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Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Noor Rahm.
Chapter 2: What recent accusations did an Iranian official make against the U.S.?
An Iranian official today accused the U.S. of planning a ground invasion of Iran, which he says would be met with force. The U.S. has sent thousands of additional sailors and marines to the region. Meanwhile, regional diplomats are meeting in Islamabad today to discuss efforts to end the war.
Chapter 3: How is Pakistan playing a role in mediating the conflict in Iran?
NPR's Daniel Estrin reports.
Pakistan says it's hosting diplomats today from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey for talks on trying to actually hold talks, ceasefire talks. You know, Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in this conflict. It was the one that passed along the US proposal to Iran on ending the war last week. We still don't know yet if the US and Iran will actually sit for talks.
NPR's Daniel Estrin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his country will provide air defense technologies to three Gulf nations that have been targeted by Iran in retaliatory strikes for the U.S.-Israeli invasion. NPR's Joanna Kakisis reports Ukraine is trying to rebrand itself as a provider of military aid as well as a recipient.
Iran has been hitting Gulf nations with attack drones similar to the ones Russia has used on Ukraine for nearly four years. Ukraine has come up with cheap, innovative ways to shoot them down. Zelensky said Ukraine wants to share its anti-drone technology with allies.
The Russians are sharing information with the Iranians, he said, and we do not know how many weapons the Russians are transferring to them. Zelensky was speaking to reporters on Zoom from Qatar, where he signed one of the deals. On Friday, he made a deal with Saudi Arabia and said he was finalizing another with the United Arab Emirates. Joanna Kakisis, NPR News, Kiev.
For the first time in six weeks, TSA agents are expected to be paid as soon as tomorrow. President Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security find the money while Congress remains at a stalemate. But NPR's Amy Held reports it's unclear what, if any, immediate impact this will have on hours-long airport security lines.
President Trump ordered TSA workers be fully compensated without specifying where the funds will come from. Possibly in violation of the Constitution, which says Congress decides spending, they're on vacation till mid-April. Experts say it may be too little too late anyway. TSA workers have no guarantee about their next paycheck. Hundreds have already quit.
The national absentee rate is about 12 percent, as high as 40 in some airports, amounting to travel nightmares. Melissa Gates was trying to reach Baton Rouge from Houston and realized, belatedly, she should have just driven. I'm going to miss my flight, so I guess I'm going to spend the night. Also unaddressed in Trump's memo, tens of thousands of other DHS workers from FEMA and the Coast Guard.
They still won't get paid. Amy Held, NPR News. This is NPR.
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Chapter 4: What military aid is Ukraine providing to Gulf nations?
Last week, Hexeth prayed for overwhelming violence against those who deserve no mercy. I'm Nora Rahm, NPR News in Washington.
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