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Trump Says He's Seeking Real End to Iran's Nuclear Program; Sources Say, U.S. Intel Shows Iran was Years Away from Nuclear Weapon; Minnesota Shooting Suspect Went to Four Different Lawmakers' Homes. Aired 7-7:30a ET

Aired June 17, 2025 - 07:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[07:00:00]

SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking this morning, President Trump abruptly leaves the G7 Summit and is back in D.C. posting an ominous message on social media warning citizens to immediately evacuate Tehran. And just this morning he said, quote, Tehran should have taken the deal that was on the table. It would've saved a lot of lives.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: So, for the first time since their parents were killed, the children of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, they are speaking out, as we learn new details about the suspect's targets and his message to his own family.

And can you hear me now? The Trump sons launch Trump Mobile, insisting their father has nothing to do with it, with serious questions about what they're actually offering.

Kate is out today. I'm John Berman with Sara Sidner. This is CNN News Central.

SIDNER: Breaking news this morning, President Trump arriving back in the U.S. just a short time ago after abruptly leaving the G7 summit in Canada early, and he had a stark message for Iran as that country's conflict with Israel escalates. He's not interested in a ceasefire. He wants a, quote, real end to Iran's nuclear program.

Here's what he told reporters on Air Force One just moments ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REPORTER: What specifically is better than a ceasefire? What are you looking for here?

DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT: An end, a real end. Not a ceasefire, an end.

REPORTER: So, something that would be permanent?

TRUMP: Yes, or giving up entirely. That's okay too.

REPORTER: Are you closer? Is, are you possible? Is that a possibility? TRUMP: Why not? Certainly possible. A complete give up, that's possible, yes.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SIDNER: The president saying he would be in the White House Situation Room this morning, and he also posted this after touching down, quote. I have not reached out to Iran for peace talks in any way shape. Or form.

Before leaving Canada, he issued a dire warning to Iran saying that, quote, everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran the capital city with a population of nearly 10 million people. And images that we are getting in show massive lines of vehicles jamming the highways as Tehran residents race to try and escape the city.

This morning, new images from the skies over Israel as Iran fired a new wave of missiles. According to officials on either side of the conflict, 24 people have been killed in Israel, and 224 are dead in Iran since the strikes began five days ago.

CNN's Alayna Treene is at the White House for us this morning. Do we have any sense of what the President is doing right now and any sense of what he means when he is warning all these people to leave Tehran, what that means?

ALAYNA TREENE, CNN WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Yes. Look, so this morning, Sara, we heard the president say this directly. I've also been told this in my conversations with White House officials that he will be gathering with his National Security Council in the Situation Room very early this morning. That is what he said was the reason for why he left that G7 Summit in Canada so abruptly.

He said that he believed he did everything he needed to do in Canada and that really he wanted to get back to Washington immediately to deal with this escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. He said essentially that he liked to have these conversations in person. He does not believe in using phones because they could be listened to those conversations. And so that's what he's going to be doing this morning.

I do want to emphasize though, that clip you played just moments ago of what the president said because it is a pretty big tone shift from what we have been hearing him and other Trump administration officials say over the past couple days. The president said that he does not want a ceasefire. He wants a permanent end. He wants any deal that could potentially be worked out to be a permanent end to this conflict.

But he also said that he would potentially, you know, believe that giving up is an option. He said that's a possibility. And that is very different from what we had been hearing up until yesterday. Because in my conversations with everyone I've spoken with here at the White House, they had said that the president really did want and believe that a deal could be worked out. Up until this point, we know that the U.S. has not really been involved directly in these strikes from Israel to Iran. Instead, they've helped provide Israel with defensive capabilities, including intercepting some of the missiles from Iran and also intelligence.

[07:05:02]

But unclear if that is going to change and, you know, if there's more to why he wanted to return so abruptly.

Now, he also made a ton of new, Sara, during that Air Force One ride when he spoke with some of his -- with reporters. I want to read for you just some of the other things he said. He did actually dispute something we had heard from his director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, back in March when she testified that she believed that Iran was far from creating a nuclear weapon. He said actually that they are very closely to that, or at least they were very close to that. He also reiterated that he wants, you know, to wipe out Iran's nuclear capabilities.

When it comes to what he said about Tehran, he wouldn't say more than that. All he said is that he wants people to be safe. He wouldn't describe any specific threat, but then he added that he does not believe that Iran would target U.S. troops.

So, of course, we have lots of questions for the president and his administration today. We'll bring you all the news as we get it. Sara?

SIDNER: There is so much there. Thank you so much, Alayna Treene for walking us through all of it this morning. John?

