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Tonight: Knicks Could Win First Championship in 53 Years; Trump Says Agreement with Iran Scheduled to be Signed Tomorrow; Fan Fest Kicks Off For Sundays White House Fight Night; Controversial California Oil Pipeline Now Back Online; United States Crushes Paraguay In 4-1 Opening Win. Aired 5-6p ET

Aired June 13, 2026 - 17:00:00   ET

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[17:00:31]

ERICA HILL, CNN ANCHOR: It is the top of the hour here in the CNN NEWSROOM.

I'm Erica Hill in New York. Great to have you with us this hour.

The countdown is on to Game 5 of the NBA finals. The New York Knicks taking on the San Antonio Spurs. And of course, the Knicks are now just one win away from their very first title in 53 years. The Knicks still riding high after that historic 29-point comeback to win Game 4.

Tonight's game, of course, not at MSG, it's being played in San Antonio. So for fans still in New York City, watch parties are the place to be.

The NYPD rolling out an extensive security plan around Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, as there are three major events happening in that area tonight.

So you've got this 3,000-person watch party outside the Garden. Inside the Garden, there's a sold-out concert.

And of course, the Garden on top of Penn Station, which is what people coming from New York City will need, so they can get on the train to make their way across the Hudson River to New Jersey for the first FIFA World Cup match there tonight, Morocco versus Brazil.

There's a whole lot going on.

CNN's Gloria Pazmino is live outside Madison Square Garden at this hour. I feel like I'm seeing a few more people behind you than I saw a couple of hours ago. And certainly there's a nice -- there's a Jalen Brunson jersey right behind you, the man with the t-shirt.

So couldn't have planned it better.

GLORIA PAZMINO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: If it looks like there's a river of people flowing behind me. Erica, it's because there literally is a river of people that's been streaming out of Penn Station into this area here.

As you said, there is a convergence of major events happening here tonight. We have the Knicks game happening in San Antonio, but the watch party, 3,000 people expected to be right here in Madison Square Garden outside the Garden to watch the Knicks take on the Spurs.

Knicks in five, will they clinch it tonight? Everybody here is certainly hoping that that will be the case.

But as you said, also happening tonight there's a sold-out concert happening inside Madison Square Garden. And of course, there are hundreds of soccer fans that have gathered in this area because this is where they have to take the train to go to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where they will watch Brazil face off against Morocco.

So, it's an ocean of orange and blue, most importantly, hometown team. But also an ocean of yellow and red; yellow for Brazil, red for Morocco. A lot of excitement.

This is already one of the, you know, most congested kind of craziest areas in New York City. And today it is absolutely teeming with people. I would say controlled chaos is what we're witnessing here.

I want you to listen to some of the fans who are really hoping it goes their way tonight, and hoping that they get a chance to celebrate what could be a potentially historic game this evening.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PAZMINO: Tell me what tonight means to you and how you're feeling going into it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: 53 years of pain. I've only been alive for 33 of it, but should be a great experience. You know, trying to end a generational curse and bring bedlam to this city.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think if we clinch, I think we have to clinch it tonight because we already gave that one. That was they got lucky, you know, they got lucky. Knicks in five.

PAZMINO: Knicks in five.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PAZMINO: Now Erica, of course it wouldn't be sports if we didn't have a little bit of controversy. And I'm not talking about, you know, how close the score is going to be or whether or not OG is going to come in at the end and save it like he did in the last game.

I'm talking about the fact that Ticketmaster, in the past few hours, put out a statement warning that sales of tickets in San Antonio were only going to be reserved to San Antonio residents.

Many of those here interpreting that as an effort, a coordinated effort to keep Knicks fans out of the stadium, out of the arena in San Antonio tonight. But we've just learned a short while ago, Madison Square Garden tells

us that anyone who does have a ticket to the game in San Antonio tonight, that game will be honored. And if you have a ticket, you will be able to get into the arena to watch the game tonight.

[17:04:44]

PAZMINO: So I think, you know, as the hours go on, more and more people will start to converge here. Traffic is getting kept out of here. Pedestrian traffic is also going to be limited.

And if you don't have a reason, a ticketed reason to be right here in this area, the NYPD out in force, making sure you can't get near here, Erica.

HILL: Good thing you've got the special pass, my friend. Gloria, thank you.

