Ark News Daily – March 24, 2026

Episode: US enters new talks with Iran

Host: Deborah Pardes, Ark Media
Key Voices: Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu
Main Theme:
This episode covers the surprising shift in US policy as President Donald Trump announces last-minute negotiations with Iran to end the ongoing war. The episode unpacks the conditions of negotiations, reactions from regional players, and a surge in anti-Jewish violence abroad.

Episode Overview

The central focus is the US's abrupt decision to enter renewed talks with Iran, the implications for the Middle East, Israel, and global Jewish communities. The episode also highlights dramatic diplomatic developments, new Iranian demands, and a wave of antisemitic attacks in Europe.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Policy Reversal and the New Talks

• Pivot from Confrontation to Diplomacy:
  • Last Friday, Trump ruled out negotiations and threatened military action if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz ([00:37]).
  • On Monday, he extended the deadline for military action to pursue negotiations instead:
    “We’re doing a five day period. We’ll see how that goes. And if it goes well, we’re going to end up with settling this. Otherwise, we’ll just keep bombing our little hearts out.” – Donald Trump ([01:17])
• Economic Impact:
  • Oil prices dropped, and markets rallied after the announcement of talks ([00:37]).

2. US Demands and Iranian Response

• Terms from the US Side:
  • Iran must:
    • Reopen the Strait of Hormuz
    • End all nuclear enrichment
    • Surrender near weapons-grade uranium stockpiles
    • Keep ballistic arsenal “low key” ([01:30])
• Israeli Stake:
  • Netanyahu dispatches Ron Dermer to lobby for Israeli interests in the talks ([01:30]).
• With Whom is the US Negotiating?
  • Trump says it’s with “the most respected Iranian leader running the country right now,” not young Supreme Leader Majdaba Khamenei, who has gone unseen ([01:30]).
  • Reports claim it’s Parliament Speaker Mohammed Galiboff, who denies negotiations and calls Trump’s claims “fake news,” and demands “complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors” from Iran (quoted at [01:30]).

3. New Iranian Demands

• Strait of Hormuz: Iran wants to maintain effective control ([02:10]).
• US Military Presence: Demands US close its Gulf bases ([02:10]).

4. US Signals Willingness to Tolerate Regime Survival

• Trump hints at accepting the regime’s survival, modeling after the Venezuelan transition, where Maduro's deputy remained after US intervention:
  • “Look at Venezuela, how well that’s working. We are doing so well in Venezuela with oil and with the relationship between the president elect and us.” – Donald Trump ([03:54])
• Trump’s stance has shifted: previously urged Iranian uprising; now claims the war achieved “regime change of sorts” by eliminating old leadership ([04:03]).

5. Israeli Mixed Reactions and Mossad Activities

• Regime Change Not a Guarantee:
  • “Yes, the regime could change. Is it guaranteed? No. And is it up to the Iranian people in the final accounting to make use of the conditions that we're doing in weakening this regime?” – Benjamin Netanyahu ([04:29])
• Mossad’s Struggles:
  • NYT reports Netanyahu is frustrated over Mossad’s inability to spark rebellion ([04:40]).
  • Mossad continues public calls in Farsi for Iranians to “join the fight against the regime and build a new Iran” ([04:40]).

Violence Against Jews Abroad

6. Surge in Antisemitic Attacks

• Major Incident in London:
  • Four Hatzala ambulances set ablaze outside a synagogue; explosions damaged nearby homes.
  • Terror group Ashab Al Yamin, tied to Iran, claims responsibility for the attack and recent violence against Jewish sites in Europe ([05:30]).
• Official Condemnation:
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer:
    “Anti-Semitism has no place in our society and it's really important that we all stand together at a moment like this.” ([06:22])
• Community Fears:
  • British police treat it as anti-Semitic hate crime, but not as terrorism ([06:30]).
  • Local Jews express frustration and fear:
    “And I hope all the Jews do leave because there is no protection here in terms of what's going on online and all the hate towards Jewish communities. Why would you want to live in fear?” ([06:55])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump, on the tone of talks:
  “We’re dealing with some people that I find to be very reasonable, very solid, they're very respected, and maybe one of them will be exactly what we're looking for.” ([03:19])
• Galiboff (Iranian Speaker), denying negotiations:
  “Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors.” ([01:30])
• Netanyahu, skeptical of guaranteed change:
  “Yes, the regime could change. Is it guaranteed? No.” ([04:29])
• UK PM’s stand against antisemitism:
  “Anti-Semitism has no place in our society...” ([06:22])
• Local Jewish resident in London:
  “Why would you want to live in fear?” ([06:55])

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:25–01:17: Trump’s pivot, announcement of new talks
• 01:30–03:19: US and Iranian negotiating terms, identities of negotiators
• 03:29–04:03: US signals acceptance of regime survival, Venezuela analogy
• 04:03–04:40: Regime change debate, Israeli/Mossad perspectives
• 05:30–06:55: Antisemitic attacks in London and wider Europe, community reactions

Tone & Takeaways

The episode captures high-stakes diplomacy underscored by urgency, skepticism, and shifting alliances. The tone is urgent and analytical, interspersed with quotes reflecting frustration and hope on all sides. The rise in global antisemitism underscores the wider impact of Middle Eastern conflict.

For listeners:
This episode provides an in-depth snapshot of rapidly evolving US-Iran diplomacy, Israeli anxieties, and how the conflict reverberates through global Jewish communities.