Iran War Week 5, Trump's Mixed Messages, TSA Back Pay

Pakistan says it is ready to host talks between The US and Iran. But are there signs a meeting will take place as The US deploys marines to the region and Iran attacks US troops in Saudi Arabia? I'm Michelle Martin. That's Leila Faro. And this is Up First from NPR News. President Trump says Iran agreed to most of his 15 plan to end the war, but he also threatened to obliterate Iran's energy infrastructure if a deal isn't reached soon. So what's behind the mixed messaging? And some TSA workers are finally getting paychecks after more than a month without them. But congress still hasn't reached a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security. So when will their next paycheck come? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day. This message comes from Kachaba. It can be tough to stick to your wellness routine, especially when you're on the go. Kachava's new travel packs make it easier. Just one packet provides nutrition ready for wherever life takes you with protein, fiber, greens, probiotics, electrolytes, and more. Take your daily ritual with you. Go to kachava.com and use code NPR. New customers get 15% off their first order. That's kachava.com, code NPR. This week on sources and methods, the latest on a Pentagon controversy. Defense secretary Pete Hegseth takes the highly unusual step of personally intervening to block military promotions, plus the latest escalation in Iran after an American helicopter is shot down. We digest the week's biggest national security headlines on sources and methods from NPR. This message comes from the John d and Catherine t MacArthur Foundation, recognizing extraordinarily creative individuals whose ideas, solutions, and discoveries expand people's expectations of what's possible. Macfound.org. Iran is allowing some ships to pass through the state of Hormuz, but the vast majority of oil and gas tankers remain trapped. And despite thousands of US and Israeli attacks on Iran, it's still launching dozens of missiles and drones daily at Gulf countries. Joining us to talk about the latest from The Gulf is NPR international correspondent, Eya Bichawi, in Dubai. Dubai. Eya, good morning. Thanks for joining us. Good morning, Michelle. So what's it like there today, more than a month into the war? Well, to begin with, this is supposed to be the peak tourism season here, but the hotels are pretty empty. You know, the government did approve a financial package to help businesses here that are suffering, just yesterday. And the central bank is also allowing local banks here to draw from cash reserves to help with liquidity as people move their money out or defer on payments or maybe even require more loans. And then there's what we call the new normal here. You know, this is a safe haven. People are not accustomed to coming under attack, and this city does not have shelters because Dubai was never attacked by missiles before this war. But this is what it …