NPR News: 05-07-2026 2PM EDT

This NPR News Now broadcast delivers a snapshot of pressing developments: U.S. demands in the war with Iran, diplomatic outreach to the first American Pope amid public frictions, reactions to President Trump via polling, a rare hantavirus outbreak, tornado recovery efforts, partisan redistricting in Tennessee, and new data on school cell phone restrictions.

Iran War and U.S. Conditions

The White House awaits Iran's response to conditions for ending the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, now over two months old. President Trump insists any deal require Iran to halt uranium enrichment and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, key demands aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program and securing vital shipping routes for global oil trade.

Vatican Diplomacy and Cuba Ties

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met privately with Pope Leo—the first American pope—at the Vatican to ease tensions after Trump labeled him "soft on crime and on Iran." The discussion covered Middle East issues and Western Hemisphere concerns, including U.S. collaboration with the Catholic Church to deliver aid to Cuba amid a humanitarian crisis from cut-off fuel shipments and Trump's talk of a "friendly takeover" of the island. The State Department highlighted the strong U.S.-Holy See relationship; tomorrow marks one year since Pope Leo's selection.