Negotiations With Iran, Trump On Deal With Iran, ICE Impact On Airport Lines

Summary

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NPR Up First: Detailed Episode Summary

Episode: Negotiations With Iran, Trump On Deal With Iran, ICE Impact On Airport Lines
Date: March 24, 2026
Hosts: Amy (A) Martinez, Michelle Martin
Reporters: Aya Bachraui (International Correspondent), Franco Ordonez (White House Correspondent), Sophie Granas (Georgia Public Broadcasting)

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on three pressing stories:

1. US-Iran war escalation and negotiations—with conflicting accounts from both sides about talks to de-escalate hostilities.
2. President Trump's strategy on Iran, both military and political, and the potential impact on domestic politics ahead of the midterms.
3. Airport chaos as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is deployed during a TSA staffing crisis—examining the effects on travelers and ongoing lines amid a partial government shutdown.

The episode delivers in-depth updates from NPR correspondents and features key political dynamics, on-the-ground reporting, and reactions from officials, travelers, and pollsters.

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1. Escalation and Negotiations With Iran

Key Discussion Points & Insights:

• Denial of Direct Talks:
  • "Iran denied any direct talks with the Trump administration as both sides continue attacks." (Amy Martinez, 00:02)
  • Despite Iran’s denial, backchannel negotiation efforts are reported by Egyptian officials and other sources.
• Backchannels and Mediation Efforts:
  • Multiple countries—including Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan—are conveying messages and pushing for de-escalation between the US and Iran. (Aya Bachraui, 04:12)
  • Egyptian, Turkish, and Pakistani foreign ministers recently met in Saudi Arabia regarding the conflict.
  • "Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan are among the countries involved in these efforts to de-escalate ... calls between these countries and senior officials in Iran" (Aya Bachraui, 04:12)
• Risks of Escalation:
  • The possibility of broader war exists, with Saudi Arabia and UAE hardening their stances and possibly entering the conflict.
  • Civilian concerns: Demand for solar panels and generators in Gulf cities amid threats to power infrastructure. (Aya Bachraui, 02:56)
• Barriers to Negotiation:
  • Deep mistrust following deadly strikes and the death of Iran’s top negotiator complicate dialogue.
  • Iran demands compensation for the war; rejects US terms even before the current hostilities (nuclear program, cutting support for regional militias, missile limits). (Aya Bachraui, 04:59)

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump on possible de-escalation:
  "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 just keep bombing our little hearts out." (Trump, 00:26, repeated at 02:31)
• Aya Bachraui, on civilian response in the Gulf:
  "...people here starting to look for solar panels and inquiring about generators. You know, this is something we haven't ever had to do in these cities before." (02:56)
• Regarding Iran's stance:
  "Iran's foreign Ministry ... saying there have been no negotiations with the US since the start of this war and that it was actually the US that sent messages to Iran seeking talks." (Aya Bachraui, 03:46)

Important Segment Timestamps:

• 02:09 – US and Israeli strikes, Trump postpones deadline, talks of potential deal
• 02:47 – Aya Bachraui on the actual state of communications and regional mediation
• 04:12 – Details on backchannel efforts and mediation
• 04:59 – Success prospects for negotiations, war's regional impact

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2. President Trump’s Iran Strategy & Domestic Political Dynamics

Key Discussion Points & Insights:

• Negotiating Style:
  • Trump favors “maximalist pressure” followed by high-stakes negotiation to seek a deal he can claim as a victory. (Michelle Martin, 08:14)
  • His public optimism:
    "All I'm saying is we are in the throes of a real possibility of making a deal. And I think if I were a betting man, I'd bet for it. But again, I'm not guaranteeing anything. They want to make a deal very badly." (Trump, 06:34)
• Uncertainties and Risks:
  • The specifics of the talks—who in Iran is negotiating, what’s being discussed—remain unclear (Franco Ordonez, 07:06).
  • Trump’s previous public claims about deals (e.g., with Russia on Ukraine) didn’t materialize (Franco Ordonez, 08:17).
• Electoral Calculations:
  • Political stakes are high for Trump with the midterms approaching:
    • If the war drags on and gas rises another 50 cents, "you're going to start to see more inflation, and not just in gas, but across the economy." (Franco Ordonez quoting pollster John McHenry, 08:31)
    • A prolonged war or substantial inflation could hurt Republican midterm prospects.
  • Potential voter fatigue:
    "52% of Republicans would be opposed to sending troops to Iran. ... they could decide to just stay home and not vote in November." (Franco Ordonez, 09:23)
• Deal or No Deal:
  • On Iran’s demands and the historical context—Trump’s deal-making may not be enough given Iran’s new, hardened negotiating position after recent casualties.

