Nick Schifrin

There is a new partnership in the Middle East and South Asia. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed an agreement similar to NATO’s Article 5, pledging that a strike against one of them would be considered a strike against all of them. But despite reports that it was close, no deal was announced between the United States and Iran. Nick Schifrin explains.

Iran doubled down on keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed until the U.S. meets a sweeping list of demands. President Trump scoffed at those conditions, especially paying reparations to Iran for damages caused by five months of U.S.-Israeli bombardments. The impasse comes as war appears closer in Yemen between a Saudi-backed coalition and Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Nick Schifrin reports.

The News Hour has confirmed the Washington Post's reporting on extraordinary, secret security measures taken to protect President Trump. The president switched planes not once, but twice while leaving last month's NATO summit in Turkey. A transfer from the legacy Air Force One to a smaller aircraft, by way of a catering truck, had not been known until now. Nick Schifrin reports.

Israeli settlers laid siege to the home of an American Palestinian family in the occupied West Bank, sparking condemnation from the U.S. ambassador and an Israeli military response. Nick Schifrin spoke with Qusai and Ahmed Ridi from the house in Qusra, and Qusai’s brother, Loui Ridi, who helped translate this conversation.

The U.S. condemned the siege of Palestinian homes by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, where they cut off water, electricity and essential supplies to residents. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the settlers’ actions an “act of terror,” adding to American pressure that has prompted Israeli forces to intervene. Nick Schifrin reports.

Exercises between the American and South Korean militaries began as scheduled on Monday, even after President Trump demanded they be scaled back. Trump said the war games were unnecessarily provocative, and a challenge to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, despite recent praise of South Korea by the administration. Nick Schifrin reports.

China recently took a rare step by releasing a detainee at the United States' request. Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was picked up by Chinese authorities last October, one of dozens of Christians targeted by the Chinese Communist Party, which only allows authorized churches to serve China’s estimated 80 million Christians. Nick Schifrin spoke with Pastor Jin and his daughter, Grace.

The Israeli military bombed an airbase in Syria, far from the Israeli border, sparking condemnation not only from Syria, but also Turkey and the Trump administration. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack accused Israel of an “unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability.” Nick Schifrin spoke with Barrack to discuss tension.

America’s military uses the world’s most advanced and sought-after weapons. But months of war with Iran have diminished the stockpile, limiting options and the ability to defend allies. Could America’s adversaries exploit this moment? Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses what the military’s new limitations mean for readiness with Bill LaPlante, Randy Schriver and Celeste Wallander.

The U.S. launched what the Trump administration calls “Operation Economic Outcast” against Iran. It includes threats to increase sanctions on Iran's trading partners. The pressure comes as the administration indicates it is trying to avoid returning to war, but cannot overcome Iran's stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Miad Maleki.