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Trump Says U.S. Bombed "Iran's Crown Jewel," Kharg Island; Smoke Rises near U.S. Embassy in Baghdad; Michigan Synagogue Attacker Had Ties to Hezbollah; Strikes on U.S. Gulf Allies Continue; Russia to Reap Unintended Benefits from Iran Conflict; New Strikes on Kyiv Kill Four, Injure 15; Files Reveal Messages between Epstein and Sarah Ferguson; Cuban President Confirms Diplomatic Talks with White House. Aired 4-5a ET
Aired March 14, 2026 - 04:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE (voice-over): This is CNN breaking news.
KIM BRUNHUBER, CNN ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Welcome to all of you watching us here in the United States, Canada and around the world. I'm Kim Brunhuber in Atlanta.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST (voice-over): (INAUDIBLE) I'm in headquarters here in Abu Dhabi, where the time is midday. And we are getting new video, showing smoke and small flames rising from a building near the U.S. embassy compound in Baghdad.
It is unclear what happened there. CNN has reached out to the U.S. State Department for more information. This incident comes just days after a suspected Iranian drone hit a U.S. diplomatic support center near Baghdad's airport.
Meanwhile, around the region, Iran now threatening to retaliate after the U.S. said it bombed every military asset on Kharg Island. That is, according to Iranian state media, which reports no oil infrastructure there damaged. The island handles about 90 percent of Iran's crude exports.
President Donald Trump says its oil infrastructure could still be targeted if Iran continues blocking ships from getting through the critical Strait of Hormuz.
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QUESTION: Mr. President, when will the Navy start escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz?
How long now do you think the war is likely to last?
TRUMP: I can't tell you that. I mean, I have my own idea.
But what good does it do? It'll be as long as it's necessary. They've been decimated. The countries, their country is are in bad shape. The whole thing is collapsing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, the flow of oil in the Strait of Hormuz has effectively been paralyzed because of this war with Iran. A senior Iranian official tells CNN that Iran is considering allowing a limited number of oil tankers to pass through that strait but only if the oil cargo is traded in Chinese yuan.
Well, let's go live now to CNN's Paula Hancocks. She's here in Abu Dhabi.
Let's just start with the very latest on what we understand to be the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and their impact at this point.
PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Becky, we do know that overnight there were further strikes against Iran. The specific one that we're focusing on closely, of course, is Kharg Island.
This is a very small island, five miles, eight kilometers, an Iranian island, where 90 percent of crude exports emanate from. So it is critical to Iran's ability to be able to sell oil. And a blow to the oil infrastructure there really would be crippling for its economy.
Now what we heard overnight from the U.S. president, overnight here from the U.S. president, was that they have taken out all of the military targets on this island. He has said that, for reasons of decency, we have chosen not to wipe out the oil infrastructure on the island.
But depending on what happens with the Strait of Hormuz, that might be something that they do going forward. So we have already heard from Iranian officials that, if the U.S. were to target its energy infrastructure, then they in turn would target the energy infrastructure of their neighbors.
Of course, the Gulf nations have a lot of these -- this infrastructure in place. And they said specifically those who do deals with the U.S. or that have U.S. companies represented there. So clearly that is something that nations here will be watching out for.
We heard the parliamentary speaker in Iran saying that they would abandon all restraint if any aggression against Iranian islands took place.
Now looking at what came the other way toward Israel certainly, overnight, we saw more seeming to be cluster bombs that Iran had fired against targets in Israel. Now these are the munition where the warhead is effectively filled with smaller bombs, which detonate or which separate higher in altitude.
So it is extremely difficult for air defense systems to take them down. And they also spread across a wide area. Now we heard from Israeli officials that there were fires in at least two locations in Tel Aviv because of these munitions.
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But at this point, there are no reports of casualties, Becky
ANDERSON: Paula, what are we learning about the current view from the Gulf region?
HANCOCKS: There is increasing anger amongst those leaders in the Gulf nation who had warned against this military action, who had refused to allow the U.S. to use air bases and airspaces, wanting to insulate themselves from the war.