Well, if you're a Knicks fan, if you've ever watched Knicks game, even if you hate the Knicks, chances are you know this song.

(MUSIC)

HILL: Joining us now, the man who wrote and sang that song for the Knicks back in 1993, entrepreneur Jesse Itzler.

So, Jesse, it's so, so great to have you here. You posted the original demo on Instagram this week, which you recorded in your closet, and you admitted it really wasn't great.

And yet here we are, more than 30 years later. I know you did a little retooling after that original demo. What was it that the Knicks told you they really liked about that song in the moment? Why did they want it back in '93?

JESS ITZLER, ENTREPRENEUR: Well, Erica, first of all, the Knicks -- this song has been waiting 35 years for this playoff run. The song has been waiting 35 years for this run so it's a great moment.

Going back to when I first presented the Knicks with the song, I think back then teams weren't really entertaining fans during time-outs. The Knicks City Dancers just emerged. A lot of arenas didn't even have scoreboards that were video capability.

So the goal was just to inject two minutes of energy into the Garden during a time out, because normally they would go to a time-out, a TV time-out, and the arena, the team would go on a run and it would just go quiet.

So we wanted to inject like energy into the arena. So when I first played it up, they -- we explained like the call and response would be -- could happen in the Garden. And they gave it a shot.

HILL: And clearly that shot has paid off. I read you got $4,000 initially for that song. Was that right?

ITZLER: Yes. It cost me $5,000 to do the song, but they paid me $4,000 for it.

HILL: Hopefully the royalties are still rolling in because I've certainly heard it a lot. I love it, I've seen it on a million Instagram posts, it feels like over the last couple of weeks.

You grew up on long island, so watching this historic run with your song as the soundtrack, how do you put that into words?

ITZLER: I mean, I've been a Knicks fan. I grew up a Knicks fan as a kid. I remember they won the first championship when I was five years old. It was a big moment for my dad, who was a die-hard Knicks fan. I remember going to the Garden for the first time.

So, you know, this whole thing has been just surreal. You know, as a 22-year-old kid, I was literally sleeping on my friend's couch in a small, little apartment when I wrote this song in our closet, the first demo.

And then to hear it in the Garden and hear it being played 35 years later. And what it's turned into, you know, is really a rallying call, an anthem for the team. It's just been amazing.

And I mentioned that I sold the song for $4,000. I would have paid the Knicks ten grand to do the song. I mean, as an entrepreneur, just getting my foot in the door with the Knicks at that time in my life was, you know, I can't even put words into what it's done for me. Yes, it was amazing.

HILL: Yes. It's such a great -- I love it because to me, it's such a great New York story, too. It's the hustle and the fact that it paid off.

You are an entrepreneur. You've had a pretty wide-ranging career. So for people who are not familiar with some of the highlights, you managed Run DMC at one point, you founded Marquis Jet. You also -- I mean, in your spare time, it seems like you're a pretty extreme athlete in a number of ways.

When you look at your list of professional accomplishments, where does "Go New York Go", where does that fall?

ITZLER: Well, it opened up the floodgates for me because when you're starting out as an entrepreneur, you need a story and you need credibility. And the Knicks gave me that.

Every team that came into the Garden after that said, wow, why don't we have a theme song? No teams had theme songs at that time. It didn't exist.

So they were like, whoa, the Knicks have a theme song. Who did that song? And they all started calling me up. So I ended up doing theme songs for almost, you know, almost all the NBA teams at some point. I did the "I love This Game" song for the NBA.

So this was the turning point of my entire career. It opened up a lot of doors and it became a calling card for me. It still is, even now. You know, I walked around the Garden before the last game and people

are chanting it and they recognize me for that more than a lot of the things you just mentioned.

H4; Yes. You are also -- though now you're part owner of the Atlanta Hawks. How does that sit with some of the Hawks fans sometimes? How are they, are they giving you a little shade in this moment?

[17:09:50]

ITZLER; No. I mean, you know.

HILL: They get it.

ITZLER: This song -- this song is 35 years old. I live in Atlanta now. I root for the Hawks every single game. And when the Hawks are eliminated, I get a second bite at the apple. I get to root for the Knicks.

So, I haven't had any anything like that. It's been all pretty much supportive of --

HILL: Yes.

ITZLER: -- you know, they know my journey through music and through the song.

HILL: I'm sure you're feeling Knicks in five. I'm certainly going for Knicks in five.

