U.S.-Iran Talks Continue, Texas Politics, 2026 Winter Olympics Begin

Summary of U.S.-Iran Talks Continue, Texas Politics, 2026 Winter Olympics Begin

by NPR

16m•February 7, 2026
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Overview of Up First — U.S.-Iran Talks Continue, Texas Politics, 2026 Winter Olympics Begin

This episode of NPR’s Up First (Feb 7, 2026) covers three main stories: indirect U.S.–Iran talks held in Oman that appear to have eased immediate tensions, the intensifying immigration debate ahead of Texas’s 2026 primaries and its U.S. Senate race, and the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan alongside Super Bowl preview commentary. Reporters summarize what happened, the political implications, and what to watch next.

U.S.–Iran talks in Oman

  • What happened
    • Indirect, six-hour talks took place in Muscat, Oman. The U.S. delegation included envoy Steve Whitcoff (named in the transcript) and Jared Kushner, communicating with Iran’s foreign minister via Omani intermediaries.
    • Both sides described the meeting as lengthy and intensive and signaled interest in another round of talks (no date set).
  • Official reactions
    • President Trump called the talks “very good,” said Iran “looks like it wants to make a deal very badly,” and emphasized the U.S. was not rushing.
    • Iran’s foreign minister (transcript names him as Abbas Araqji; often spelled Araghchi/Araghchi) said Iran is “ready for both peace and war” and supports more talks.
  • Broader U.S. strategy and pressure points
    • Military threat and naval presence in the region were part of the U.S. posture.
    • The U.S. has also used financial pressure: Treasury officials argued U.S. actions contributed to a dollar shortage and banking collapse in Iran that spurred public unrest and protests.
    • New U.S. sanctions targeted entities alleged to be illegally trading Iranian oil; the White House also threatened tariffs on countries trading with Iran.
  • Stakes and context
    • Iran insists the talks concentrate on its nuclear program and maintains its nuclear activities are peaceful; the U.N. nuclear watchdog has said it found no evidence Iran was building a bomb.
    • Regional reactions vary: some countries (e.g., Israel) favor regime change, while others fear the chaos of unplanned regime collapse.

Texas politics and the immigration debate

  • Election context
    • Texas primary season is approaching. Gov. Greg Abbott seeks re-election; Sen. John Cornyn faces multiple Republican primary challengers (including Ken Paxton). Several Democrats (notably Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Tallarico) are competing to challenge for the Senate seat.
  • Messaging and policy positions
    • Governor Abbott urged a “recalibration” of federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing respect for ICE and continued deportation capability.
    • Sen. Cornyn advocated de-escalation of confrontations but defended law enforcement’s role in deportation operations.
    • On the Democratic side, Crockett and Tallarico have expressed support for abolishing ICE.
  • Voter response, especially among Latino voters
    • Recent ICE operations and enforcement tactics have provoked walkouts, protests, and strong backlash across Texas.
    • Many Latino voters who supported Trump/Republicans in 2024 over economic promises now feel betrayed by immigration enforcement that they view as overreach; reporters say Latino enthusiasm for Republicans has dropped.
    • Democrats see increased energy and engagement, but Texas remains a red state — no Democrat has won a statewide race in about three decades — so overcoming that history will be challenging.
  • What to watch
    • Whether Latino voter shifts persist into the general election and whether internal Republican adjustments blunt the political fallout.

Sports: 2026 Winter Olympics opening and Super Bowl preview

  • Winter Olympics (Milan, 2026)
    • Opening ceremony took place; Norway is the favorite for overall medals.
    • Highlights to follow: star athletes (Mikaela Shiffrin mentioned), Lindsey Vonn’s return/attempts despite injury, NHL players’ return to Olympic competition, traditional nation strengths (Dutch in speed skating, Alpine powers on the slopes).
    • Russia and Belarus largely absent due to sanctions over the Ukraine invasion.
    • NPR has additional Olympic coverage via the Up First Winter Games video podcast on YouTube.
  • Super Bowl
    • Previewed matchup: Seattle vs. New England — noted as a rematch with historical significance (Malcolm Butler interception referenced).
    • Analysts view Seattle as the favorite; New England (underdog) has surprised this season.
    • No firm prediction offered — emphasis that “that’s why they play the games.”

Notable quotes and soundbites

  • President Trump: “We likewise had very good talks on Iran. Iran looks like it wants to make a deal very badly.”
  • Iran’s foreign minister: both sides wanted another round; “Iran was ready for both peace and war.”
  • Treasury official (named in transcript as Scott Besant): U.S. actions contributed to a dollar shortage that precipitated economic collapse and protests in Iran.

Main takeaways

  • The Oman talks are a tactical win for reducing immediate military tension and keeping diplomatic channels open, but significant gaps remain over scope and aims of negotiations.
  • Immigration enforcement is a flashpoint shaping voter sentiment in Texas — especially among Latino voters — and could alter political dynamics in a state that remains structurally difficult for Democrats.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics provide a moment of global sporting unity and human-interest stories, while the Super Bowl commands U.S. attention this weekend.

Where to follow more

  • NPR’s continuing coverage: Up First and the Up First Winter Games video podcast on NPR’s YouTube channel.
  • Watch for follow-up reporting on the next round of U.S.–Iran talks, developments in Texas primary campaigns, and day-by-day Olympic competition results.