But that was not in Iran's ideas. They had warned there would be a regional conflict. Now we did see Reuters speaking to a UAE diplomat, the former ambassador to the U.N., about how this war could end. I want to read you a couple of quotes from Lana Nusseibeh.
She said, quote, "Ultimately, it will be a diplomatic solution but there needs to be that tipping point moment. I think president Trump will lead us all to that moment in his time."
Now she was also asked about mediation and how that is possible. She said that, "Mediation can only happen when the guns go silent."
Now we have heard criticism elsewhere in the Gulf nations as well. We've heard in Qatar, the foreign ministry spokesperson earlier this week, said that this is the biggest I-told-you-so in history, having warned, they said, that escalation since 2023 would lead to this wider regional conflict, saying that those warnings fell on deaf ears.
And this is where we are now. Becky.
ANDERSON: Thank you, Paula.
And Paula just noting the comments from Doha in Qatar. And we will get to Doha a little later this hour.
Well, Lebanon's capital is reeling from the latest round of Israeli strikes as the fighting there shows no signs of letting up. A short time ago, Lebanon reported a strike on a health care center in the south, which left 12 medical workers dead.
Lebanon's public health ministry says one person was wounded and a rescue effort is underway.
Israeli planes have also dropped leaflets over the city. They contained a message from an Israeli intelligence unit in charge of recruiting agents.
Well, the U.N. says more than 800,000 people have already been internally displaced because of this conflict. Some experts say that number could soon reach 1 million as Israel raises the prospect of a bigger ground operation in the south. One humanitarian worker says the displaced residents still have something to rely on: each other.
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CARL SKAU, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, U.N. WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME: The Lebanese people have been through this crisis before. They've been displaced before but that doesn't make it any easier.
On the contrary, they are exhausted. They are afraid and frankly, there is a sense of desperation here on the streets. The government is responding and we are supporting them to deliver with hot meals to the shelters, with cash to the people that have been displaced.
And really what we're seeing is Lebanese solidarity in action. Lebanese communities supporting Lebanese communities, Lebanese in our workforce supporting the Lebanese people.
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ANDERSON: The view there in Lebanon.
Well, global oil prices closing the week at their highest level since 2022. All told, Brent and U.S. crude up by more than 40 percent since the war with Iran began.
Those rising markets reacting to fears that the war in Iran will continue to disrupt the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, fears that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been quick to downplay. Have a listen.
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PETE HEGSETH, DEFENSE SECRETARY: And as the world is seeing, they are exercising sheer desperation in the Strait of Hormuz. Something we're dealing with. We have been dealing with it and don't need to worry about it. The only thing prohibiting transit in the strait right now is Iran shooting at shipping. It is open for transit, should Iran not do that.
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ANDERSON: Well, this comes as the U.S. military struck military sites on Iran's Kharg Island, that key hub, that handles about 90 percent of Iran's crude exports. Let's get you some analysis on this.
Joining me now live from the UAE is Amena Bakr, head of Middle East energy and OPEC+ insights with the data and analytics company Kpler.
It's really good to have you. Amena, thank you for joining us. Let's start with the significance and, as you see it, likely consequence of that U.S. strike on Kharg Island.
AMENA BAKR, HEAD OF MIDDLE EAST ENERGY AND OPEC+ INSIGHTS, KPLER: Well, so far, Becky, I mean, the strike did not aim at any of the energy infrastructure on the island. But as you rightfully said, 90 percent of the loadings happen at Kharg Island. But at the same time, I mean it's just a loading hub.
[04:10:02] And it's not exactly like -- the fields are not located on Kharg. It's just the -- a loading hub there. Of course, it would have an impact but, until now, the infrastructure hasn't been targeted.
ANDERSON: You've written that Donald Trump is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at this but can't bridge the supply gap when you have Hormuz disrupted.
I mean, what are the alternative supply routes being explored at this point, both, as you understand it, by Iran and by Gulf producers?
BAKR: What we've been seeing, Becky, is that Iran is still loading its oil and using Hormuz, around 14 million barrels. That's our latest estimate. And that number, of course, changes day by day, of Iranian crude made it out of Hormuz. That's according to our statistics so far.