Remarkable Moments:

• Michelle Martin, dryly on inflation:
  "That kind of increase in inflation, sort of a Bidenesque increase in inflation, would probably really set Republicans back in the fall." (09:08)
• Amy Martinez (humorously referencing a well-known political phrase):
  "It's the economy, stupid. I'm not calling you stupid, Franco, but how much of this is just about the economy." (09:18)

Important Segment Timestamps:

• 06:26 – Trump’s comments on deal making
• 07:06 – Analysis of the negotiation process and who is involved
• 08:31 – Electoral risks for Republicans if the war or inflation continues
• 09:23 – The risk of putting "boots on the ground" and Republican voter sentiment

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3. ICE at Airports: The Impact of the Shutdown and Security Delays

Key Discussion Points & Insights:

• ICE’s Limited Effectiveness:
  • ICE agents have been deployed to ~12 airports, but are not running security checkpoints or checking bags.
  • They are mostly “walking around near the main security checkpoints at the airport and just observing the area ... more patrolling than actually helping.” (Sophie Granas, 10:37)
• Frustration and Confusion:
  • Long waits persist. E.g., wait times up to 5 hours at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson. (10:26)
  • ICE’s presence is not clearly understood or welcomed by many passengers; only some express support.
    • "Most people I spoke with said they didn't really understand why ICE needed to be at the airport at all because most of them were just observed walking around." (Sophie Granas, 12:12)
• Morale and Labor Issues:
  • Hundreds of TSA officers have quit; over 40% called out in Atlanta.
  • TSA union opposes ICE agents doing security work as they aren't trained for it. Added friction since ICE is paid during the shutdown while TSA is not. (12:08)
• Personal Stories:
  • Ariana Basalto: Missed her flight after three hours in line, had to rebook. (11:07)
  • Ann Deming: “Just go downstairs.” ICE agents helpful for finding shuttles but not majorly improving the situation. (11:28)
  • Sam Rosales: “It’s very unsettling to have them, you know, in the presence of, you know, everyday stuff, not really protecting borders in Atlanta.” (12:33)
• Potential Next Steps:
  • Trump threatens deploying National Guard if breakdown continues. (13:18)

Notable Quotes:

• Sophie Granas:
  "Even with those ICE agents deployed, lines had not gotten much shorter." (11:17)
• TSA officers: “As long as they're not paid, there's likely no end in sight to long lines at peak.” (12:47)

Important Segment Timestamps:

• 10:07 – ICE’s deployment at airports, TSA staffing crisis
• 10:26–12:47 – On-the-ground reports from Atlanta, traveler experiences, impacts, and future expectations

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “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 just keep bombing our little hearts out.” — Donald Trump (00:26/02:31)
• “It’s very unsettling to have them, you know, in the presence of, you know, everyday stuff, not really protecting borders in Atlanta.” — Sam Rosales, airport traveler (12:33)
• “52% of Republicans would be opposed to sending troops to Iran... they could decide to just stay home and not vote in November.” – Franco Ordonez (09:23)

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Listener Feedback

Listener Quote Highlight:

• “No nonsense about the news, but still bring levity to the show.” — Cassie T. 717 (13:23)

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Summary Conclusion

This episode provides a sharp, factual digest of three urgent American dilemmas: a rapidly-evolving military and diplomatic standoff with Iran, the intertwining of foreign policy with domestic political fortunes as Trump eyes the midterms, and the lived realities of air travel during government dysfunction. The reporting underscores the complexity and uncertainty on all fronts—negotiation, public opinion, and basic government services—with a blend of expertise and the show’s trademark “no nonsense, but with levity” tone.

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Transcript

[Amy Martinez]

Iran denied any direct talks with the Trump administration as both sides continue attacks.

