The episode opens with an Iranian official accusing the U.S. of planning a ground invasion of Iran, warning it will be met with force. The U.S. has deployed thousands of additional sailors and marines to the region in response. Regional diplomats are meeting in Islamabad today to discuss efforts to end the war, with Pakistan hosting representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in the conflict, having passed along a U.S. proposal to Iran last week. It remains uncertain whether the U.S. and Iran will engage in direct talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces that Ukraine will provide air defense technologies to three Gulf nations that have been targeted by Iran in retaliation. Ukraine is rebranding itself as a provider of military aid, not just a recipient. Iran has been using attack drones on Gulf nations, similar to those Russia has employed against Ukraine for nearly four years. Ukraine has developed cheap, innovative methods to shoot down these drones. Zelensky states that Ukraine wants to share its anti-drone technology with allies. He reveals that Russians are sharing information with Iran, and the extent of weapons transfers is unknown. Zelensky made these remarks to reporters on Zoom from Qatar, where he signed one of the deals. On Friday, he secured a deal with Saudi Arabia and was finalizing another with the United Arab Emirates. The episode concludes with news that TSA agents are expected to be paid as soon as tomorrow, marking the first payment in six weeks.