And we've been seeing a number of Gulf countries also use alternative routes with Saudi Arabia, for example, using its east-west pipeline and loading out of the Yanbu (ph) Port in the west. And then the UAE also using Fujairah to export, which bypasses the strait, to export its crude.
The issue this morning -- and we've learned from sources -- is that Fujairah yet again has been targeted. And energy infrastructure just generally in the Gulf region continues to be targeted.
So when U.S. officials say, oh, it's just a small problem of ships being shot, it's not a small problem at all. I mean, that's enough to deter vessel owners and companies from crossing that strait anytime soon.
ANDERSON: Yes. And, you know, to your point, you know, we see this oil price some 40 percent higher than at the start of this war. And expectations that could go higher, as you very specifically point out, I mean, you know this is -- this is a real impact.
And at present we see no fix to that issue on the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. interior secretary Doug Burgum confirming that the U.S. government has discussed trading in oil futures to curb prices. I would say there has been a discussion, he said. An intervention to try to manipulate and lower prices would require enormous amounts of capital.
What do you make of those comments, Amena?
BAKR: Well, I'll use the word that you used just now. It's manipulation, it's market manipulation. And this will have a catastrophic impact on the entire market.
And I mean, everything that you're seeing right now, Becky, the so- called interventions by the U.S., whether through capital markets, whether through SPR (ph) releases, whether through messaging around, you know, how safe the strait is.
And Trump calling on companies and ship owners to have some guts and cross the strait. So all of that, I don't think, is going to have an impact. Reality is very, very different from the picture that they are painting.
And it's all just messaging to calm the price down. But it's just a matter of fundamentals, catching up with that price. And we will see a further escalation. This is a ginormous energy crisis we're facing today. And this is just the beginning.
ANDERSON: The U.S. may see some relief over the weekend in the rise in these prices. I'm talking very specifically about the U.S. administration here, because, of course, it is the weekend. But I mean the notion of what happens next and the impact that that will have, of course, on Monday in trading, yet to be seen.
I mean it's always good to have you. Thank you very much indeed for joining us.
And just to note, we've seen a strengthening of the dollar overnight. Of course, the dollar benefiting from its safe haven role and America's position as a net oil exporter.
The U.S. economy less exposed than many other countries to higher energy prices, although the price at the pump will be something, as we know, the Trump administration is keeping a keen eye on.
We'll have a lot more from the Middle East coming up. For now, though, it is back to Kim in Atlanta.
BRUNHUBER: All right. Thanks so much, Becky.
Still ahead, two attacks in the U.S. hundreds of miles apart. But each incident hitting at places where people typically feel safe, a house of worship and on a university campus. A look at what we know about both attacks coming up next. Stay with us.
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GOV. GRETCHEN WHITMER (D-MI): This is not a political moment. This is not a political debate. This is targeting babies who are Jewish. That's antisemitism at its absolute worst.
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BRUNHUBER: Well, that was Michigan's Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, speaking out against antisemitism following Thursday's attack on a Detroit area synagogue.
The FBI says the attack was a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. Authorities say the attacker crashed a truck loaded with a large amount of fireworks and several jugs of what's believed to be gasoline, ramming the vehicle into the synagogue before opening fire.
Law enforcement sources tell CNN the assailant had previous links to the militant group, Hezbollah, though he was not believed to be a member. CNN asked Michigan's attorney general whether the suspect was on state law enforcement's radar. Listen to this.
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DANA NESSEL (D-MI), STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL: There have been some significant changes made in our federal partners in terms of the kind of work they're doing. And we've worked for a long time side by side with the local state and the Feds in terms of combating domestic terrorism in our state.
But many of the federal agents that we've worked with for a long time, many of them don't work for the FBI anymore at all.
And many of those who do have been transferred. And their duties have gone from domestic terrorism to immigration and, unfortunately, pursuing people who are much less dangerous to our communities. And I don't know if that had an impact on why we didn't know about this particular individual, if they did have ties to Hezbollah.
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But it's deeply concerning to me and it has been for a long time.
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BRUNHUBER: Now that attack in Michigan came just hours after a deadly shooting hundreds of miles away in Virginia at Old Dominion University. The FBI is investigating the shooting there as a terror attack. Federal authorities say there are no indications the two attacks are connected. CNN's Brian Todd has the latest on the investigation.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is the FBI we have a search warrant.
BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A normally quiet neighborhood suddenly put on edge.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Put your hands down and follow the instructions.
TODD (voice-over): Late Thursday night, law enforcement officials raided the home of Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who the FBI identifies as the shooter in Thursday's Old Dominion University terror attack.
CLAIRE WANG, NEIGHBOR: It was like a movie. It was really scary seeing everyone, you know, armed with their military rifles because I've never seen that before in my life. TODD (voice-over): Claire Wang lives across the street in this Washington, D.C., suburb in Virginia. She took this video as law enforcement surrounded Jalloh's home.
WANG: I would just never think this would happen. And you know, it's I just feel really unsafe.
TODD (voice-over): The FBI investigating Thursday morning's shooting as an act of terrorism.
DOMINIQUE EVANS, FBI SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE: We have confirmed reports that prior to him conducting this act of terrorism, He shouted, stated Allah Akbar.
TODD (voice-over): Before Jalloh was stopped, he killed one, a professor and U.S. veteran and injured two others in a university ROTC classroom.
Jalloh, a former Virginia National Guard member and army combat engineer, was a naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone and a student enrolled at Old Dominion. He was also known to law enforcement officials.
In 2016, Jalloh attempted to procure weapons in what he believed would be an attack in the name of ISIS and tried to donate money to the designated foreign terrorist organization, according to the Department of Justice. At the time, Jalloh unknowingly confided to an FBI informant who had been monitoring his behavior.
The source told officials that Jalloh did not reenlist in the army after listening to online lectures by an al Qaeda leader and that he had been thinking of conducting an attack like the 2009 shooting rampage at the Fort Hood military base that left 13 people dead and 32 injured, according to the Department of Justice.
ALEXANDER MEAGROU-HITCHENS, CO-AUTHOR, "HOMEGROWN - ISIS IN AMERICA": He was inspired by Nidal Hasan, who in 2009 attacked Fort Hood and now he has actually gone on to commit the attack that he expressed an interest in conducting to the FBI informant.
TODD (voice-over) Jalloh pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS and was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2017. He was released from federal custody in 2024 after spending just seven years in prison.
JOHN MILLER, CNN CHIEF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND INTELLIGENCE ANALYST: They may have to ask themselves, were we keeping tabs on him through whatever his post release requirements were from federal parole or wherever else he was supposed to be checking in and being monitored.
TODD (voice-over): On Friday, anger and questions from Jalloh's neighbors. How could something like this happen?
How was this convicted terrorist supporter allowed to walk free and become a terrorist himself?
HONORATO GARCIA, NEIGHBOR: They shouldn't be out. I'm free. Yes, they should be putting away for good.
NIC RIECKMANN, NEIGHBOR: Why did the justice system fail us with letting somebody out after seven years who had ties to ISIS?
That's a terror organization.
TODD: The White House posted a message, saying the gunman was released from prison early under the Biden administration.
And the White House said, quote, "This should have never happened."
Meanwhile, another man has been arrested and is facing federal charges for allegedly selling Mohamed Jalloh a firearm used in the shooting. That's according to court documents. As a convicted supporter of ISIS, Jalloh was prohibited from owning a gun -- Brian Todd, CNN, Sterling, Virginia.
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BRUNHUBER: The U.S. is facing pushback over its decision to ease some sanctions from Russian oil companies. Still ahead, why some Ukrainians and Europeans believe the move is a bad idea. Stay with us.
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ANDERSON: Welcome back. I'm Becky Anderson, live from our Middle East programming headquarters here in Abu Dhabi, where the time is just before half past midday. Let's get you up to speed with the latest on the war in Iran, where it is just approaching midday in Tehran.
CNN at present working to get more details about this video, showing smoke and small flames rising from a building in the vicinity of the U.S. embassy compound in Baghdad in Iraq.
That scene came after Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE reporting new attacks overnight. Iran says it will strike regional oil facilities affiliated with U.S. companies if any Iranian oil infrastructure is targeted.
And that statement came after U.S. president Donald Trump announced a strike on military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, that handles about 90 percent of Iran's oil exports. Iranian state media later confirming that oil infrastructure remained intact.