I'm curious, what is your plan for the evening? How are you watching the game?

ITZLER: Well, I'm actually out of town. I have major FOMO. I'm super excited for the city. Last game when the Knicks won, I got out of the Garden and I -- as I was leaving, there was a guy on a rickshaw and he was blasting the song.

And I was like, can I get into your rickshaw? And he drove me around the city through Times Square, Central Park, all over blasting this song. So I had a major New York moment.

And you know, the series has been, as a basketball fan, just in general, this has been so good for the league. It's been so good for fans. It's been so good for uniting the city.

You know, Madison Square Garden has always been the heartbeat of New York. It's the greatest unifier. So you know, whether this -- the Knicks win tonight, whether it goes six even if it goes seven, it's just so good for basketball.

HILL: Yes.

ITZLER: And as a fan I'm just loving watching it.

HILL: Yes. Well, that makes two of us. It's been great. Jesse, really appreciate you taking the time to join us tonight. Thank

you.

ITZLER: I'm a fan of you, too, Erica. Thanks for having me.

HILL: Wow. Well, you just made my day. Thank you.

All right. Well, I hope you enjoy watching the game tonight. Sorry you can't be there in person. Neither can I if it makes you feel any better.

Still to come here in the CNN NEWSROOM, the scene at the Ellipse ahead of tonight's ceremonial weigh in. It is all part of the lead up to President Trump's fight night tomorrow on the White House lawn.

And from one fan fest to another, how about we take you over to New Jersey, just across the river from us here in New York? World Cup fans ready to cheer on Brazil and Morocco.

Plus, are they really making progress? President Trump says the signing of an interim agreement with Iran could come as soon as tomorrow. Iran, though, pushing back on that timing.

Stay with us. You're in the CNN NEWSROOM.

[17:12:02]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HILL: New tonight, President Trump says an interim agreement with Iran could be signed as soon as tomorrow, though Iran is denying the timing there on that report. It wouldn't be an end to the war, it's important to note. What this does is set up a framework for negotiations to end the war, and also address the issue of Iran's nuclear program.

Officials familiar with the matter telling CNN plans to sign that Memorandum of Understanding actually came together over the last day in the hopes of avoiding any 11th hour spoilers.

Here's CNN's Oren Liebermann with more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN JERUSALEM BUREAU CHIEF: President Donald Trump has expressed a tremendous amount of optimism that the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. And Iran will be signed on Sunday and that will trigger 60 days of negotiations towards a final agreement.

Pakistan has also expressed that kind of optimism, though it should be worth noting that Pakistan as mediators have expressed a lot of optimism in the past. That hasn't gotten us to the point of a Memorandum of Understanding.

But we're hearing a very different message from Iran. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement that they definitely won't be signing an agreement on Sunday, and that there are still points in the MOU that need to be worked out before there is a signing.

Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said there won't be an agreement signed on Sunday, although acknowledging it could be in the coming days.

Then, of course, there's the question of what's actually in the MOU that's about to be signed sometime in the coming days, perhaps.

Well, the Trump administration has said it covers not only highly- enriched uranium and the dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program, but also limitations on ballistic missiles and ending support for Iran's proxies.

Of course, that's not what we're hearing from Iran. According to state media, it is specifically focused on the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump has said will open immediately on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. And that's where the focus really is.

It doesn't touch ballistic missiles or proxies, according to Iranian state media. Meanwhile, a senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader has said it includes the MOU that is the release of some of Iran's frozen assets. And they say that Trump simply can't acknowledge that publicly or isn't willing to.

Iran is focused on $24 billion in frozen assets that it wants released. Half that they're looking for released upon the signing of an MOU and half at some point later.

So there is very public disagreement in the statements we're hearing from Iran and from the United States. And that makes it difficult to see where and how this plays out.

Crucially, we haven't seen the text of the MOUR. The Trump administration hasn't released it. So we don't have a solid understanding of what this agreement actually entails.

Oren Liebermann, CNN -- in Jerusalem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HILL: So with all of those questions, I wanted to bring in now former State Department Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller. He's also a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Always good to talk to you.

When we look at this, looking at the big picture, right. So this is essentially an agreement to sign a deal to work towards a deal, this Memorandum of Understanding. How significant is that moment that we could get to the place where this would essentially start a clock for 60 days of negotiations?

