US-Iran Talks, Summers Resigns Over Epstein Ties, Cuba Kills Four In Boat Strike

Summary

NPR Up First: US-Iran Talks, Summers Resigns Over Epstein Ties, Cuba Kills Four In Boat Strike

Date: February 26, 2026
Hosts: Michelle Martin, Ada Peralta
Reporters: Jane Araf, Suvon Lee
Guest Voices: Timothy Patrick McCarthy (Harvard faculty), Michael Bustamante (Univ. of Miami), Kiki Naranjo (People’s Self Defense Group)

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Episode Overview

This episode covers three major stories dominating the morning’s news:

1. Crucial US-Iran talks in Geneva with growing fears of war.
2. Larry Summers’ resignation from Harvard over ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and its implications for the university.
3. A deadly boat confrontation in Cuban waters, the context, and its repercussions for US-Cuba relations.

Each story is analyzed with on-the-ground reporting, expert interviews, and direct quotes, exploring the wider ramifications in US foreign policy, academia, and the ongoing pressure on Cuba.

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1. US-Iran Talks: Nuclear Tensions and Risk of War

Segment Start: [02:22]
Key Speakers: Michelle Martin, Jane Araf (NPR), Timothy Patrick McCarthy (Harvard faculty)

Summary

• US and Iranian officials meet in Geneva for potentially decisive talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
• President Trump recently claimed Iran was developing missiles capable of reaching the US, heightening war worries.
• The talks follow last year's escalation: Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent US airstrikes, halting previous negotiations.
• The US military buildup in the Middle East is described as the largest since the 2003 Iraq invasion.

“US threats against Iran and the probable Iranian retaliation have raised what seems to be a very real risk of a wider war, and it has the entire region in a state of high alert.”
– Jane Araf, [02:54]

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio expresses uncertainty about a diplomatic breakthrough:

“The Iranian insistence on not discussing ballistic missiles is a big, big problem. I'll leave it at that.”
– Marco Rubio (via Jane Araf), [03:39]

Key Points

• US demands Iran address both nuclear enrichment and ballistic missiles; Iran refuses, citing national defense.
• Iranian Foreign Minister says Israel is pushing these demands, calling it a “recipe for failure.”
• No breakthrough expected, but the scheduling of further talks would be seen as progress.
• The Trump administration also wants Iran to halt support for militant groups and stop crackdowns on protests.
• The threat of regime change, openly discussed by Trump, looms over negotiations.

“Ultimately, there’s that specter of toppling regime. Trump in February said regime change in Iran would be the best thing that could happen.”
– Jane Araf, [05:05]

• Regional tension is high; countries advise citizens to leave. Oil prices are up, and US bases are on alert.

---

2. Harvard’s Larry Summers Resigns Over Epstein Ties

Segment Start: [06:08]
Key Speakers: Michelle Martin, Suvon Lee (WBUR), Timothy Patrick McCarthy (Harvard faculty), Theda Skocpol (Harvard professor)

Summary

• Larry Summers, former Harvard president and US Treasury Secretary, announces retirement after scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Summers’ resignation follows new email revelations detailing a close, personal relationship with Epstein, including conversations about his personal life and “banter about Epstein being Summers’ wingman.” ([06:31])
• Summers had already been on academic leave; he won’t receive the honorary title of professor emeritus.
• Harvard’s review into Epstein connections continues.

Faculty Reaction

“His high profile has become not just a distraction for Harvard to have to deal with, but the kind of pall that’s been cast upon the university at a time where the university hardly needs any more burdens.”
– Timothy Patrick McCarthy, [08:47]

“This is somebody who has a lot to offer intellectual life and was a valued teacher by many Harvard students.”
– Theda Skocpol (as paraphrased), [09:12]

• More professors’ and even a college president’s ties to Epstein are being reviewed, including at Bard College and among other Harvard faculty.

“Each day is bringing new developments. It’s kind of like what consequences will be next.”
– Suvon Lee, [09:54]

---

3. Cuban Boat Confrontation: Four Killed, Rising Tensions

Segment Start: [10:06]
Key Speakers: Michelle Martin, Ada Peralta (NPR), Kiki Naranjo (Auto Defensa del Pueblo), Michael Bustamante (Cuba scholar, Univ. of Miami)

Summary

• Cuban border troops engage a boat registered in Florida; four people on board are shot and killed.
• Cuban government claims the men had “terrorist intent,” citing recovered weapons.
• Some killed were Cuban exiles known to the government, designated as terrorists.

