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Iran Asks mor Meeting with U.S.; Rep. Johnny Olsewski (D-MD) is Interviewed about Iran; World Food Programme Acting Executive Director Carl Skau is Interviewed about Venezuela; Polls on the Democratic Party. Aired 9-9:30a ET

Aired June 29, 2026 - 09:00   ET

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

[09:00:00]

PATRICK DE HAAN, HEAD OF PETROLEUM ANALYSIS, GASBUDDY: Time after time, over the last couple of months, that what happens Friday afternoon, by Sunday evening the situation improves. Oil, again, flowing through the Strait. And that's what oil markets are really looking at, how quickly vessels are traveling through the Strait. And while we did see a brief pause, we're also seeing more ships travel through the Strait. And that's really what markets are staring at most, will oil continue flowing? That is what is going to be dependent on for these gas prices to continue to climb. And, of course, now we're also going to be contending with hurricane season in the weeks ahead as well.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Don't I know it.

All right, Patrick De Haan, thank you very much. And, of course, if you have a long trip planned, check out GasBuddy to get a sense of where you might get some affordable gas. Appreciate your help, as always.

A brand-new hour of CNN NEWS CENTRAL starts right now.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news coming in. Moments ago, President Trump says Iran has asked for a meeting and it will happen tomorrow. But Iran says, maybe not.

Plus, is birthright citizenship about to be thrown out? We are waiting critical, final decisions from the Supreme Court as they wrap up a momentous term.

And a dinner party with your new neighbors. What could possibly go wrong, or so right? Edward Norton joins us on set today to talk about his new film, "The Invite."

I'm Kate Bolduan, with Sara Sidner and John Berman. This is CNN NEWS CENTRAL.

SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR: All right, new strikes between the U.S. and Iran and now mixed messages about what's going to happen next. The White House says Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will fly to Doha this week for high level meetings with technical talks on the sidelines.

And President Trump posted this, "Iran has requested a meeting. It will take place tomorrow in Doha!" But according to one of Iran's top negotiators, there are no new technical talks set for this week on any major issues.

The back and forth comes as a Trump administration official says the U.S. and Iran will stand down for now after the latest flare up. Both sides exchanging fire. Iran targeting U.S. military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, and a U.S. official says no Iranian drones or missiles actually were able to hit their intended targets. But images show a residential building in Bahrain sustaining some heavy damage there.

CNN's Julia Benbrook is live this morning for us at the White House.

There's a lot of back and forth here, not terribly unusual between Iran and the U.S., one disputing the other back and forth. What are you learning this morning as to what may really occur?

JULIA BENBROOK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That has been a familiar matter throughout all of this process. And despite what the Iranian side is saying right now, President Donald Trump himself is saying that these meetings will take place in Doha, Qatar. That lines up with what we had previously heard from an administration official. Trump is adding, though, that it is Iran that requested this meeting.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added a bit more information. She spoke with Fox News just a little while ago. And she said that high level talks will take place on the memorandum of understanding. And there will also be technical talks on the sideline.

Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KAROLINE LEAVITT, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: Iran has requested a meeting this week. So, Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be flying to Doha for high level meetings this week as we continue to discuss the memorandum of understanding. On the sidelines of those high-level talks will be the technical talks. So, as far as we're concerned, we're holding up our end of the ceasefire.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BENBROOK: As that back and forth started really on Thursday and escalated into the weekend, the big question was, and continues to be, what will this mean for the ongoing negotiations? A senior administration official tells me that these talks are going to continue as planned. Going on to say this, "nothing has been canceled. Technical talks regarding the implementation of the MOU are on track for the coming days as planned, and deconfliction channels are up and running after the Lake Lucerne Summit."

It was just last weekend that Vice President J.D. Vance, who was joined by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, that they led the high-level, high-stakes talks in Switzerland. Vance did say that he believed that great progress had been made during that.

The memorandum of understanding, the agreement that has been signed by the United States and Iran, is really just a starting point. It kicked off this 60-day time period for these more technical talks, to work out details on some of the big issues regarding Iran's nuclear program, like the fate of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Officials have also told us that there is a halt in the fighting right now, that the United States and Iran have both agreed to halt fighting as these next steps move forward.

Sara.

SIDNER: Julia Benbrook, thank you so much for clarifying all of that for us this morning.

[09:05:00]

Kate.

BOLDUAN: Let's talk about it. Joining us right now is Democratic Congressman Johnny Olszewski of Maryland. He sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Thanks for being here, Congressman.

Of the back and forth strikes this weekend, I want to play for you what Republican Senator Roger Marshall said about it all, kind of the state of where things are at this moment.