[17:19:48]

AARON DAVID MILLER, SENIOR FELLOW, CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE: I think it's a great question. Thanks for having me, Erica. Look, Epic Fury right now, if the war ended tomorrow would be frankly,

in my view, epic -- an epic strategic disaster for the United States.

None of the original war aims -- regime change, although the administration has been on and off, what to do about ballistic missiles, what to do about proxies -- all of that seems to me to be almost impossible to achieve right now.

There are two issues here, and only two. And frankly, I think most people will judge this war as a success or failure, depending on the ultimate disposition of the Strait of Hormuz.

Those straits could be opened over time if the naval blockade eased. But, Erica, look, the Iranians have weaponized geography. And in the Middle East, geography is destiny.

At any point over any issue, whether they're happy or unhappy, they can close the straits for a matter of hours. All they have to do is intimidate the insurance companies. And they've demonstrated that they can do that.

So hopefully, and I've been around negotiations for a long time most of my professional life, hopefully what this deal -- it's not an agreement -- what this deal will do is buy time and space so Iranian and American negotiators directly and their respective teams, including people who know these issues on the technical side, will meet to determine whether or not they can bridge the gaps between all the issues, Erica.

On frozen assets, sanctions relief, mutual security guarantees -- every one of those is represents a universe of complexity and detail.

HILL: It certainly does. You know, I want to bring up two things that you just mentioned. So number one, you talk about those frozen assets. There is a concern, right, about what could be unfrozen and when and whether that would look like essentially a payment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

That was reportedly a nonstarter for the U.S. How delicate is that moment, though, right, to keep the Iranians at the table to get the strait open, but to make sure it doesn't appear as if they're, you know, being paid for that.

MILLER: I mean, look, creative diplomacy, you could figure out a way to do this. I there's an idea of a Qatari loan. The Emiratis, even though they deny it, are now somehow transferring billions of dollars to the regime.

The Gulf states are already making their peace with what is likely to be a very dangerous, embittered and angry Iranian regime.

For Trump, it's a -- it's ego, right? I mean, 2016, a lot of currency, not just dollars, all kinds of currency on pallets was transferred to the Iranians, their money, of course, in exchange for freeing American hostages. Trump wants to avoid that. But Erica, money is fungible. This is a

brutal, authoritarian, repressive regime that murders, intimidates, and tortures its own citizens.

Any way you want to slice it, the straits are now closed. The Iranian assets will be unfrozen, whatever -- or at least $12 billion. Whatever rationale or creative diplomacy is designed to hide the fact, the reality is they're getting their money back and they can use it for whatever purposes they want, including, by the way, funding their billion-dollar proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah, which is still down but hardly out.

HILL: It also -- you talked about getting the right people in place who, who know the issues. That is incredibly important, especially when we're talking about Iran's nuclear program.

And I know that was some pushback from Iranian officials in the beginning that the U.S. wasn't sending people who actually understood what was happening there, right.

It wasn't people with the level of expertise, for example, who had spent 18 months working on the JCPOA, getting those players in place. How critical is that to --

(CROSSTALK)

HILL: -- and also, is 60 days enough to get something done, even with those folks in place?

MILLER: No. The JCPOA is 18 pages of text -- and JCPOA 141 pages of technical annex is what took 18 months. It was a flawed accord, for sure, for what it didn't cover, but it was functional, frankly, particularly the monitoring verification aspects of what it did cover.

Look, if you want to deploy again, I work for half a dozen secretaries of state. Jim Baker was the best negotiator, I think, since Henry Kissinger. If you want to take on Russia-Ukraine, if you want to take on Israel-Gaza, if you want to take on the U.S. and Iran, and you want to deploy your son-in-law and your best friend for doing that, you're going to invariably run into problems.

These are tough negotiations. Baker and Kissinger had had problems with them. But it seems to me the lack of expertise, guidance and honest briefings of the president are critically important.

You have a Secretary of State who, frankly, on this issue again, I worked for half a dozen is missing in action. The Secretary of State should literally be managing the envoys.

But that's not the way Trump plays it. Loyalty or -- I take that back. Working for Democrats and Republicans and voting for Democrats and Republicans.

[17:24:49]

MILLER: What Trump demands is fealty, and fealty is different than loyalty. You can't do a serious negotiation if you don't have the right people in place and the expertise to back them up.

