Russia Mulls Ceasefire, EPA Rollbacks, Iran Rebuffs Trump
Mar 13, 2025
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Tensions rise as Russia weighs a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Ukraine, sparking a flurry of diplomatic activity. Meanwhile, the White House's rollback of environmental protections raises concerns about pollution and public health. In a surprising twist, Iran's Supreme Leader dismisses Trump's overtures for nuclear talks, accusing the U.S. of trying to exert pressure. This tangled web of geopolitics highlights the ongoing struggle between diplomacy and conflict on multiple fronts.
The U.S. proposes a 30-day ceasefire contingent on Ukraine halting air strikes, awaiting Russia's response amid national security concerns.
The Trump administration's rollback of EPA regulations raises alarms among critics about potential increases in pollution and public health risks.
Deep dives
Ceasefire Negotiations between the U.S. and Russia
The U.S. has introduced a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine, conditional on Ukraine ceasing air attacks on Russia in exchange for strengthened military support from the U.S. American officials emphasize that the initiative now hinges on Russia's response, with negotiations led by Trump's special envoy to Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has expressed that the Russian government is reviewing U.S. statements closely before providing its own feedback. Meanwhile, President Putin has demonstrated a hardline stance by asserting the desire for a resolution that addresses broader national security concerns, particularly regarding NATO's presence in Eastern Europe.
Environmental Deregulation Under the Trump Administration
The Trump administration is undertaking significant rollbacks of environmental regulations, which are expected to have far-reaching impacts on public health and pollution. Among the most significant changes is the reconsideration of the EPA's endangerment finding, a crucial legal basis for many climate regulations established after extensive legal battles. Critics warn that these deregulations could herald a return to higher pollution levels reminiscent of past environmental crises, including incidents that led to rivers catching fire. Environmental advocacy groups have labeled these changes as a direct threat to public health and an alarming shift towards prioritizing industry interests over ecological safeguards.
Trump's Letter to Iran and Response to Nuclear Talks
President Trump has reached out to Iran with a letter proposing negotiations regarding its nuclear program, while simultaneously leaving the option for military action on the table. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has dismissed the proposal as deceptive, citing distrust stemming from Trump's previous withdrawal from the nuclear deal negotiated under the Obama administration. There is resistance in Iran towards dismantling their nuclear program despite increased uranium enrichment since the abandonment of the deal. Additionally, regional players like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are concerned about Iran's ambitions but also seek stability in the region to prevent escalated conflicts.
President Trump's special envoy is in Moscow for talks as Russia reviews a U.S. backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. The White House is rolling back more than two dozen environmental protections regulations, a move critics warn could lead to more pollution and health risks. And, Iran's Supreme Leader rejects President Trump's effort to start nuclear talks, calling it a deceptive attempt to pressure Tehran.
Today's episode of Up First was edited by Ryland Barton, Neela Bannerjee, Kevin Drew, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis, our technical director is Carleigh Strange.