Let me play this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. ROGER MARSHALL (R-KS): The major war is over. And think of this as almost just a mop up operation. We have to press them. If they strike us, we have to strike them back by ten.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: It kind of comes down to, I don't know if it's a definition of terms, but do you think that the major war is over?

REP. JOHNNY OLSZEWSKI (D-MD): It doesn't seem to be the case. And I think that's part of the problem when you have a president who goes to war without any congressional involvement, without a plan for how it ends. And what we're seeing now is what was a dressed up ceasefire, that even might not be holding. And so, I have serious concerns. I continue to have serious concerns about whether or not we'll be able to get out of this.

And even if we do, at what cost? We have seen that we've lost service members, we've paid tens of billions of dollars. Now we're talking about giving Iran tens of billions more in sanctions relief and a reconstruction fund. And even as we're doing that, Iran isn't even proving to be a good partner in terms of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. So, this has been a disaster from the beginning. And the only person

who seems to benefit from it is President Trump and his family himself.

BOLDUAN: Let me -- let me ask you about the getting out -- getting out of this bit of it because, yes, the president says that there is going to be a meeting tomorrow. But just this weekend, on Saturday, I want to read again for everyone what he posted on Saturday about this kind of back and forth. He wrote, "there may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist."

Even though, Congressman, you do not agree with Trump's premise for going to war here, do you see it reaching a point where you could -- you would support returning to a full military operation in order to finish this war, to get out of this, as you said?

OLSZEWSKI: Well, what's clear is that President Trump has created really an untenable position where we're going to be giving up things that we weren't under prior agreements, under the JCPOA, or, as he just pointed out, we're going to be having to go and do additional warlike activities or outright war with Iran. We know that that's a country that can't have a nuclear weapon, that strangling the Strait of Hormuz is a problem not just for the United States but for the entire world.

And so, sure, I would consider any action. But the problem is, this is an administration that has completely sidelined Congress. And so, I really would hope that my colleagues, especially my Republican colleagues, would grow a spine and stand up to the president and say, you have to come to the table and bring Congress into these decisions. It's clearly articulated in the Constitution and the law that we should have a say in these matters. And the president has completely ignored Congress, which has created the problem in the first place.

BOLDUAN: Definitely seen some of -- some Republicans standing up, especially in the Senate, as we talked about the blowup that occurred during the Senate Republican lunch last week.

But kind of the control of Congress and the issue of the war is becoming a central issue in the midterm elections. And there continues to be quite a lot of ink being spilled on the internal battle going on within the Democratic Party. The way that "Politico" put it is this, "moderate Democrats are sounding the alarm after massive losses in New York's primaries. They fear they're on the verge of losing the party's ideological civil war and hurting its electoral chances."

Will being tied to this progressive push in these wins in New York, or being tied to the likely next mayor of D.C., hurt your campaign?

OLSZEWSKI: I don't think so. People in my district know me. And what I'll say is this, Kate, is that, you know, I can disagree with some of the positions or statements of some of the incoming members of Congress but still welcome them. We are a big tent party. And what I will do is, I will welcome anyone who wants to work alongside me to lower costs for hard working Americans, who wants to fight the rampant corruption we're seeing under this administration and do things like ban stock trading, what we should be really talking about, though, is the problem that the president is causing to our democracy, to our institutions, to our employees and to this country by the decisions he's making.

So, certainly there's room for disagreement within our party. I welcome that. As a -- as a member from Maryland, I know that I respect the decisions of the people of New York, for example, and am ready to welcome those members, even as -- even as we have disagreements, because there are bigger challenges at stake, including what this president's been doing.

BOLDUAN: One of the questions, though, about this kind of -- this internal struggle is, is there a problem being exposed with Democratic Party infrastructure to actually do the job of winning elections? Because as "Axios" is highlighting, Dan Pfeiffer, a former top aide to President Obama, and Dan has written this, "it is very clear that the groups on the left, Justice Democrats, Democratic Socialists of America, Our Revolution, are out-organizing, out-fundraising, out- outmaneuvering the traditional party institutions. That's happening. They have captured the energy, they are being more creative, they are being more strategic, they're being more aggressive."

[09:10:24]

And Dan says he's worried about the ability of the Democratic Party infrastructure to actually win elections facing this. Do you see this? Are you worried?

OLSZEWSKI: Well, I think we have to channel that energy and welcome it into the party. That is the whole point of a big tent party is that we have a diverse set of viewpoints that can be part of that message to America. And yes, look, I think all candidates should be out working, out raising, out organizing. And so that's what we're doing in my campaign here in Maryland. I was honored to have over 85 percent of the vote in my primary just last week. And I think that's a reflection of the fact that we're talking about the issues that matter to Marylanders. They want to see lower costs. They want to see us fight corruption and hold this administration accountable. And so that's what we're going to do. And I think that we welcome that irrespective of where someone comes from on the ideological spectrum.