HILL: Aaron David Miller, always appreciate your insight and your expertise. It is critical right now. Thank you.

MILLER: Thanks -- Erica, thanks for having me.

HILL: Well, tomorrow history will be made on the White House lawn as the UFC continues its preparations for a one-of-a-kind night. All happening, of course, in the president's 80th birthday.

Stay with us. You're in the CNN NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HILL: Happening now, D.C. is getting ready for fight night at the White House, the UFC fan fest kicking off near the Ellipse, which is, of course, near the White House ahead of tomorrow night's cage match on the South Lawn.

All of this kicking off a summer of celebrations for America's 250th birthday.

[17:30:03]

Tomorrow night's fight also being held on President Trump's 80th birthday.

Brian Todd is live for us this hour from the Ellipse. So, I know you've been speaking with a lot of people who made their way to D.C. for the event. What have they been telling you?

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Erica, they are just having a blast overall.

I don't know what's going to be more fun for the fans here, whether it's going to be tomorrow night's main event with the UFC fights themselves or this event, Fan Fest 250. There is something for everyone here. Take a look over here to my left, your right.

This is a kind of a punching contest. There is a punching bag there where you can measure the force and the speed of your punches. This gentleman just did it. He's getting his reading there now. That's a lot of fun to do.

And then, come on over here. I'm going to show you this. This is actually pretty cool. Let's walk over here a little bit, Joe. This is a simulated UFC walkout where you can get yourself videotaped, kind of doing a UFC strut or whatever you want to do as you walk out for a simulated UFC fight with the mist here with the lights, everything else. That's a lot of fun.

You can get yourself photographed and videotaped doing that. Look at this guy coming out with his hat, here he comes. There you go. I mean, what's not fun about that?

I'm going to talk to a gentleman who is in line to do that. He just did the punching contest. He is one of the thousands of fans who flocked here in the 90-degree heat to take part in some of these exhibitions. This is Merwise Baray.

Merwise, OK. First of all, you just did the punching thing over there.

MERWISE BARAY, UFC FAN: Yes.

TODD: How did you do?

BARAY: I did OK. I didn't get on the leaderboards, the top 10. Little disappointed about that.

(CROSSTALK)

TODD: Come on.

BARAY: But I think I'm going to take another swing at it later.

TODD: You can do it again.

BARAY: Yes, let the fist pull off a little bit. Yes, but it's a --

(CROSSTALK)

TODD: OK. You are about to do the simulation here.

BARAY: Yes, yes.

TODD: What -- I mean, what is your favorite part that you've taken part in so far? There is so much to do here.

BARAY: There is so much to do, a lot of variety. I think, the "Cooking with Volk" show was really fun. You know, you see that on YouTube, but it was nice to see Alexander Volkanovski doing the -- you know, his thing live in front of everybody, making food. So, I think that was really fun treat to see.

I'm really looking forward to the weigh-ins tonight, the ceremonial weigh-in. Yes.

TODD: That's right, we got the weigh-ins. That's one at the Lincoln Memorial, and one -- that's another one that's nearby here. So, that's another event to look forward to.

Merwise, I wanted to ask you about, like, the controversy surrounding this. There are a lot of people who feel like this is not an appropriate thing to -- White House grounds.

BARAY: Yes, yes.

TODD: Obviously, there is a lot of people here who do feel it's appropriate.

BARAY: Right, right. Yes, yes.

TODD: And some -- and of course, politics has crept into it. BARAY: Yes, yes.

TODD: What do you think of all that?

BARAY: You know, I don't really pay attention to that. I think, you know, the focus is on the fighters and the UFC, really. And just putting a great, you know. I love the sport, really. I've been following the sport for over a decade. I think, you know, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, we don't get a lot of UFC events specifically. So, I think, you know, the folks here are pretty excited about the UFC alone, and I think the focus is on the fighters and the sporting, for sure. Yes.

TODD: Have a great time, Merwise. Thanks for talking to us.

All right, guys, I mean, again, something for everyone. He just talked about a cooking exhibition here. They have had a motocross jumping exhibition. They have got meet and greets over here. Take a look, people are sending in long lines to meet and greet some of the fighters over here in these -- on this diocese here.

I mean, there literally is something for everyone. People who have tickets for the events tomorrow are going to be right here on these grounds, watching it on a big screen, while the fights themselves take place in the octagon several yards away from here.

