PBS News Hour full episode, May 6, 2026

President Trump expressed cautious optimism about a potential deal with Iran, stating a 'very good chance' of success. The proposed memorandum of understanding includes Iran lifting its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. ending its blockade, and a mutual declaration of the war's end. Key nuclear provisions involve Iran freezing domestic uranium enrichment (with a timeframe under negotiation, U.S. proposing 20 years, Iran 5-year with extension), exporting its highly enriched uranium, granting IAEA access to nuclear sites, and pledging not to operate underground facilities. In return, the U.S. would lift sanctions and unfreeze Iranian assets.

President Trump's statements to Liz Landers and in the Oval Office, confirmed by Iranian, regional, and European officials, detailing the two phases of negotiations.

Despite reported progress, significant skepticism surrounds the U.S.-Iran deal. A senior European official expressed strong doubts about the agreement's feasibility and Iran's compliance. Miad Maleki, a former U.S. Treasury official, believes Iran is desperate due to unprecedented pressure but might 'drag out negotiations' to get the blockade lifted without committing to long-term concessions, especially regarding its nuclear program. Alan Eyre, a former State Department official, questions whether Iran would revert to the old Strait of Hormuz system or impose its new 'Persian Gulf strait authority,' and emphasizes IAEA verification as crucial over enrichment duration.

Nick Schifrin's reporting on officials' doubts, Miad Maleki's analysis of Iran's strategy, and Alan Eyre's concerns about the Strait of Hormuz and IAEA verification.

A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll reveals widespread American disapproval of the war in Iran, with only 33% approving and 60% disapproving. This level of unpopularity is comparable to the Iraq War in 2007. The war's economic impact, particularly rising gas prices, is heavily felt, with 81% of Americans experiencing strain and 63% blaming President Trump. This has significantly eroded President Trump's approval on the economy, which now stands at 61% disapproval, potentially impacting Republican chances in the upcoming midterm elections.

Lisa Desjardins' report on the PBS News/NPR/Marist poll results regarding war approval, gas price impact, and President Trump's economic approval ratings.

Republican politicians in Texas are actively campaigning against the state's growing Muslim community, framing it as 'Islamification.' This includes targeting a planned Muslim-friendly community, 'Epic City' (now 'The Meadow'), with Governor Greg Abbott signing a law 'banning Sharia compounds' despite developers clarifying no religious requirements exist. Islamic-oriented schools, like Brighter Horizons Academy, were initially excluded from the state's school choice program without explanation, leading to lawsuits for discrimination before their inclusion. Political rhetoric from figures like Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz consistently invokes 'Sharia law' as a threat.

Stephanie Sy's report on Epic City/The Meadow, Governor Abbott's statements, the exclusion and subsequent inclusion of Brighter Horizons Academy from the school choice program, and quotes from GOP strategists and politicians.

Ted Turner, founder of CNN, died at 87, leaving a legacy as a 'risk-taking entrepreneur' and 'television pioneer.' He revolutionized news by creating the first 24-hour news network in 1980, CNN, which provided unprecedented international coverage, notably during the first Persian Gulf War. Beyond media, Turner was a fierce advocate for nuclear disarmament and the environment, donating a billion dollars to the United Nations Foundation in 1997 and becoming one of the largest individual landowners in the U.S. to preserve American wildlife.

Judy Woodruff's remembrance, including details of CNN's founding, its impact, Turner's philanthropic contributions, and his personal beliefs about news and global peace.