Mr. Trump was also asked on Saturday to clarify his statement that he wants Tehran's unconditional surrender.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
QUESTION: Expect unconditional surrender. And what does that mean?
TRUMP: Well, to me it means very simply that we are in a position of dominance that nobody's ever seen before and whether or not they're able to say the words or whether or not they're able to even fight.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, CNN producer Matt Grez is joining me now from Doha with the very latest there, Matt.
MATIAS GREZ, CNN PRODUCER: (INAUDIBLE) hours or so here in Doha. We hadn't had an alert of any kind since about midday on Thursday.
But that all changed overnight. Last night there was a really loud explosion after an alert around 1:30 this morning and that was followed quickly by another alert and another series of explosions at around 6 am this morning.
And I have to say that those explosions that we experienced overnight, in particular, that one around 1:30 this morning were among the loudest, if not the loudest that we'd heard here in Doha.
And I have to say that one at 1:30 in particular, the force with which it shook my building was quite incredible. And maybe around a couple of hours ago, we saw a gun-mounted helicopter here patrolling the skies.
This area, of course, of West Bay, is where CNN's based. It's where a lot of our staff are based. And it's a really important commercial and residential area, both for locals and for tourists.
But the good news is, despite this increased activity, it seems as though Qatar Airways is continuing its repatriation flights today. The ministry of interior came out last night and said that nearly all of the 8,000 stranded tourists here had been repatriated.
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And that 200 members of Qatar Airways staff have been helping them out here throughout their time stuck on the ground, from everything from lost medication to lost luggage.
And we know that over the last two or three days, there have been around 15 flights in and out of Doha every day. And we've spoken to Qatar Airways this morning, who said that there are another 18 departures today and another 17 arrivals.
And actually, we had a CNN colleague who's been trying to leave to go back to London since Wednesday this week but has had three flights canceled. We've actually just heard from him, just before you came to me.
And he's confirmed that he's now through to departure. So at the fourth time of asking, looks as though he'll be successfully going back to London. But Qatar is, of course, urging people to continue checking the status
of their flights online and updating their emergency contact information as they are still operating within a limited flight corridor and are in constant contact with the Qatar aviation authority to ensure the safe departure and arrival of those flights.
ANDERSON: Good to have you, Matt. Thank you very much indeed.
And just a note, around the region, certainly here in the UAE, increasingly seeing flights coming in and taking off from both the main airports here. And by just by dint of word of mouth, many saying those airports are very easy to navigate, working well and the flights ofttimes half full.
So it looks as if people are certainly able to move around a lot more efficiently than they were a week or so ago.
Well, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the United States has asked to postpone the next round of peace talks with Russia originally slated for next week due to security concerns related to the war with Iran.
Zelenskyy is also criticizing Washington's decision to ease sanctions on some Russian oil, a reaction to soaring fuel costs and the disruption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, of course. He warned that the move could give Moscow billions of dollars to finance its war in Ukraine. CNN's Lynda Kinkade has more.
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LYNDA KINKADE, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): A show of unity between France's Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, allies throughout the toughest times of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But it's another war and the surprise actions of another ally that's raising new concerns in Ukraine as well as other parts of Europe.
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): This single easing of sanctions by America could provide Russia with approximately $10 billion for the war.
This certainly does not help peace.
KINKADE (voice-over): The U.S. is temporarily loosening sanctions on the sale of Russian oil at sea to try to bring down oil prices that have surged since the war in Iran began, an unsettling move for many European leaders, who together with the U.S. have used economic leverage against Russia to try to end the war in Ukraine.
EMMANUEL MACRON, FRENCH PRESIDENT (through translator): Russia may believe that the war in Iran will offer it a respite. It's mistaken.
KINKADE (voice-over): The U.K. and many European nations are united against the U.S. decision, saying easing sanctions, even on a limited basis, will help to replenish Russia's war chest.
FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR (through translator): Russia continues to show no willingness to negotiate. We will and we must therefore have to increase the pressure on Moscow. I want to make this very clear. Easing sanctions now, for whatever reason, is something we believe is wrong.
KINKADE (voice-over): But Russia welcomed the change, saying its oil is badly needed to stop global oil prices from spiraling out of control.