Erica, according to court documents associated with a lawsuit surrounding this event, the organizers expect more than 100,000 people just to be here on the Ellipse tomorrow for these events.

HILL: That is a whole lot of people. Brian Todd, I think we need to get you one of those simulators for when you walk onto the set when you have a story. So, we should probably work on that for the studio in D.C. Thank you.

TODD: Done. Consider it.

HILL: Done.

President Trump, reopening a California oil pipeline that was once considered dangerous, sparking a new lawsuit to shut it down. Why the state wants this closed? After the break.

Discover the dramatic story of how a fragile nation on the East Coast expanded across the continent with the stories told by the descendants of people like Sacagawea, President James Monroe, and Kit Carson. The CNN original series, "THIS LAND". Here is a preview for you.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TIMOTHY NAFTALI, CNN PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIAN: In the 1840s, the government talked about manifest destiny. It was the destiny of largely men, but also women in the central part of the United States and on the East Coast to go west and create a new life.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The American population is just explosively growing.

LEAH WRIGHT RIGUEUR, PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY: Americans fundamentally come to believe, because it is reiterated in their daily conversations, it is in their exchanges with their political leaders that it is, in fact, their God-given right to expand, and California is fertile land. It is rich land. It is sparsely populated.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In the early 1840s not many white settlers from the East have made it to California.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[17:35:01]

HILL: You can catch "THIS LAND" tonight, 9:00 p.m. right here on CNN, and next day on the CNN app.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HILL: A California oil pipeline is back in operation after having been shut down for more than a decade. The Trump administration ordering its reopening to fight high gas prices due to the war with Iran. The project, however, has drawn criticism from California officials who say the pipeline itself is still a major threat to the environment.

CNN's Elex Michaelson got an exclusive look alongside two cabinet members.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELEX MICHAELSON, CNN ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT (voice over): We arrived by helicopter.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are excited to get after it

MICHAELSON (voice over): For a firsthand look at Sable Offshore Core oil platform located off the coast of Santa Barbara, California.

[17:40:04]

This pipeline, Santa Ynez, is once again actively producing thousands of barrels of oil due to an executive order issued by the Trump administration in March. State of California now suing the administration to shut it down.

CHRIS WRIGHT, UNITED STATES ENERGY SECRETARY: President Trump is for energy addition and energy dominance. Gavin Newsom is for energy subtraction and energy submission.

MICHAELSON (voice over): We speak exclusively with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum atop the Harmony Oil platform, at a moment when so many Americans are worried about higher gas prices.

DOUG BURGUM, UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR: 72 million cars could fill up their tank off the production coming from these platforms that are right here.

MICHAELSON (voice over): On the helicopter ride to the platform, we see miles of deep blue ocean. But back in 2015, the same waterway was coated black after that pipeline operated by a different company at the time ruptured, spilling an estimated 120,000 gallons of crude oil. All oil production stopped here for more than a decade.

ALEX KATZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE CENTER: This is going to be a fight.

MICHAELSON (voice over): Alex Katz is executive director of the Environmental Defense Center, which is suing to stop Sable.

MICHAELSON: Why do you oppose Sable?

KATZ: The problem with the pipeline is that it doesn't have an effective way of preventing corrosion.

MICHAELSON (voice over): After President Donald Trump and Israel launched military action against Iran, and the Strait of Hormuz shut down, gas prices spiked.

The Trump administration ordered Sable's pipeline to start producing again by invoking the Defense Production Act, a law that gives the president emergency powers to influence domestic industries to help national defense.

MICHAELSON: Sable says as soon as the Defense Production Act was invoked, they were ready to go.

MICHAELSON (voice over): Sable is ramping up to produce 50,000 barrels of oil per day, according to Department of Energy, a small offset compared to the over 15 million barrels of oil per day lost for the global market in the Strait since the war in Iran began.

MICHAELSON: Critics say you started a war that was unnecessary in Iran, and now, you're able to give handouts to oil companies because of that. What do you say to that?

WRIGHT: The war in Iran is critical. This is how you end Iran's nuclear weapons program. And, of course, this is not a handout.

MICHAELSON: Sable is going to make a lot of money off of this opening. No?

WRIGHT: The federal government is going to make a lot of money off this. Sable might make a lot of money on this. They spent two-thirds of a billions of dollars to buy this option to maybe make some money.