BOLDUAN: Yes. Congressman, thanks for coming in today. Appreciate it.

John.

BERMAN: All right, this morning, a near miracle in the earthquake zone. Video of a man pulled from beneath the rubble after being trapped for five days, more than 100 hours.

And the weather that's already wreaking havoc this holiday weekend, it could get even worse. Deadly floods and the looming threat of days of triple digit heat in some of the country's biggest cities.

And what would Thomas Jefferson think about the country's 250th birthday? We'll ask his great, great, great, great, great, great, great -- you get the idea -- grandson.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:16:25]

SIDNER: All right, we have some breaking news to tell you about out of Germany. Five people are dead, several others have been injured, after a shooting at a youth facility. This happened in northern Germany. Police say they arrested two suspects and there's no ongoing threat at this hour. So far, investigators are still looking for what the motive may have been.

John.

BERMAN: All right, we'll keep our eye on that.

In the meantime, new video out of Venezuela shows the incredible rescue of a 21-year-old man who was trapped beneath the rubble for five days, five days, more than 100 hours. He was able to communicate with rescuers, and doctors were able to keep him hydrated until the crews could pull him out. It happened just this morning. The video was actually posted by the Venezuela's leader, Delcy Rodriguez. The crews had to work for about 43 hours once they located him to dig him out. You can see the size of that operation.

Now, despite these moments of hope, there is still so much need in that country. With us now is the acting executive director of the World Food Programme, Carl Skau.

Thank you so much for being with us. What can you tell us? What are the people on the ground in Venezuela telling you about the situation they are seeing?

CARL SKAU, ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME: Well, first, I think, you know, while it's five days now, there's still a lot of shock, of course. And, you know, there are scenes of destructions absolutely everywhere. People are still searching through the rubble to try to find loved ones that they're still missing. And, you know, thousands of people who are sleeping, either in the open or in these centers, evacuation center. And also, I must say, a lot of fear because there have been some smaller aftershocks. So, still a lot of fear, of course.

You know, at WFP, we are responding. Our staff, frankly, of course, have been impacted as well. We have many of our colleagues sleeping in cars or, you know, with family and friends. But we are stepping up. We are supporting.

And frankly, I must say also, the Venezuelans themselves have shown impressive solidarity. I think also the world, frankly, has stepped up. I mean the number of teams on search and rescue has been impressive.

I think now, you know, some 72 hours into this is when also the other needs beyond search and rescue start to hit, water, food, shelter, sanitations. And that's when we step in with our partner agencies to provide relief.

BERMAN: What is the status of that in terms of getting food and water to people in need?

SKAU: I mean we, you know, we are already delivering in what's called these integrated service hubs where people also come and search for loved ones. And so, we have delivered to a few thousand people, but we are now beginning to scale that up. We have plans to be able to reach some 500,000 people. And we have the capacity to go to a million if that's needed. But we are still coordinating, of course, you know what the needs really will be going forward.

We're also now looking to expand. I mean, so far the focus is Caracas, La Guaira, you know, the urban centers, but we know that more harder to reach, more rural areas have also been hit. So, we need to get a better understanding of the situation there.

And then, of course, you know, WFP, we always have a strong logistics capacity. We have a strong footprint in Venezuela, in the region, in Barbados, in Panama, in Colombia, of course. And so we're now in touch with authorities and with other partners to see how we can use this logistics capacity to bring in more relief.

I mean it's important to say, I mean, this is -- it's a massive hit, and it's going to require a lot of international support. And so, you know, we're also looking to donors to continue to provide that support.

[09:20:04]

BERMAN: There's, obviously, been political upheaval in Venezuela. What has the impact of that been in terms of getting aid where it needs to be?

SKAU: I mean, as I said, I think, you know, the Venezuelan people have responded impressively with solidarity. And I think also so far the world has really stepped up. And that's, you know, across the world there is no, you know, there's almost no one in the region and beyond that haven't offered support on. So, I hope that continues.

And I think it's important to note that, you know, the recovery from this will really be a marathon. It's not a sprint. The international community will continue to have to contribute. You know, we have experience from Haiti. We have experience from the Turkey earthquake. We have done this before. And we know that this will take a long time and it will require a lot of support from. So, we hope that spirit of support will continue.

BERMAN: Indeed. And thank you so much for the work that you are doing. Carl Skau, from the World Food Programme.

For more information about how everyone, you, can help the victims of the Venezuela earthquake, go to cnn.com/impact or text quake to 707070. There's also a QR code at the bottom of your screen right there that you can scan.

