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Early Start with Rahel Solomon

Trump Threatens To "Obliterate" Iran's Energy Sites; Confusion Around Iran's Leadership; Airport Chaos Eases As TSA Workers Get Paid. Aired 5-5:30a ET

Aired March 31, 2026 - 05:00   ET

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

[05:00:30]

BRIAN ABEL, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning and welcome to our viewers joining us from the United States and all around the world. I'm Brian Abel. Thank you so much for being with us.

It is Tuesday, March 31st, 5:00 a.m. here in Washington.

And straight ahead on EARLY START.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: We've been hearing from U.S. officials about how good these negotiations are going, but there's still a lot of confusion as to who is actually in charge in Iran.

KAROLINE LEAVITT, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: We are seeing the remaining elements of the regime become increasingly eager to end the destruction.

ED LAVANDERA, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: A dramatic change to the scene here at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Now, the question is whether or not the payment for TSA agents will continue.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: These poor TSA workers, these are the victims of this whole thing. You know, it's terrible.

PATRICK OPPMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Fidel Castro's grandson, Sandro Castro, the very public face of otherwise mysterious family says he is a sign of the changing times on the communist-run island.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

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ABEL: We begin this hour following the latest developments from the Middle East, where Israeli police say several cars caught fire in central Israel after being hit by missile fragments following a new barrage fired by Iran. Police say there were reports of debris but no casualties so far. An IDF spokesperson tells CNN the damage appeared to be from a cluster munition. That attack comes as Israel launched a deadly wave of attacks across

Iran. More than a dozen people have been killed, including three children and two mothers. State media is also reporting explosions in power outages across Tehran.

Meanwhile, President Trump is threatening to obliterate Iran's energy sites if a deal to end the war is not reached and the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.

Here's what the White House had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LEAVITT: Of course, this administration and the United States armed forces will always act within the confines of the law. But with respect to achieving the objectives of operation fury, President Trump is going to move forward unabated, and he expects -- expects the Iranian regime to make a deal with the administration.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ABEL: All right. Let's bring in CNN's Paula Hancocks live for us from Abu Dhabi with the latest on the ground -- Paula.

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Brian, if we start off from the bombardments that we have been seeing in Iran and across the Middle East overnight into this Tuesday, what we saw in Tehran was power outages. As we understand that according to Fars News Agency, shrapnel from one of the airstrikes hit a substation. We know that other neighborhoods have come under fire as well. In the city of Isfahan, we have footage showing the explosions as certain targets were hit. It's unclear what the targets were by the U.S. and Israel.

We did see, though, in one image you can see the minarets of the Grand Mosalla Mosque in the foreground as the explosion erupts in the background, and we are also understanding that in Alborz province, there were, air strikes overnight as well. There was a warning by the Israeli military on social media on X that there was going to be an attack in a certain part of Tehran. It's worth pointing out, though, there is an Internet blackout in Iran at this point. It's unclear if that was the only means that the IDF used to warn civilians on the ground.

But we are seeing the civilian death toll rise. The latest we have from Iranian red crescent was at least 1,900 killed, not a specific breakdown on how many civilians and children among that number, though. Now we have been seeing damage in central Israel as well as Iran fired projectiles towards that area. We understand from an Israeli military spokesperson, it was believed to be a cluster munition, which is a weapon that that releases bomblets across a very wide area, far more difficult for the air defense systems to take down as it is dispersed.

And it can do a lot of damage on the ground. You can see cars on fire and also damage to a number of streets. We don't believe there were injuries at this point though. According to Israeli officials. And then here in the Gulf as well, we have been seeing air strikes overnight into this Tuesday.

[05:05:01]

Just about an hour and a half ago, there were a number of interceptions in Dubai here in the UAE, we understand that, that there had been a higher number than we are used to seeing in just one wave of these -- these projectiles that Iran has been firing and certainly over the past three days, we have been seeing here in the UAE, an increased number in the drones and missiles that have been fired. Dubai authorities saying that they are responding to an incident in the southern part of Dubai, saying that debris from an interception fell on residential houses. They say at this point there are minor injuries to four people.

So even though there are these ongoing talks that that the U.S. certainly seems more optimistic about than Iran does. We are seeing very little change on the ground, if not more bombardments on all sides. So, we are hearing the Trump administration voicing this optimism. We've heard the U.S. president saying that Iran has effectively agreed to most of what he has demanded in his 15-point plan.

But we heard that very roundly dismissed by the foreign ministry spokesperson as well, saying that -- that the demands were largely excessive, unrealistic and unreasonable. It's still not clear exactly who within the Iranian leadership infrastructure, however it looks at this point, that the Trump administration is talking to. But they do say that they appear more reasonable than who they were talking to in the past -- Brian.

ABEL: Paula Hancocks, bring us the latest on this conflict from Abu Dhabi -- Paula, appreciate your reporting. Thank you.