[Michelle Martin]

But an Egyptian official tells NPR that messages to negotiate a ceasefire are being sent to Iran through backchannels.

[Amy Martinez]

I'm Amy Martinez. That's Michelle Martin. And this is up first from NPR News. President Trump backed off his threat to attack Iran's power plants and says a deal is likely.

[Donald Trump]

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 just keep bombing our little hearts out.

[Amy Martinez]

What's at stake if there's no deal?

[Michelle Martin]

And immigration enforcement agents are now in about a dozen airports across the country. Travelers in Atlanta's airport are still waiting in line for hours. So what's ICE actually doing to solve the problem? Stay with us. We'll give you news you need to start your day.

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[Michelle Martin]

the US and Israel have been bombing Iran for nearly a month. But President Trump now says there are constructive and in depth conversations underway with the Iranians.

[Amy Martinez]

He said this as he backed away from a 48 hour deadline he'd given Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to hundreds of oil tankers and ships. Trump says the US Is holding off on his deadline until the end of the week. Here he is talking to reporters on Monday.

[Donald Trump]

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 just keep bombing our little hearts out.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR international correspondent Air Bertrawi is here to give us the latest information. She's in Dubai. Good morning.

[Aya Bachraui]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So Iran is pushing back on Trump's comment. Iran says there is no dialogue with Washington. So what do we know about what's actually happening?

[Aya Bachraui]

So, Michelle, there were real concerns that this war was going to escalate even further after Trump issued that 48 hour deadline to Iran. He said the US would obliterate Iranian power plants if Iran did not allow those oil tankers and ships from Gulf Arab producers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. But we just heard Iran doubling down on its reasons for closing the strait. After that, they said that they would not allow any US Or Israeli vessels or of their partners in the region, those Gulf Arab states, to transit because of this war imposed on Iran. And then Iran said it would strike at power plants here in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and other parts of the Gulf. And we saw people here starting to look for solar panels and inquiring about generators. You know, this is something we haven't ever had to do in these cities before. But Trump then said there are conversations with Iran happening now and that Iran asked for these talks to happen. And an Israeli official told NPR the U.S. is planning talks in Pakistan with Iran in the coming days. That official spoke on condition of anonymity to be able to discuss these talks now. Iran's foreign Ministry was then quoted by Iranian state media saying there have been no negotiations with the US since the start of this war and that it was actually the US that sent messages to Iran seeking talks to end the war. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said last night that Iran responded to that request through friendly countries.

[Michelle Martin]

And tell us what NPR has learned about these backchannel efforts from countries in the region.

[Aya Bachraui]

So NPR has learned that Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan are among the countries involved in these efforts to de escalate. We know there have been calls between these three countries and senior officials in Iran, and that's according to official readouts from those calls. And the three countries foreign ministers had actually just met in Saudi Arabia last week for talks on containing the war. We also saw Egypt's president visit Gulf Arab capitals and meet with rulers here over the weekend. You know, Egypt does have ties with Iran as well. It's not a party to this war. And we've seen them mediate in other wars like Gaza. Now the fear is that as this war drags on Michelle, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are hardening their positions, and they could end up getting involved in hitting back at Iran. We heard Saudi Arabia's foreign minister speaking last week that his country's patience is not unlimited.

[Michelle Martin]

Could you lay out some of the reasons why or why not these efforts might be successful?

[Aya Bachraui]

So one of the reasons why we could see an effort and that this could lead to some kind of success is, you know, oil and gas prices are rising around the world. This is causing a lot of strain in countries all over the world and also Gulf Arab countries. They continue to be hit hard. Their energy facilities continue to be set on fire. So there's a lot of reason for why there would be countries that would want this war to wind down. But also one of the reasons why it might not be successful is because there's just no trust. You know, Tehran and Washington were in talks last month when the US And Israel launched this war. And with Iran's top leaders killed, including its top negotiator just last week, it's unclear who would be speaking right now on behalf of Iran. Now, Trump has laid out also stiff conditions for ending the war. He's talking about no nuclear enrichment by Iran and degrading its ability to produce and fire missiles. And he's been clear about Iran needing to cut support to militias in Lebanon and Iraq. This is also a demand by the uae, which has been targeted by missiles and drones, the most in the region, even more than Israel. Now, there are also demands on Iran's side, and Iran had already rejected all of that that Trump is wanting now, even before this war. And now Iran is even saying it wants compensation for the war. So all of this is happening as we continue to see hits across the region. Iran hit the city of Tel Aviv this morning in isra, and Iran says a gas supply to a power station in the southwest of the country was struck overnight.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's Aya Bachraui in Dubai. Aya, thank you.

