NPR News: 07-04-2026 11AM EDT

Jeanine Herbst· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. The militant group Hamas says the Gaza Strip should remain central to any long-term ceasefire between Iran, the US, and Israel. This as Tehran hosts a belated funeral for its former supreme leader, who was killed by US and Israeli strikes four months ago. NPR's Emily Feng has more from Tel Aviv.

Emily Feng0:22

Speaking to a Hamas-affiliated paper, Khaled Al-Qudmi, Hamas' representative in Tehran, said he'd been reassured by Iranian officials that securing the rights of Palestinians was central to guaranteeing, quote, "Genuine or lasting peace in the Middle East." His remarks highlight the risk of a shaky US and Iranian ceasefire collapsing. Despite a preliminary ceasefire agreement with the US, Iran continues to stop ships from freely sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, and the US and Iran exchanged strikes against one another just a week ago. The Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah has also threatened to retaliate against Israel as Israel continues to occupy much of southern Lebanon. Emily Feng, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

Jeanine Herbst· Host1:03

This Fourth of July, some Americans think the nation is on the wrong track, but the majority say they're proud or very proud to be American. The latest NPR PBS News Marist poll, released this week, offers a look at how Americans are feeling. NPR's Maham Javed has more.

Maham Javed1:21

American feelings about the country appear to be divided along partisan lines. Republicans are the most proud at ninety-three percent.