We are keeping an eye on gas prices across the U.S. as the war in Iran keeps rattling oil markets, according to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is now $4.02 a gallon. Oil prices are fluctuating again today, but still above the $100 a barrel mark. West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, hovering around that number right now as well.

So, let's bring in CNN's Eleni Giokos tracking the latest from Dubai -- Eleni.

ELENI GIOKOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Brian. So, you know, gas prices reaching just over $4 a gallon is really indicative of how interconnected the energy markets are and also just what an oil shock this is globally. Remember, the International Energy Agency says this is the biggest energy shock, oil shock in the world, even one that exceeds what we saw in the 1970s during the oil crisis.

Interestingly, WTI actually closed above $100 a barrel in yesterday's session. That's the highest we've seen since 2022. Brent crude again continuing to be very volatile because you're seeing oscillating messages in terms of when the war will end, when the Strait of Hormuz will open up. So, these are all questions we just don't have answers to. But the IMF weighing in here and really just giving a dose of reality, I want you to listen to what they say. They say the Iran's war effect on economy will, you know, far exceed our expectations. They say although the war could shape the global economy in different ways, all roads lead to higher prices and slower growth. And much depends on how long the conflict lasts and how far it spreads and how much damage it inflicts on infrastructure and supply chains. Supply chains basically choked off because the Strait of Hormuz is closed. Tanker traffic showing us the reality there.

And then the other important thing we need to know is jet fuel prices. We're talking about refined fuel. That is also very important that passes through the Strait of Hormuz. You're seeing shortages being reported in many countries around the world. The International Air Traffic Association says that jet fuel prices in the past month have doubled. They're up 104 percent.

And if we break that down into sort of geographical impact, Asia and Oceania, up 134 percent, and North America up 88 percent. So that's sort of the reality that people are facing. And of course, you're hearing from banks where they're saying that Brent crude prices could hit $150 a barrel. In that scenario, we could be facing global recession territory, Brian.

ABEL: Frightening for so many to hear that. Eleni Giokos really appreciate your reporting from Dubai. Eleni, thank you.

It is a start of a new day here in Washington, and it's yet another day. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security remains shut down, but it will be at least two weeks until there is a possibility of it reopening. As both chambers of Congress are on recess. They hit a stalemate last week after Republicans in both chambers passed competing proposals to fund the DHS. Senate Republican leader John Thune says he will not call senators back from recess until there's a deal with Democrats.

But it's not all bad news. Security wait times have plunged from hours to minutes at some U.S. Airports.

[05:10:03]

Monday was the first time about 61,000 TSA workers started getting paid since the beginning of the partial government shutdown.

Our Ed Lavandera has more on the noticeable changes in airport security lines in Texas.

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ED LAVANDERA, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Monday brought a dramatic change to the scene here at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. Look at these lines here have simply gone away. All day Monday, we saw some of the shortest wait times that we have seen at this airport in weeks. In fact, most of the day on Monday, the wait times were about ten minutes. Now look at the scene here. This was an area that was filled with

thousands of people last week. All of these makeshift security lines set up here in the broad terminal of the -- of terminal E, the line at one point filled all of this space. It also filled out into the outside of the terminal area as well. Even went downstairs and two floors below where we are.

So, the wait times at one point were four to five hours long in some cases. This is an airport that was one of the hardest hit in the country. The TSA call out rates from employees had been hovering around 40 percent. The latest number we have was about 35 percent. So, some significant change there.

And also, we understand that there were about almost three dozen TSA agents brought in to the airport here to help open up some of the security lanes. And this week, we're already seeing some change in the way ICE agents are operating here. So, we've seen them working the closest we've seen them, at least a small handful of them working along the security lanes, checking ids, helping passengers put their personal belongings on the conveyor belts to go through security.

So, they have -- we had been told that they were going through training to be able to prepare to do that. Now we're seeing some of them really working there closely with passengers, at least the closest we have seen so far. But again, this is the change has been absolutely stunning, which is welcome news to all the passengers who have been quickly walking past us here. They're relieved that this is the scene here at this airport. As I said, a dramatic change.

Now the question is whether or not the payment for TSA agents will continue. Did talk to a few of them who said that they had not yet received their paychecks. The back pay, they've missed two paychecks in all, but we are seeing and hearing reports from around the country that some TSA agents are starting to get paid.

So, we'll see if that holds, because this here sight is as welcome as it comes to passengers who have been dealing with nightmare TSA security lines for weeks.

Ed Lavandera CNN. Houston, Texas.

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ABEL: Welcome sights indeed. Thank you.

Still to come for us. Israeli far right politicians are celebrating the passage of a new death penalty bill that only targets Palestinians. But human rights groups say the new law is inhumane.