DMITRY PESKOV, KREMLIN SPOKESMAN (through translator): In this case, we see the United States taking action in an attempt to stabilize energy markets. In this regard, our interests align.
KINKADE (voice-over): After four years of war, some residents in Kyiv say they're disappointed in the U.S. fearing the new revenue gained by Russia will be used against them.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): Sanctions that are important to us are being lifted against our aggressor. They will not change anything for them. On the contrary, things will only get better for them. And they will use their funds to produce even more missiles, drones and similar weapons.
KINKADE (voice-over): Ukraine recently offered its expertise to countries in the Gulf about how to combat drone attacks. A Western intelligence source says Russia is advising Iran on drone tactics.
Two wars far apart, one diverting attention from the other and giving Russia an unexpected boost that Ukraine and its allies did not see coming -- Lynda Kinkade, CNN.
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ANDERSON: For more analysis, we're joined by Tymofiy Mylovanov, the president of the Kyiv School of Economics. He is also a former Ukrainian minister of economic development and trade.
Good to have you this morning, Tymofiy, from Kyiv.
[04:35:00]
There will be those that argue that Europe itself had continued to buy gas from Russia and they will see this criticism by Europeans as somewhat hypocritical. Be that as it may, let's talk about what you understand to be the current communications between Kyiv and Washington at this point
TYMOFIY MYLOVANOV, PRESIDENT, KYIV SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS: So, yes, Ukraine is upset and rightly so about the lifting of sanctions because it's going to give cash and billions of dollars actually to Russia.
And it will immediately go into missiles production, into aggression, into, you know, it means people will be killed. So there is a price in lives which is being paid. And also the effect on price because of this Russian additional oil is actually very minimal or very unclear at the very least. At the same time, I think Ukraine is helping with drone production. So
drone delivery or training. And drones are specific in this case. These are interceptors, which basically shoot down Shaheds, those Iranian drones. I think these are the two main lines of discussions currently.
ANDERSON: Yes. And Ukraine very specifically supporting Gulf nations. And I'm here in the UAE with that drone intelligence and equipment.
What can you share about what Ukraine has learned during Russia's war on the scope of Ukraine's support in providing that intel for these Gulf nations?
MYLOVANOV: So there's what's publicly known or available, what we can read in the news. And there's what is happening a little bit behind the scenes.
So from what I hear from partners, friends, colleagues, around everyone is in Dubai, everyone is in Abu Dhabi, everyone is in other nations around the region, and people are offering expertise, trainers, officers who can explain how the tactics of Iranian Shahed or deployment might be counteracted.
But also companies are willing to set up joint ventures. Ukrainian state is willing to offer experts of already existing drones. So it's really very bustling, very buzzing. We think Ukraine is seeing a moment where it becomes a partner for the region.
ANDERSON: How does the war in this region, very specifically the U.S.-Israel Iran war, and its ramifications around this region -- let's be quite clear. You hear this time and again from the Gulf region. And we had a U.N. Security Council resolution on this.
These are reckless and unprovoked attacks by Iran on these Gulf countries, who were bystanders to the U.S.-Israel attacks, of course, on Iran.
But how does the war here, and the need to boost defense systems by the U.S. and these Gulf nations, impact Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Russia, you know, including, you know, the asks by Kyiv of the U.S. for increased defense support and systems?
MYLOVANOV: Yes, you're absolutely correct. What this situation, what the situation in with Iran is changing for Ukraine immediately pragmatically and materially today is the, you know, first of all, less of attention in media in politics.
That risks the supplies for defense and also creates risks for the peace negotiations. But directly there is the issue of, you know, demand for interceptors for Patriots. Ukraine will have less of it.
And Russia today this night attacked Kyiv again with multiple ballistic missiles, trying to exhaust Ukrainian stockpiles of air defense. And many people were killed. And, you know, it was a very loud night. So this is exactly what Russia is doing while the world is distracted, is trying to squeeze Ukraine. ANDERSON: Tymofiy, it's good to get your insights. I'm sorry for what
is going on there overnight as we continue to cover what is going on in this region and live through it, frankly, as a resident here as well.