BERMAN: Yes, so much going on this morning on one of the specific things that Alayna said, what the U.S. thinks about how close Iran is to getting a nuclear weapon. That was Israel's justification for its initial attack last week. And President Trump sort of echoed that this morning.

But there is new CNN reporting indicate there are doubts in the intelligence community about how close Iran actually is to getting a weapon.

CNN's Zach Cohen has this reporting. He's with us now. What are you learning, Zach?

ZACHARY COHEN, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY REPORTER: Yes, John. There appears to be some daylight between the U.S. intelligence community and Israel, and I guess now Donald Trump on this question of how close Iran is to obtaining a nuclear weapon. And specifically sources telling me and our colleague, Katie Bo Lillis, that the intelligence community assessed before the most recent Israeli strikes, that Iran was years away, as much as three years away from not only obtaining a nuclear weapon, but developing the system meant to deliver it at a target of its choosing.

And that does really run counter to the more urgent and dire timeline that Israel and Donald Trump have put forward in recent days. Israel, of course, saying, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that Iran has been working in secret to develop nuclear weapons over the last several months, and that it's very close to having a nuclear weapon.

Donald Trump, of course, addressing this question today when he was asked by reporters about his Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's testimony in March, where she said that Iran is not actively working towards a nuclear weapon. Take a listen to what Donald Trump said when he was asked this question today.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KAITLAN COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR AND CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: You've always said that you don't believe Iran should be able to have a nuclear weapon, but how close do you personally think that they were to getting one? Because Tulsi Gabbard --

TRUMP: Very close.

COLLINS: Tulsi Gabbard testified in March that the intelligence community said Iran wasn't building a nuclear weapon.

TRUMP: I don't care what she said. I think they were very close to having one.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COHEN: So, why does this matter, right? Israel has used this sort of urgent warning about Iran's nuclear program as justification for its latest round of preemptive strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Of course, this big question still hangs over the entire situation as to whether or not Donald Trump in the U.S. will become directly involved in the conflict. Donald Trump has said as recently as today, that he wants to dismantle Iran's nuclear program. In order to do so, that will require one of two things. Experts tell us either a negotiated deal or U.S. military strikes.

BERMAN: All right. Zach Cohen, some brand new reporting that fits right in where this story is right now, I appreciate your work on this. Thank you very much. Sara?

SIDNER: All right, John. Ahead, he stalks his victims like prey. The new details we are learning about the other stops. Police say the suspect made the day a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband were assassinated.

And video capturing the moment a Russian drone exploded onto an apartment building in Ukraine's capital city. More on the attacks that Ukraine says are the deadliest in weeks.

And what happened when a bear broke into a California home and came nose to nose with a 17-year-old dog named Doodle? Doodle's got some paws on him. We'll show you.

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[07:10:00]

SIDNER: This morning, news details about the Minnesota man charged with fatally shooting State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband and severely injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. We now know suspect Vance Boelter stopped at the homes of two other state lawmakers on the night of those shootings and even encountered a law enforcement officer at one of those stops, that officer was doing a safety check and mistook Boelter for a fellow policeman.

New images are also showing the weapons authorities recovered from inside Boelter's SUV and around the scene. He is facing six federal charges in addition to four state charges for murder and attempted murder.

CNN's Danny Freeman is tracking all the developments in Minneapolis for us. Danny, what are you learning? We're also hearing from the family members for the first time of two of the victims.

DANNY FREEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Sara. Listen, the past 72 plus hours here in Minnesota really have been so challenging for so many. There was the initial fear during that manhunt. Then there was relief when the suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, was ultimately captured.

[07:15:02]

Then there was shock at so many of the new details we learned yesterday in federal court filings. And then, of course, there's this grief and mourning element that just permeates through the entire area, and that's what I want to talk about.

As you noted, late last night, we actually get a statement from the children of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. That statement from their children read in part, we're devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can't believe they're gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much.

And the statement continues, hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents live their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. That plea for unity really something that we've heard a lot over the past day or so.

Now, quickly, I'll just run through, Sara, some of those new details that we learned yesterday, including Boelter, allegedly targeting at least four lawmakers early Saturday morning, not two, as we initially believed, though, he only fired at two homes, as you noted. He also had an arsenal of weapons in his car. And he also texted his family while he was on the run, saying that he hoped that they were not implicated.

I want you to take a listen to how the acting U.S. attorney framed these heinous crimes.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOSEPH THOMPSON, ACTING U.S. ATTORNEY, DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA: It is no exaggeration to say that his crimes are the stuff of nightmares. Boelter stalked his victims like prey. He went to their homes, held himself out as a police officer, and shot them in cold blood.