The Human Story

• One survivor, Mahail Sanchez Gonzalez, runs an anti-Castro organization. According to his associate Kiki Naranjo:

“None of those men, he told me, are terrorists. All of them are men who want Cuba to be free, he says. But they grew tired. They got tired of promises from presidents. They got tired of promises from Congress.”
– Ada Peralta paraphrasing Kiki Naranjo, [11:03]

• On whether US pressure is enough:

“The only thing the Cuban government understands is bullets.”
– Kiki Naranjo (via Ada Peralta), [12:09]

Consequences and Context

• Incident revives memories of the 1996 “Brothers to the Rescue” shootdown.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges caution, saying the situation is under investigation.
• Scholar Michael Bustamante observes:

“The Trump administration seems torn between actually wanting to escalate things with Cuba beyond a point, but then also fearing the consequences.”
– Michael Bustamante (via Ada Peralta), [13:11]

• Potential feared outcomes include mass migration or military intervention, which analysts say Trump likely wants to avoid.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On US-Iran Talks:
  “No breakthroughs expected today. But if more talks are scheduled, that in itself is seen as progress.”
  – Jane Araf, [04:47]

• On the Harvard Community's Atmosphere:
  “His high profile has become … the kind of pall that’s been cast upon the university at a time where the university hardly needs any more burdens.”
  – Timothy Patrick McCarthy, [08:47]

• On Cuban Opposition Sentiment:
  “They grew tired … of promises from presidents. … The only thing the Cuban government understands is bullets.”
  – Kiki Naranjo (via Ada Peralta), [12:09]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• US-Iran Talks Begin in Geneva: [02:22]
• Background and Stakes of US-Iran Negotiations: [02:54] – [05:57]
• Larry Summers Resignation Announced: [06:08]
• Summers' Relationship with Epstein and Reaction: [06:31] – [09:54]
• Cuban Boat Shootout and Fallout: [10:06] – [13:25]

---

This episode blends high-stakes diplomacy, the shockwaves of accountability in academia, and the enduring volatility in US-Cuba relations, delivering essential reporting and context for a fast-moving news day.

Transcript

[Michelle Martin]

Good morning. A hello. Good morning. Well, we miss you already.

[Ada Peralta]

Really? Wow.

[Michelle Martin]

Because you were here and we enjoyed

[Narrator/Host]

your company, I find that hard to believe. US And Iranian officials are meeting today. President Trump is still considering military strikes.

[Michelle Martin]

The talks will focus on Iran's nuclear program. But the US Also wants ballistic missiles on the table. Is a deal possible?

[Narrator/Host]

Tommy Martinez. That is Michelle Martin. And this is up first from NPR News. Harvard professor and former U.S. treasury Secretary Larry Summers is resigning from the university.

[Timothy Patrick McCarthy]

His high profile has become the kind of pall that's been cast upon the university at a time where the university hardly needs any more burdens.

[Narrator/Host]

It's the latest consequence triggered by the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

[Michelle Martin]

And Cuban border agents shot and killed four people on a US Registered bo. The Cuban government described them as terrorists who tried to infiltrate the island. Who were these men? Stay with us. We'll give you news you need to start your day.

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[Michelle Martin]

today in Geneva to discuss Tehran's nuclear program in what seems like a last chance to avert war.

[Narrator/Host]

That's after President Trump claimed without providing evidence in his State of the Union address on Tuesday that Iran is building missiles that will soon be able to reach the United States.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR's Jane Araf is following the talks from Aman Jordan and is with us now to tell us more. Good morning, Jane.

[Jane Araf]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So these are the third high level talks between Iran and the US in this round of negotiations over curbing Iran's nuclear program. If you would just remind us about the background against which the is all taking place.

[Jane Araf]

So Israel attacked Iran last June and those were followed by US Airstrikes just before scheduled negotiations. So that obviously put a halt, a dramatic halt to those talks. These ones now are an even bigger deal because of the US Military buildup in the Middle east, the biggest since the US invaded Iraq in 2003. So those US threats against Iran and the probable Iranian retaliation have raised what seems to be a very real risk of a wider war and it has the entire region in a state of high alert. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to reporters late Wednesday. He said he didn't know if today's talks were the key for a decision on military action. But he added this that would be

[Timothy Patrick McCarthy]

good if progress was made on Thursday. And I would say that the Iranian insistence on not discussing ballistic missiles is a big, big problem. I'll leave it at that.

[Jane Araf]

So in addition to uranium enrichment being discussed, the US Is demanding that Iran give up ballistic weapons as well.