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So I understand. Tymofiy, thank you.
Well, new details on the close relationship between the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, and Jeffrey Epstein, with Ferguson calling him "a special friend and a legend," even after Epstein was a convicted sex offender. That story and more is after this.
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BRUNHUBER: The U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee says it's requesting an interview with a prison guard who was on duty the night Jeffrey Epstein died.
Now that request comes as we continue to learn more about Epstein's associates, including the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, ex- wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a known associate of Jeffrey Epstein. CNN's MJ Lee has the story.
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MJ LEE, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL ENTEPRISE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Almost 15 years after her highly publicized divorce from former Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson privately leaned on a man she described as the brother I have always wished for, for career advice, moral support and money, Jeffrey Epstein.
According to CNN's review of the Justice Department's Epstein files, Ferguson, widely known as Fergie, exchanged dozens of messages with Epstein between 2009 and 2011, including while he was serving jail time for procuring prostitution from a minor.
In one instance, in April 2009, Epstein laid out in an email to Ferguson his vision for a company that she could run called Mother's Army.
Ferguson's response was effusive. "My dear, spectacular and special friend, Jeffrey, you are a legend and I am so proud of you," she wrote to the convicted child sex offender, who still had months left of his 18-month jail sentence.
Ferguson added thanks for being such a great friend and signed the email with lots of love and several X's. Within a week of Epstein's release from jail, Ferguson was eager to see the financier in person.
[04:45:03] She made plans to visit him with her daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, who were 20 and 19 at the time. It's not clear whether that meeting materialized. The Epstein files show that Ferguson, who has not been accused of crimes related to Epstein, frequently turned to her friend for financial advice.
In the fall of 2009, as one news story branded Ferguson as "the duchess of debt," Ferguson messaged Epstein, "I urgently need 20,000 pounds for rent today. Any brainwaves?"
Several months later, Ferguson asked Epstein whether there was any chance she could borrow $50,000 or $100,000 U.S. to help her get through the small bills that were pushing her over. Epstein responded that he could not help, citing current restrictions.
While he didn't elaborate, Epstein was serving out a year of house arrest at the time.
PHIL BLACK, FORMER CNN CORRESPONDENT: This is the headline that started it all this time, "Fergie 'Sells' Andy for 500K."
LEE (voice-over): Ferguson was again engulfed in scandal later that year, caught on video, appearing to accept money in exchange for access to her ex-husband, Andrew.
Turning once again to her friend, Epstein, in her moment of desperation, she even encouraged Epstein to hire her to be his house assistant.
"I am the most capable and desperately need the money. Please, Jeffrey, think about it," she wrote.
But less than one year later, Ferguson disavowed Epstein publicly, telling "The Evening Standard" in an interview, "I abhor pedophilia."
She vowed that she would repay the money that Epstein provided to pay Ferguson's former employee and to have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again.
But not only did Ferguson fail to cut ties with Epstein, in private, she asked her friend for forgiveness.
"I know you also feel hellaciously let down by me and I must humbly apologize to you and your heart for that," Ferguson wrote to Epstein in April 2011.
"You have always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family. I did absolutely not say the P word about you."
That summer, Ferguson set out on a PR tour to try to revamp her public image, including a reality TV show.
SARAH FERGUSON, FORMER DUCHESS OF YORK: I'm 51 and I have no self- worth and I'm determined to find it.
LEE (voice-over): By July of 2011, Ferguson and Epstein appeared to mend any hard feelings.
"I knew you were always on my team. That was right," Epstein wrote.
She responded, "I am on yours and you on mine, with great love and strength."
LEE: CNN did not find any direct correspondence between Ferguson and Epstein after 2012 in the Epstein files. Again, Ferguson has not been accused of crimes related to Epstein. And the appearance of one's name in the Epstein files does not suggest wrongdoing. We've also reached out to Ferguson's representative for comment.
Meanwhile, at least six companies linked to the former duchess are shutting down in the aftermath of the release of the Epstein files -- MJ Lee, CNN, Washington, D.C.
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BRUNHUBER: A federal judge has quashed the U.S. Justice Department's attempt to subpoena Fed chair Jerome Powell. The judge says the DOJ hasn't produced any evidence that Powell is suspected of a crime.