[Aya Bachraui]

Thanks, Michelle.

[Amy Martinez]

President Trump likes to make deals, and that's the language he used Monday when talking about postponing his threat to attack Iran's power plants.

[Donald Trump]

All I'm saying is we are in the throes of a real possibility of making a deal. And I think if I were a betting man, I'd bet for it. But again, I'm not guaranteeing anything. They want to make a deal very badly.

[Michelle Martin]

As we have heard, Iran's regime responded through state media and denied that there were any direct talks between the US And Iran. Iran also accused Trump of trying to buy time to take more military action.

[Amy Martinez]

NPR White House correspondent Franco Ordonez is following this. So, Franco, tell us more about how Trump characterized what kind of conversations are happening.

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, I mean, as you guys mentioned, Trump said he was postponing attacks on the power plants for five days because his team was having, quote, productive conversations with Iran. Trump said they were talking to a top person in the Iranian regime who was not the new supreme leader, but he would not say who it was. He did claim, though, that whoever they were negotiating with agreed to Iran never having a nuclear weapon, which, of course, they've said before.

[Michelle Martin]

All right.

[Amy Martinez]

Trump emphasized that he wasn't guaranteeing anything. So how seriously should Americans take this?

[Franco Ordonez]

Well, I mean, it's very clear that Trump wants to reach a deal and to do so soon. Emily Harding, who handled the Iran portfolio in the George W. Bush White House, told me Trump is looking for an off ramp, basically. And he knows the politics. He knows the midterms are coming and sees the oil market struggling. And she recommended taking Trump's bravado with a bit of a grain of salt.

[Michelle Martin]

It really fits his M.O. this is how he prefers to negotiate. He makes a real maximalist pressure, demand, and then he seems to want to find a way to negotiate out of it so he can take the pressure off and declare victory.

[Sophie Granas]

But it kind of goes either way, right?

[Michelle Martin]

I mean, the adversary gets a vote.

[Franco Ordonez]

And she points out that we've heard these kind of things before. I mean, Trump repeatedly said he was close to reaching a deal with Russia over the Ukraine war, and of course, that never materialized.

[Amy Martinez]

Franco, you mentioned the politics involved. So what are the risks for the upcoming midterms?

[Franco Ordonez]

Well, I mean, I do want to say that Trump still likely has some Runway politically to work with. I mean, right now, most Republicans are behind him, but the party often struggles when Trump's name is not on the ballot, which it won't be. That said, if the US And Israel can wrap this war up in a couple weeks, he'll probably be all right politically. But John McHenry, a Republican pollster with North Star Opinion Research, he told me if the war goes on much longer than that and gas prices continue to creep up, say another 50 cents or more, then you're going to start to see more inflation, and not just in gas, but across the economy.

[Michelle Martin]

And that kind of increase in inflation, sort of a Bidenesque increase in inflation, would probably really set Republicans back in the fall.

[Amy Martinez]

It's the economy, stupid. I'm not calling you stupid, Franco, but how much of this is just about the economy.

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah. I mean, it's a lot about the economy. And that was the big issue that Trump won on two years ago. That and immigration, of course. But it's also about the possibility of boots on the ground. There are around 4,500 Marines heading to the Middle east right now. And a recent Quinnipec survey found that 52% of Republicans would be opposed to sending troops to Iran. You know, boots on the ground. And that could have a significant and a. I'm not saying those Republicans are all of a sudden going to vote for Democrats, but they could decide to just stay home and not vote in November.

[Amy Martinez]

That's White House correspondent Franco Ordonez. Thanks a lot.

[Franco Ordonez]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

Now to a major domestic issue. What's going on at the nation's airports? ICE agents have been deployed to about a dozen airports across the country.

[Amy Martinez]

Many transportation and security agents are calling in s or quitting after working more than a month without pay due to a partial government shutdown. But ICE agents don't appear to have made security lines move any faster.