MICHAELSON (voice over): Back on land, Katz is skeptical.

KATZ: This only benefits the executives in the oil industry, who are friends with the Trump administration, and it puts everybody else in harm's way.

JIM FLORES, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SABLE OFFSHORE CORPORATION: We are not the enemy, we are the solution.

MICHAELSON (voice over): Jim Flores is Sable CEO. He tells me much of the oil from this pipeline is being used to fuel jets at Los Angeles International Airport.

He says ensuring the pipeline safety is his top priority.

FLORES: All production, offshore California can be safe, it can be diligent, it needs to be regulated.

KATZ: As long as we have offshore or drilling, we are going to have spills in the ocean.

MICHAELSON (voice over): The Trump administration is currently considering a five-year plan to expand oil drilling off the California coast for the first time in decades.

BURGUM: President Trump on drill baby drill, means energy abundance. It means more energy.

MICHAELSON (voice over): Elex Michaelson, CNN, off the coast of Santa Barbara, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HILL: And our thanks, Alex, for that report.

Well, the World Cup is now in full swing. Today, the biggest day of play so far, four scheduled matches. Fans from around the world are packing parties from coast to coast. We are going to bring it all, a little celebration here in the region. Stay with us. You are in the CNN NEWSROOM.

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[17:48:04]

HILL: Team USA is off to a historic start in the World Cup. The Americans dominating their opening game on Friday with that 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, scoring work goals in this game than they did in the entire 2022 World Cup.

Next stop for Team USA, just a little ways up the West Coast, they will be meeting Australia in Seattle next Friday afternoon. So many exciting matches, watch parties underway right now.

Take a live look. So, on the right side of your screen there, a live look from Rio for a party as fans gather to watch Brazil play Morocco tonight. That is happening on the other side of your screen.

In New Jersey, back here in the states, there is a fan zone outside the stadium there as well ahead of the game.

CNN sports analyst and USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan is with us now. This is such a great weekend for sports. I love it when a lot of things happen at the same time. So, let's talk men's soccer. Team USA showed some promise four years ago, reaching the round of 16. This win really helped set the tone. What do you think this means seeing how dominant they were in that first match? What does that mean moving forward?

CHRISTINE BRENNAN, CNN SPORTS ANALYST: Erica, means that the tournament has real life, and that more people who maybe were not paying that much attention to begin with, which I know for the rest of the world that sounds shocking, but the United States, as you alluded to, there is a lot going on in our country, and soccer isn't our national game the way it is in so many other nations around the world, but that now more people will be invested.

Americans love to win, and that's why we love the Women's Soccer Team so much, because they are so good. The Men's has had some trouble, but the promise has been there, and there is talk of this generation, as you know, coming along Christian Pulisic. So many of these other young men. This is the moment.

When you have a 4-1 victory. I mean, in football terms, that's what, 35 to three or something. That -- that's a really good start. But reality does hit, because Paraguay was ranked 41st in the world, the U.S. is 17th in the world.

Next up, as you said, is Australia third really good start, but reality does hit because Paraguay was ranked 41st in the world, the U.S. is 17th in the world.

[17:50:08]

Next up, as you said, is Australia, they are 27th in the world, and then, Turkey, the final opponent, is ranked 22nd.

So, now playing teams that are 27th and 22nd in the world, much closer to the U.S. ranking of 17. Not to pull for any cold water on this, but the tough work comes next. But it is a wonderful start for the US.

HILL: It is a great start. I mean, if they can make it out of group play, what is the feeling about just how far Team USA could go?

BRENNAN: A great result would be final eight, the quarterfinals. That would be unheard of. That would be unprecedented. Think some people remember 1994, the last time the U.S. hosted the men's World Cup, and they got to the round of 16, and that was seen as a real victory.

And I think again, the round of 16 would be great, that would -- that would be fine. But if they could get to the quarterfinals, Erica, to within the top eight, they would -- that would be like going to the moon.

HILL: Yes.

BRENNAN: And at that point, then it's just -- if the vagaries and the quirks of soccer, you know, something happens and they are playing at home, you never know what could happen next.

HILL: You never know.

Christine, stay with me. I want to bring in my colleague, Maria Santana, she is outside Fan Zone in New Jersey, ahead of this Brazil- Morocco match.

Maria, just give us a sense, set the scene for us there, if you could. The excitement, what folks are telling you about being at the game?