Instead, the evidence suggests the subpoenas were meant to pressure Powell into voting for lower interest rates or resigning.
The U.S. attorney for D.C. says they plan to appeal the ruling but a Republican senator warns an appeal could delay Senate confirmation of Kevin Warsh, who is president Donald Trump's pick to be the next Fed chair.
Still to come here on CNN NEWSROOM, Cuba's president confirms negotiations with the White House as energy crisis disrupts daily life for Cubans. We'll have the reaction from Havana after the break. Stay with us.
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BRUNHUBER: An equipment outage caused ground stops at three airports in the Washington, D.C., area. Federal aviation employees reported a strong chemical smell on Friday in a crucial air traffic control center in Virginia.
The facility closed temporarily, causing the airports it serves to suspend operations. A hazmat team responded as investigators finally blamed an overheated circuit board. The disruptions led to more than three hours delays for some passengers.
Cuba's president has confirmed for the first time that his government has been holding talks with the Trump administration. Miguel Diaz- Canel says the discussions with the White House are focused on finding solutions to the bilateral problems between the two nations. CNN's Patrick Oppmann is in Havana with the latest.
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PATRICK OPPMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledging on Friday what had long been rumored, that his government is in direct talks with the Trump administration trying to forge a path forward as this island is suffering one of the worst energy crises in its history.
According to the Cuban president, no oil has reached Cuba for about three months now, essentially crippling public transportation, meaning many hospitals are shut down, unable to perform surgeries. We are seeing longer and longer Blackouts, sometimes lasting an entire day.
And so this is really verging on a full blown humanitarian crisis as many people say that they simply cannot live in these conditions, that their food is beginning to spoil. And that sense of desperation is creeping in here.
Previously, Cuban officials said they did not want to negotiate under these circumstances, that they felt the United States was strong, arming them by cutting off the supply of oil from allies like Venezuela and Mexico. But they simply don't have any choice in the matter. And this is now a question of survival.
The Trump administration has said that they will take over Cuba the easy way or the hard way.
And that while they don't think military force is needed, it's not off the table entirely, either.
So these negotiations, while they might buy some breathing room for the government here, it is not clear how long the Trump administration will allow the negotiations to go on here. Very clearly they are employing the carrot-and-stick approach. And for the moment, they are talking.
But officials in the Trump administration have said that they are willing to take tougher measures if needed.
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To force the kind of change they want to see take place on this island -- Patrick Oppmann, CNN, Havana.
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BRUNHUBER: President Trump says he plans to endorse a candidate in the Texas Senate runoff election. State attorney general Ken Paxton is hoping to take the seat currently held by Senator John Cornyn.
In an interview with FOX Radio, the president confirmed CNN's reporting that he wants to link his endorsement to potentially passing the Save America Act. Paxton said he would consider dropping out of the runoff race if the Senate passed the federal elections bill, a move the White House official described as genius. Voters in the Republic of Congo head to the polls on Sunday for a
presidential election. Incumbent Denis Sassou Nguesso faces six challengers but he's expected to extend his 42-year rule.
Opposition groups haven't united behind a single candidate. They also had to deal with a boycott from some parties in the imprisonment of two prominent opposition figures. More than 3 million people are registered to vote in the election.
Well, the excitement is rising as we count down to the start of Sunday's Academy Awards show. Comedian Conan O'Brien will host the 98th annual ceremony. A few days ago, O'Brien helped to roll out the red carpet on Hollywood Boulevard in preparation for the big event.
Now the biggest buzz is all about two of the movies that are competing for the top prizes. They're "Sinners," starring Michael B. Jordan, which was nominated for a record breaking 16 awards, and "One Battle after Another," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which is also up for more than a dozen Oscars.
And we should note, both are Warner Bros. Movies, the studio owned by CNN's parent company. And on Sunday, CNN and "Variety" are live on the red carpet for Hollywood's biggest night. Be sure to tune in at 4:00 pm Eastern, 1:00 pm Pacific on CNN. Or you can watch it all, of course, on the CNN app.
All right, that wraps this hour of CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Kim Brunhuber. Becky Anderson and I will be back with more news in just a moment.
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