[Michelle Martin]

Sophie Granas with Georgia Public Broadcasting saw wait times of up to five hours on Monday at Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. She's with us now. Sophie, good morning.

[Sophie Granas]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

So what else did you see?

[Sophie Granas]

Well, most of the ICE agents have been kind of walking around near the main security checkpoints at the airport and just observing the area. They weren't wearing any face coverings, and they seem to be doing more patrolling than actually helping with security lines. And besides, Atlanta, ICE isn't really saying publicly where else agents have been deployed. We do know they've been seen at about a dozen airports, including in Houston. And that's where Ariana Basalto was trying to get home to Charlotte for a second day on Monday from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. On Sunday, she said she was in line for three hours.

[Michelle Martin]

I just missed my flight by two minutes.

[Sophie Granas]

I had to book a fight for 300.

[Michelle Martin]

Yeah, I got here five hours early

[Aya Bachraui]

thinking it was not gonna like it

[Michelle Martin]

was gonna look like what it did yesterday. It looks way worse than what it did yesterday.

[Sophie Granas]

So, yeah, even with those ICE agents deployed, lines had not gotten much shorter.

[Michelle Martin]

And you were saying that ICE agents don't seem to be doing things like physically running security checkpoints or checking bags. So what are they doing?

[Sophie Granas]

Well, it's not really clear. In Atlanta, the mayor said that ICE would mainly be in charge of crowd control in the domestic terminal and that they would report directly to TSA officers as long as they're there. Ann Deming had just arrived in Atlanta when she said that she got some help from one ICE agent finding the airport shuttle. And he was like, oh, yeah, just go downstairs. I mean, nothing too major, but yeah, but super nice, super helpful. So, yeah, in Atlanta, it's mostly crowd control, but the TSA union in the meantime says that it's against having these agents work security because they're not trained to do that. And there's also frustration over the fact that these ICE agents are getting paid while TSA officers are not.

[Michelle Martin]

What else were you hearing from people about the presence of ICE at these airports?

[Sophie Granas]

Checkpoint well, yeah, most people I spoke with said they didn't really understand why ICE needed to be at the airport at all because most of them were just observed walking around. One traveler waiting in line said he was actually happy to see ICE agents and applauded President Trump for sending them. But others, like Sam Rosales, who was traveling on Monday, said seeing ICE agents walking around the airport felt strange.

[Amy Martinez]

It's very unsettling to have them, you know, in the presence of, you know, everyday stuff, not really protecting borders in Atlanta.

[Sophie Granas]

And again, despite having that extra manpower, people were still dealing with long lines.

[Michelle Martin]

And what are officials saying about security lines in Atlanta going forward?

[Sophie Granas]

So we know that hundreds of TSA officers have quit and that more than 40% in Atlanta had called out of work over the weekend. And the airport website that would normally show wait times instead just tells passengers to come four hours ahead of their flight. Yesterday evening there was a little law with shorter lines. And TSA officers that I spoke with said, don't be fooled, that as long as they're not paid, there's likely no end in sight to long lines at peak. And one more thing. President Trump has said that he could deploy the National Guard to airports if this drags on any further.

[Michelle Martin]

That's Sophie Gradas with Georgia Public Broadcasting in Atlanta. Sophie, thank you.

[Sophie Granas]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

And before we wrap up for today, our mission here is to provide fact based journalism. And we really appreciate it when we see that reflected in your feedback. Listener Cassie T. 717 recently wrote that they've listened for years because the hosts are, quote, no nonsense about the news, but still bring levity to the show.

[Amy Martinez]

You know, levity is code for a Martinez, Michelle. I know that Cassie mentioned me.

[Michelle Martin]

All right, if you value that balance, please leave us a five star rating or a brief review. It's the best way to help new listeners find our reporting. And thank you. And that's up first for Tuesday March 24th. I'm Michelle Martin.

[Amy Martinez]

And I'm Amy Martinez. Today's episode of up first was edited by Miguel Macias, Rebecca Metzler, Susanna Capilouto, Mohamed El Bardisi, and Alice Wolfley was produced by Zia Hutch and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Nisha Hyness. Our technical director is Carly Strange. And our supervising senior producer is Vince Pearson. Join us again tomorrow.

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