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ABEL: Israel's parliament has passed a controversial bill expanding the death penalty for Palestinians in the West Bank who are convicted of terrorism or nationalistic murders. The bill stipulates that West Bank residents who kill an Israeli with, quote, the intent to negate the existence of the Israeli state will be sentenced to death by hanging. This law makes a death penalty the default punishment, and allows no right to appeal.

Far right Israeli politicians are celebrating

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ITAMAR BEN-GVIR, ISRAELI NATIONAL SECURITY MINISTER: From today onward, every terrorist shall know and the whole world shall know, he who takes life, the state of Israel will take his life.

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ABEL: Palestinians in the West Bank are subject to military law, while Israeli settlers are subject to civilian law. The bill notably makes no special punishment for nationalistic murders carried out by Jewish Israelis against Palestinians.

This is all sparking outcry from human rights groups.

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SARIT MICHAELI, B'TSELEM INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR: This law violates both the laws of occupation that place severe restrictions on the ability of placing the death sentence on by the occupying power against the occupied population, but also is discriminatory because Israeli Jews who live in the occupied territories, Israeli settlers will not face any sort of death penalty in the rare occurrence that they might actually be convicted, tried or convicted of any sort of offenses, and certainly not the killing of Palestinians.

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ABEL: Israeli opposition leaders are also slamming the new law, and believe it will likely be struck down by Israels Supreme Court as unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, the FBI says the attack on a synagogue in Michigan earlier this month was a Hezbollah inspired act of terrorism. Investigators say a man rammed a truck into the building, while more than 100 children were inside for school. The synagogues security officers exchanged fire with the attacker before he shot and killed himself inside the vehicle. Authorities say the truck was filled with fireworks and gasoline, which were meant to cause a huge explosion.

The suspect identified as a naturalized U.S. citizen from Lebanon. The FBI says he acted alone and was inspired by Hezbollah propaganda after members of his family were killed a week earlier in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, the FBI held a news conference on Monday where they revealed some of the evidence they found.

(BEGIN VDIEO CLIP)

JENNIFER RUNYAN, SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE, FBI DETROIT FIELD OFFICE: During the morning and early morning of March 10th, he continued his online searches with specific search terms and phrases such as the largest gathering of Israelis in Michigan, orthodox synagogues, Israelis near me.

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What time is the Trump rally in Michigan, as well as a center affiliated with the Israeli embassy in Michigan? He later attempted to try and delete these queries, but we were able to recover them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ABEL: One of the synagogues security officers was hit by the vehicle and injured, but there were no other casualties aside from the attacker.

The U.S. military is ramping up its presence in the Middle East, despite the White House saying negotiations are going well. Just ahead, I'll be speaking with a national security expert on the likelihood of a U.S. ground invasion of Iran.

Stay with us.

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[05:25:13]

ABEL: Israel is conducting more deadly strikes on Iran, saying it targeted the capital, Tehran, with multiple waves of air attacks, huge clouds of smoke rising over the city earlier, Iranian media says at least 14 people have been killed so far today, including women and children.

Meanwhile, Israels military is continuing its offensive in southern Lebanon. Israel says four of its soldiers were killed in combat Tuesday as the IDF expands its so-called buffer zone against Hezbollah attacks. President Trump claims talks with reasonable negotiators in Iran are going well, but questions remain as top Trump administration officials won't say exactly who they are negotiating with.

CNN's Kristen Holmes reports from the White House.

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KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Sources tell CNN that there is still a lot of confusion as to who is actually in charge in Iran and whether or not the people that the United States is currently negotiating with actually have the power to get anything done. What I mean by that is that the U.S. is still not entirely sure that the people who are receiving their messages, which are being sent through Pakistan and Turkey, actually have the power to sign off on a peace deal, let alone actually implement a peace deal.

This is how one regional source put it. They said, no one can tell anyone today that whoever shows up to Islamabad has the power for the Iranian regime. Islamabad, they're being where it has been rumored to be these negotiations between U.S. officials and Iranian officials. If we ever get to that position of having these direct talks.

Now, we have heard that there are messages being passed back and forth indirectly with the foreign minister as well as the parliament speaker. But there's another layer here that is complicating all of this, which is what exactly is going on with the supreme leader? We've heard U.S. Officials publicly speculate, discuss the fact that they believe he could be seriously injured or possibly even dead. Iranians have said he's very much in charge, but we have not seen from him or heard from him in any real way since those original strikes took out that leadership, everything has been a paper statement.

And that, according to experts, has raised even more alarm bells as to what his status is and who's actually calling the shots. But of course, this is a big reveal. As we've been hearing from these U.S. officials, including President Trump, for the last several weeks, or at least a week and a half, negotiations are going, how they're on a positive front, but now learning that they're not even really sure that the people they're talking to have enough power to get what they need to get done, done in Iran.

Kristen Holmes, CNN, the White House.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ABEL: Kristen, thank you. Still ahead for us. How a series of major payouts from prediction markets has caught the attention of federal authorities. We will bring you CNN's exclusive report, ahead.

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