[Michelle Martin]

You know, it's interesting, Jane, that both sides seem to be tamping down expectations of any breakthrough today. So just give us a sense of the state of play and what can be accomplished.

[Jane Araf]

Sure. The Omani foreign minister who's mediating the talks is going to relay the Iranian counter proposals that he received to the US Delegation this morning. That delegation has headed by Steve Witkoff, the billionaire real estate developer appointed by President Trump as a special Middle east envoy and Trump's son in law, Jared Kushner. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Arakji said yesterday there was basis for some agreement with the US on the nuclear issue. But he makes clear that ballistic missiles are not on the table. Iran has said that expecting it to give up its national defense assets is a demand driven by Israel and he calls it a recipe for failure in negotiations. So bottom line, no breakthroughs expected today. But if more talks are scheduled, that its has seen his progress.

[Michelle Martin]

And this demand for no nuclear or ballistic weapons is not all that this administration wants from Iran. So tell us more about that.

[Jane Araf]

The administration's also demanding that Iran stop support for militant groups in other countries. It has demanded that it halt its crackdown on Iranian anti government protests in which thousands of people, mostly protesters, have been killed by security forces. Limited protests restarted in Iran last weekend. Ultimately though, there's that specter of toppling regime. Trump in February said regime change in Iran would be the best thing that could happen. So that really is hanging over everything

[Michelle Martin]

as well as the specter of this wider war. I take it the rest of the region is dealing with that.

[Jane Araf]

Things are quite tense, actually. A lot of countries are advising their citizens to leave some countries in the Middle east while they can. Oil prices are higher. All of these countries in the Middle east are seen at risk because so many of them have U.S. bases.

[Michelle Martin]

That's NPR's Jane RF Jane, thank you.

[Jane Araf]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

Harvard professor and economist Larry Summers announced he will resign from teaching there later this year.

[Narrator/Host]

This comes after more was revealed about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Harvard is continuing to investigate Summers and others for their ties to the convicted sex offender.

[Michelle Martin]

Suvon Lee from WBUR in Boston is here to tell us more. Good morning, Sioux.

[Suvon Lee]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So catch us up to these developments. They seem to be happening pretty rapidly.

[Suvon Lee]

Sure. So both Summers and Harvard announced his resignation. In separate statements, Summers said his decision to retire was, quote, difficult. He said he will be always grateful to his students and colleagues. Summers had been on academic leave since new emails with Jeffrey Epstein surfaced in November. Those emails shed more light on their tight relationship. They discussed Summers interest in a woman outside his marriage. And they banter about Epstein being Summers wingman. Summers had stopped teaching his fall courses and stepped back from public appearances. So for him to announce that he's retiring doesn't totally come out of left field. A Harvard spokesman said Summers resignation comes in connection to the school's ongoing review into the new Epstein files released by the government. Now, it's unclear what his affiliation with the school will be, but the spokesman tells me he won't receive the honorary title of professor emeritus.

[Michelle Martin]

Can we just clarify here? Is he resigning or is he just retiring sooner than perhaps was expected?

[Suvon Lee]

Well, Summers statement said that he was retiring. However, the Harvard University statement said that at least the dean of the Harvard Kennedy School accepts his resignation from being a co director at that center in connection to the school's new investigation.

[Michelle Martin]

Interesting. Okay, so remind us, if you would, about why there's so much attention on Larry Summers.

[Suvon Lee]

Sure. So Summers is one of the most well known figures at Harvard. He's a prominent economist. He was treasury secretary under President Bill Clinton, and he was Harvard's president for five years starting in 2001. During his tenure, Epstein gave millions of dollars to the university. We know Summers kept up a personal correspondence with the late financier even after Epstein's first conviction in 2008. That continued until 2019, shortly before Epstein's arrest on charges of federal sex trafficking of minors. Summers hasn't been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, but the emails demonstrate the closeness he had to Epstein.

[Michelle Martin]

And what are other faculty there saying?

[Suvon Lee]

Yeah, so I've been talking with faculty since these emails came to light in November. Some applauded Harvard's decision to reopen investigations into Epstein's ties with Professors Summers retirement doesn't come as a huge surprise. Here's Timothy Patrick McCarthy, who's among the faculty at Harvard's Kennedy School.

[Timothy Patrick McCarthy]

His high profile has become not just a distraction for Harvard to have to deal with, but the kind of pall that's been cast upon the university at a time where the university hardly needs any more burdens.