Sara.

SIDNER: All right, thank you so much, John.

Still ahead, wildfires scorching tens of thousands of acres in Utah. The pictures, incredible. Colorado as well dealing with fires. Three firefighters have lost their lives so far. What we are learning about these dual fires.

And a space telescope could plunge back to earth. NASA is now heading up a mission to try to push it back into orbit for safety.

Those stories and more, ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:26:04]

BERMAN: This morning, Democratic discontent. People in the party not so happy with the party, including its leaders.

Listen to Senator Elissa Slotkin.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. ELISSA SLOTKIN (D-MI): We need new leadership in the White House, the House and the Senate and on both sides of the aisle. That includes Democrats.

If people can't understand that the game has fundamentally changed and they can't adapt, then they need to let others lead.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: With us now, CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten.

That's pretty direct there.

HARRY ENTEN, CNN CHIEF DATA ANALYST: Yes.

BERMAN: We need new leadership in the Senate, says a Democratic senator. They have a Democratic leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, right?

ENTEN: They have a Democratic leader in the Senate in Chuck Schumer, but I think Elissa Slotkin is channeling Democratic voters on this one because it's no longer the overall electorate that doesn't like Chuck Schumer. Look at this change among Democrats themselves. Chuck Schumer's net favorable rating with Dems now versus the last time Democrats were going for that Senate majority. In early 2020, look at this, Chuck Schumer was 40 points above water, very much on the positive side of the ledger with Democrats.

Look at this. Look at this change. This is nuts. Johnny B., off on the side, going, my goodness gracious. Now he's a point underwater with Democrats. Chuck Schumer isn't unpopular overall. He is that. He's not just that. He's actually not popular with Democrats. Elissa Slotkin, who's a moderate Democrat, her comments, not coming out of left field.

BERMAN: Again, to be clear, this is among Democrats.

ENTEN: This is among Democrats where Chuck Schumer is struggling.

BERMAN: All right, how is he doing among Democrats in New York, his home state?

ENTEN: Yes, you think that this number is bad. What about here in his home state of New York? I tell you, these numbers scream primary challenge two years from now.

Look at this. OK. New York Dems who view Chuck Schumer favorably. Again, in early 2020, it was 75 percent. Three in four Democrats. Now it is less than half. Less than half of Democrats in Chuck Schumer's home state of New York. Forty-seven percent who view him favorably. This is part of a larger picture in which Democrats are turning against their leadership. They are specifically turning against Chuck Schumer. He is actually underwater nationally with Democrats. And even in his own home state of New York, the empire state, he can't even reach 50 percent favorable rating with Democrats.

BERMAN: One of the ways this has manifested itself over the last few weeks is a little bit of a leftward lurch and a rise of progressive Democrats, Democratic socialists. We have primaries in Colorado tomorrow.

ENTEN: Yes.

BERMAN: And the potential for some surprises there. I should tell people, the incumbent Republican senator, Michael Bennet --

ENTEN: Democratic.

BERMAN: Democratic, sorry, incumbent Democratic Senator Michael Bennet --

ENTEN: I know, it's so difficult because the numbers are so bad.

BERMAN: Is -- I was trying to say the "r" is running for governor there.

ENTEN: Yes.

BERMAN: And I think a lot of people thought that Bennet would go from the Senate to the governor's mansion pretty easily.

ENTEN: Yes, that's what the thought was. He was leading in all the early polls, but he had a challenger in Phil Weiser, the attorney general in that state. And look at how these odds have changed. Look at now these odds have changed. Michael Bennet, at the beginning of this month, look at this, 82 percent chance to win according to the Kalshi prediction market. Phil Weiser, just a 21 percent chance. These numbers have totally flip-flopped. Now it is Phil Weiser who is actually the favorite, heading into tomorrow. Michael Bennet, who, of course, is a longtime senator from the great

state of Colorado, is an underdog. An underdog running for governor. This is how toxic the Democratic brand in Washington, D.C., is. And Chuck Schumer in particular.

BERMAN: And there's a 30-year Democratic incumbent, Diana DeGette, who could be in some trouble there.

ENTEN: Could be in trouble? She is in trouble. I mean, this could be another one for the Democratic socialists. Look at this. The chance that Melat Kiros is the Dem nominee for Colorado One. Again, at the beginning of the month, it was 41 percent. Now it is a 78 percent chance that another Democratic socialist knocks off an incumbent. Another Democratic socialist wins a House primary on the Democratic side.

[09:29:56]

The Democratic socialist number is rising on the Democratic side, on the House of Representatives, in large part because the Washington, D.C., Democratic brand is toxic, not just with voters overall, but with the Democratic base in.