And this was a political assassination.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FREEMAN: And, again, Sara, that statement, the stuff of nightmares, I mean, that's truly what's on the mind of so many here in Minnesota today.

Boelter, for his part, he's facing, as you noted, multiple state and federal charges. His next federal court appearance is scheduled for the end of next week. Sara?

SIDNER: Wow, there's so much there. Danny Freeman, thank you so much for bringing us all of the new details this morning in that case.

All right, ahead, breaking this hour, the huge food conglomerate Kraft Heinz says it will be removing all artificial dyes from its foods. Why they are doing it, and when you can expect to see the change on store shelves.

Also, for the first time since his surgery, star pitcher Shohei Ohtani makes his long awaited return to the mound and, boy, it's a doozey.

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[07:20:00]

SIDNER: Taking a quick look at the markets this morning. Futures are lower as investors around the world keep a close eye on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and the latest wave of missile attacks. Next hour, investors will get new data on the strength of the consumer with the retail sales report. Economists expect retail sales slowdown actually in May after consumers pulled back on spending in April thanks to high uncertainty surrounding President Trump's tariffs. John?

BERMAN: All right. Oklahoma City, one win away. I am going to say it again. Oklahoma City, one win away from his first NBA championship. So exciting for them, I have to say it twice. This is all thanks to 40 points from J Dub, Jalen Williams.

CNN's Coy Wire is with us now. And, Coy, if Jalen Williams is dropping 40, like what chance do any of us have for like the next ten years?

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Yes, that's right, Berman. Hopefully, it's decent chances for your Celtics there. But, listen, yes, they're a fun team to watch, John. They're the youngest team to reach the finals in 48 years. They're one win away from bringing Oklahoma City its first NBA title. Average age, just 24 years old. They've got League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and this guy J Dub, as John calls him, putting up a monster game, scoring 40 points. Jalen Williams was everywhere.

Now Pacers star Tyrese, Haliburton was essentially nowhere. He left the game for a bit with a leg injury, didn't make a field goal all night long, going, 0-6. SGA, the MVP, factored in for OKC. He had 31 points, 10 assists. He passes LeBron and Jordan for most 30 in five games in a single postseason, a dazzling dozen. Many comparing SGA and Williams' performances these playoffs to Jordan and Pippen-type of tandem and they look like it. 71 points combined in a 121-109 win, OKC handing the Pacers their first back-to-back losses in three months.

Here's 24-year-old Jalen Williams after his superhero-like night.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JALEN WILLIAMS, OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER FORWARD: My teammates and instill a lot of confidence in me and go out and be me. Mark's done a good job of telling me just be myself. I don't got to be anything more. And that's giving me a lot of confidence.

Learning through these finals, that's what makes the team good and I thought we were able to do that and we were able to collectively get stops and win the game.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WIRE: All right. For the first time since his elbow surgery 21 months ago, two-way star Shohei Ohtani making his highly anticipated return to the mound, pitching in a Dodgers uniform for the first time. His performance, so, so, like the seamstress. He faced the Padres. He pitched one inning, allowed one run, but it was a welcome site nonetheless after his long recovery. The N.L. home run leader did his thing at the plate, going 2-4, knocking two runs in a 6-3 win for L.A.

Check this out, John. Elimination game between Arkansas and Murray State, and Arkansas Pitcher Gage Wood throws the first no hitter at the Men's College World Series in 65 years. Now, Wood actually had a perfect game going into the eighth until that testy curve ball hit a batter. It's in phase gauge though, striking out all three batters in the final hitting, and then erupting. Arkansas stays alive with a 3-0 win. His teammates rushing the field, his parents go on bonkers in the stands.

That's just the third no-hitter ever, John, and his 19 strikeouts are the most in any nine inning men's college World Series game.

[07:25:01]

He said afterwards he took that ball and he gave it to his dad for a late Father's Day gift. How sweet is that?

BERMAN: Did he walk off the field with a 97-mile-per-hour hitter in the ninth inning? He still went 97 after a complete game?

WIRE: 119 pitches and he was still bringing the heat, John.

BERMAN: All right. Well, that's very impressive and we need to talk later about you calling Shohei Ohtani a seamstress.

Coy Wire, thank you very much for that? All right, 11th hour diplomacy or a bunker busting bomb, the critical decision this morning for President Trump, who is said to be headed to the Situation Room shortly.

And then hats, hoodies, meme coins, and now a golden smart phone. New details on Trump Mobile, the latest business venture by the president's sons.

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