBS News Hour full episode, June 12, 2026

Despite both the U.S. and Iran claiming to be close to a peace agreement, significant and public disagreements exist on core terms. The U.S. demands include opening the Strait of Hormuz, dismantling Iran's nuclear program, ending funding for proxy groups, and an enforceable inspection regime. In contrast, Iran insists on a comprehensive ceasefire including Lebanon, shared sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, the release of frozen funds, and only 'downblending' enriched uranium rather than full destruction, with nuclear terms to be discussed at a later stage.

Liz Landers details U.S. demands from a White House briefing [00:02:52]. She then reports on conflicting Iranian statements regarding the 14-point draft memorandum, including Foreign Minister Araghchi's demands for a Lebanon ceasefire, shared Strait of Hormuz management, and downblending uranium [00:05:08]. Alan Eyre notes, '85 percent is actually sort of terrifying, because the closer you get, the harder it is,' and 'They're not going to dismantle their nuclear program' [00:06:54]. Miad Maleki emphasizes Iran's desire to maintain enrichment capability and full release of frozen assets [00:08:12].

President Trump is hosting a UFC cage fight on the White House South Lawn, an event framed as both a celebration of his birthday and a strategic political move. This event highlights Trump's long-standing relationship with the UFC, dating back to 2001 when he offered his Taj Mahal Casino for fights when other venues refused. This alliance, particularly UFC President Dana White's continued support after January 6th, is seen as crucial for rehabilitating Trump's public image and engaging a key demographic of young male MMA fans.

Geoff Bennett introduces the event as 'decades in the making for President Trump and the UFC' [00:00:22]. Liz Landers details Trump opening his Taj Mahal Casino for UFC fights in 2001, a move Dana White called 'critical' [00:23:34]. Luke Thomas, combat sports analyst, states, 'There is no mainstream actor anywhere that did as much to try and rehabilitate Donald Trump's image after January 6 as much as the Ultimate Fighting Championship' [00:25:09].

Children in Gaza are enduring a severe educational crisis, with over 97% of schools damaged or destroyed by Israeli strikes. Learning now occurs in makeshift classrooms within tents, damaged buildings, or overcrowded shelters. This environment, coupled with the constant struggle for basic survival (food, water) and the loss of family members, inflicts profound trauma, making a return to normalcy and effective learning incredibly difficult.

Ali Rogin reports on 11-year-old Kadi studying in a makeshift classroom with a shattered wall and tarp [00:28:23]. Kadi's father states, 'The children have lost their innocence... They are thinking about how to secure water and food' [00:28:56]. A school headmistress notes students sitting on the ground and floodings [00:30:02]. The United Nations confirms over 97% of schools damaged or destroyed [00:30:41]. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder describes children collecting water, queuing for food, and then studying [00:32:43].