US-Iran Talks Begin, Dems List Of DHS Demands, Search For Nancy Guthrie Continues

Good morning, Up First listeners. In a world that feels off balance, that changes fast, staying informed matters. Follow-up first on your podcast app so the day's top stories are waiting for you when you wake up. The US and Iran open talks in a bid to avoid a war. President Trump, though, moved navy ships and warplanes to the region for possible military strikes. What happens if talks fall apart this time? I'm Steve Inskeep with Leila Fadl, and this is Up First from NPR News. Democrats gave a detailed list of demands to change how immigration agents operate. Lawmakers have a week to reach an agreement or lose funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Agencies like the TSA and FEMA could be affected if Congress doesn't reach a deal in time. And the FBI confirms a ransom letter in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Guthrie, the mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, but no direct contact has been made with the family yet. What's the latest in the investigation? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day. Valentine's Day is coming up, and the perfect gift for the NPR lover in your life is waiting at the NPR shop. From cozy sweaters and mugs made for slow mornings to our tiny desk hoodie, there's something for every NPR fan. Each purchase supports public media and the journalism you love. Find something meaningful at shopnpr.org. On NPR's Wildcard podcast, Melinda French Gates on seeing her ex husband Bill Gates' name in the latest Epstein files. For me, it's personally hard whenever those details come up, right, because, brings back memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage. Watch or listen to that wild card conversation on the NPR app or on YouTube at NPR wild card. On the TED Radio Hour, if you won the lottery, your life would be amazing. Right? So I think everyone's got a vision of what it's like to win the lottery in their head when they're playing. The reality, of course, is very different. Ideas about making the most of what you've got and finding agency. Listen to the TED Radio Hour on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts. The US and Iran open negotiations today in a bid to avoid a war. They meet at the urging of Iran's neighbors. The neighbors know Iran has threatened attacks in all directions if it is struck in any way. The US has an aircraft carrier and other forces in the region. To set this up and to break this down, we're joined by NPR national security correspondent, Greg Myrie. Good morning. Hi, Leila. So, Greg, what is the prospect for a deal here? Well, Leila, there is a chance if these talks, which are taking place in Oman, are limited to Iran's nuclear program. Now this is what Iran wants. And Iran is in a position of real weakness, and it's …