Iran’s leaders are holding out against Trump. Is this why?
4/24/202616 min
Iran’s new supreme leader hasn’t been seen or heard since being named his father’s successor. Lee Keath of the Associated Press explains why it’s difficult to know who exactly in the regime is in charge.
Candidates for California governor squared off in a debate this week. Politico’s Melanie Mason joins to discuss why the departure of Eric Swalwell following allegations of sexual assault still lingers over the race.
Pope Leo wrapped his tour of Africa and urged the U.S. and Iran to go back to the negotiating table. On this week’s Apple News In Conversation, NPR’s Scott Detrow explores what it means to have an American pope who understands U.S. politics.
Plus, the DOJ’s watchdog said it is launching an investigation into the department’s release of the Epstein files, a U.S. soldier has been charged with using inside information to bet on Nicolás Maduro’s future, and adults turn to pregaming to save money.
Today’s episode was hosted by Cecilia Lei.
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsCecilia Lei· Host0:00
[intro music] Good morning. Trump claims this is why talks with Iran are frozen.
Donald Trump· Soundbite0:09
They want to make a deal. We have been speaking to them, but they don't even know who's leading the country. They're in turmoil.
Cecilia Lei· Host0:16
The Associated Press looks at who's really running the country right now. The Pope concludes his marathon tour of Africa. His biographer, NPR's Scott Detrow, explains how the pontiff's juggled his visit with attacks from the White House. And a soldier involved in the capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro is charged after betting big sums on the former president's fate. It's Friday, April twenty-fourth. I'm Cecilia Ley, and this is Apple News Today. [intro music] Shoot to kill was President Trump's order yesterday against any Iranian vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Both the US and Iran have competing blockades in place, cutting off the world from a vital waterway for oil supplies. Their operations also appear to be stalling negotiations for now, as each side seize and intercept cargos in displays of force. Yesterday, when asked for a timeline on ending the war with Iran, Trump said, "Don't rush me," and he blamed faltering talks on the state of the Iranian leadership.
Donald Trump· Soundbite1:22
Their leaders are gone. You know, their leaders are all gone. Part of the problem is that, uh... that's why I can't really ans-answer your question.