MARIA SANTANA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, yes, Erica, the excitement has been building all day here at this football fanfest Southern New Jersey, I am here with part of the Brazilian community. They have been gathering here all day, listening to music, dancing, eating, and really just gearing up for this match.

They have been excited to see Brazil in the World Cup. This is a team that has more championships than any other five. They have won five World Cup titles, but it's been 24 years since they won the last one in 2002. And so, fans are getting a little antsy, but they are very excited.

How you guys feeling today?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE).

SANTANA: So, who's going to win this match between Brazil and Morocco?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Brazil.

SANTANA: Do you think they have what it takes to win the World Cup title this year after 24 years?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, of course.

SANTANA: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

SANTANA: Who is going to mark the difference on the team? Which play are you looking out for?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Endrick.

SANTANA: Endrick.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. Definitely, Endrick.

SANTANA: So, you can see everybody is super excited. You know, this is a community-led event. It's free. There is big screens on either side where people can watch the game. They can be here with the community. There is people here from Colombia, from Ecuador, from Mexico, from other countries, just gathered together. You know, if you can't be at the stadium, which is only six miles away, you can be at one of these community events, because action is happening not just in the stadium but outside too. Erica.

HILL: Yes, absolutely. So much energy, so much excitement. We appreciate it. Thank you.

All right. So, as we noted, there's a lot happening this weekend. It's not just on the pitch. There is kind of an important basketball game tonight. Christine, the Knicks take on the Spurs in game five. They are hoping to wrap it all up, of course, they are playing on the Spurs home turf.

The game moves back now. They are in -- there in San Antonio tonight. I mean, put this in perspective, not just in terms of, you know, the fact that this would be, as we know, you know, the first title in, you know, over 50 years for the Knicks, but just what is riding on this game?

BRENNAN: You know, I think the nation has really fallen in love with the New York Knicks story. And Erica, that doesn't always happen in the U.S. with sports and New York teams. You know, there is often -- there can be an animosity from the rest of the country towards New York teams.

(CROSSTALK)

HILL: Yes.

BRENNAN: But there is something, something about this. I think, it's the Madison Square Garden, everyone knows that. It is, you said the long drought, 53 years since the Knicks have won a championship, and it was since 1999 that they even -- were in the NBA Finals.

On the flip side, you know, I know we, you are not saying this. We don't want to forget about the San Antonio Spurs, a young team that has just made so many mistakes. I mean, they, of course, are kicking themselves, the fact that they, they've had the lead in the last two minutes of all of the games so far, and then, of course, are down 3-1 have only won one of those games.

So, the sense would be their home crowd, they come back and win Game 5, and then, it goes to New York for Game 6. And I think in some ways that storybook finished that, that sense of this grand tale that is being woven and told in sports in our country right now to get it back to Game 6 in the garden in New York, New York City, for all those fans there.

I think that seems like a fitting storyline, and the fitting way to have this unfold. We'll see, of course, how it plays out.

(CROSSTALK)

HILL: Yes.

BRENNAN: But I would be surprised if that happens.

HILL: This city might explode if that happens.

BRENNAN: Yes.

HILL: I mean, it will say the energy, the excitement in the city, it is, it is so fun to be in New York City right now. I mean, it is palpable, it is contagious.

[17:55:03]

I'm loving every minute of it. I would like to see Nixon Five, quite frankly. Let's wrap this up.

But it is such a moment, and I will say, too, just real quickly, we have about 30 seconds Christine, I'm sorry.

But there is also a heart to this team that I think a lot of people have connected with. A lot of people have connected with Jalen Brunson, and who he is as a person. That has meant a lot to people.

BRENNAN: Well, basketball is that sport that everyone is closest to. Bill Russell said this years ago. You know, just the uniform, no helmets, right? No face guards -- you know, protective padding. You see these players, you see every emotion, and yes, the heart of this team, the way that Brunson has led this team and fought back, and the Knicks have come back. It is truly a sports courage story. It is a story of compassion and something obviously that fans can absolutely wrap their arms around.

HILL: Yes, absolutely. Christine, always good to talk to my friend. Thank you.

BRENNAN: Thank you, Erica.

HILL: Thanks to all of you for joining me this hour. I'm Erica Hill. Stay tuned. NEWSROOM continues with my other good friend, Omar Jimenez, after this short break. Stay with us.

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