[Suvon Lee]

And McCarthy is referring there to what he called President Trump's full frontal assault on higher ed. I also talked with Theta Skocpol, a government professor at Harvard. She told me Somerset's departure is also

[Timothy Patrick McCarthy]

a loss, despite his repeated failures of good judgment. This is somebody who has a lot to offer intellectual life and was a

[Michelle Martin]

valued teacher by many Harvard students, not just Harvard, though. He had relationships with faculty at other academic institutions, as we recall. Right.

[Suvon Lee]

A handful of professors and at least one college president are among the names in the Epstein files. A math professor at Harvard was just placed on administrative leave. Bard College, a small liberal arts school in New York, is investigating its longtime president, Leon Botstein, for emails that show a deeper friendship to Epstein. Each day is bringing new developments. It's kind of like what consequences will be Next.

[Michelle Martin]

That is WBUR's Suvon Lee. Suvon, thank you.

[Suvon Lee]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

The Cuban government says its border troops engaged in a gunfight with a boat registered in Florida and killed four people on board.

[Narrator/Host]

The government says they were, quote, terrorists trying to infiltrate the island.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR's Ada Peralta is following this story from his base in Mexico City. Ada, good morning.

[Ada Peralta]

Hey, good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So how did this happen?

[Ada Peralta]

Well, the Cuban government says this boat was registered in Florida and it ventured into Cuban territorial waters. They say when Cuban border troops approached the vessel, the people on board opened fire. Cuban troops then returned fire, killing four people on that boat and injuring the other six. The Cuban government also said the captain of its vessel was injured. Cuba's Interior Ministry says that the men on the boats had, quote, terrorist intent. They said they recovered assault rifles, handguns, and Molotov cocktails.

[Michelle Martin]

The Cuban government, as I understand it, released a list of people that they say were on the boat. Do we know anything about them?

[Ada Peralta]

Yeah, The Cuban government says that some of these people were known to them. They were Cubans living in the US and some of them had been designated as terrorists by the Cuban government. We were able to learn about one of the survivors. His name is Mahail Sanchez Gonzalez, and he runs a group called Auto Defensa del Pueblo, or the People's Self Defense Group. And I spoke to his friend Kiki Naranjo. They run the organization together. And he says that over the past few years, they've been recruiting Cubans inside the island and to build a clandestine society. Essentially, he says the point is to sabotage the Cuban government from the inside. And that angel says he did not know of the plans that Sanchez had, but that he would have been proud to be on that boat. None of those men, he told me, are terrorists. All of them are men who want Cuba to be free, he says. But they grew tired. They got tired of promises from presidents. They got tired of promises from Congress. And I pressed them a little bit, because the Trump administration is also very much turning up the pressure on Cuba. The US has enacted an oil blockade, driven the country to the brink of collapse. And I asked Narang Ho if he didn't think that was enough to topple the government. And he replied, the only thing the Cuban government understands is bullets.

[Michelle Martin]

So what could be the fallout of this incident, which I think many people realize is taking place against the background of some tense moments already between the US And Cuba?

[Ada Peralta]

Yeah, I mean, look, the first thing everyone thought when they heard this news was brothers to the rescue. And 30 years ago this week, the Cuban government shot down the plane of a US organization that helped rescue Cuban migrants out at sea. Four people were killed, and the US Congress reacted by codifying the embargo against Cuba. Those sanctions are still in place today. Yesterday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, we're not jumping to conclusions. We're going to investigate. And I spoke to Michael Bustamante, who studies Cuba at the University of Miami, and he says this will no doubt inflame tensions in South Florida. But he was surprised by how measured Rubio's comments were.

[Narrator/Host]

I think the Trump administration seems torn

[Timothy Patrick McCarthy]

between actually wanting to escalate things with Cuba beyond a point, but then also fearing the consequences.

[Ada Peralta]

And those consequences, he said it could be mass migration or regime change triggering a US Military intervention, which he doesn't think Trump wants, that is.

[Michelle Martin]

This is NPR's Ader Peralta reporting from Mexico City. Ader, thank you.

[Ada Peralta]

Thank you, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

And that's up first for Thursday, February 26th.

[Narrator/Host]

I'm Michelle Martin and Amy Martinez. Today's episode of up first was edited by James Heider, Tina Kraja, Alyssa Nadwarni, Tara Neal, H.J. mai and Alice Wolfley was produced by Ziad Butch and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our tech technical director is Carly Strange. Our deputy executive producer is Kelly Dickens. Joining us again tomorrow.

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