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Iran Says, Shrapnel from U.S. Strikes Kills Toddler, Three Others; Major Medical Groups Issue Vaccine Guidance for Flu, COVID-19, RSV; Chevron Pledges to Double Its Venezuelan Oil Production. Aired 10-10:30a ET

Aired September 02, 2026 - 10:00   ET

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

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PAMELA BROWN, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now, retaliation warning as the U.S. and Iran trade strikes. President Trump is vowing to hit again at a much harder and higher level. And gas diplomacy.

The energy secretary arrives in Venezuela to seal a deal giving the U.S. a bigger stake in Venezuela's oil reserves. When will it pay off for drivers at the pump?

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Plus, plea deal. Tiger Woods reaches an agreement after being accused of driving under the influence during a rollover crash in Florida. The punishment he was just handed in court.

And disappearing guidance? The CDC's fall vaccine campaign has now gone silent. What you need to know to protect yourself for this year's cold and flu season.

Welcome to our viewers here in the United States and around the world. I'm Wolf Blitzer with Pamela Brown, and you're in The Situation Room.

Happening now, Iran says a U.S. strike sprays a wedding celebration with deadly shrapnel. This is the chaos inside that wedding reception. Iran says at least four people were killed, including a four-year-old child. CNN has reached out to the U.S. military's Central Command for comment on Iran's accusation, but it has long made clear that the U.S. military does not target civilians.

The U.S. military also says its strikes across the country were responding to Iran's recent attacks on U.S. troops in the region and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran quickly defied President Trump's warning to not retaliate and launched ballistic missile attacks on Jordan, as well as we see here, Jordan saying it intercepted ten missiles from Iran and another three fell in remote areas. Kuwait and Bahrain say they intercepted drone attacks from Iran.

CNN's Kevin Liptak is joining us right now from the White House. What are you hearing, Kevin this morning from the administration?

KEVIN LIPTAK, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Well, President Trump certainly does not sound like a man in a hurry to get this conflict over with, despite the spike in oil prices and despite concerns from many of his Republican allies that this could hurt them in the midterm elections.

You know, this latest round of tensions began on Sunday when the U.S. attacked Iranian positions on Larak Island that it said were preparing to launch mines into the Strait of Hormuz. That prompted Iranian retaliation, which prompted U.S. retaliation, which prompted Iranian retaliation back to this familiar pattern of back and forth strikes that has drawn in almost every country in the region that houses those tens of thousands of U.S. troops.

Now, President Trump wrote on Truth Social that he is not trying to get the Iranians back to the negotiating table. He says instead that, quote, I like our position now much better with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait and their economy totally collapsing. The president said, they are just playing out the inevitable. When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?

Now, that last bit, calling on the Iranians to overthrow the regime, is almost exactly his message on the night this war began, and there's no signs yet that the regime has lost its strength in any way. Remember just last week, the administration signaled that it was moving away from a military strategy and more towards an economic strategy to try and choke off the regime.

Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, saying back then that sanctions on Iran's largest trading partners would mean that there would be not a need to go back to large scale kinetic restart. He said yesterday the plan was to, quote, economically asphyxiate the regime. So far, there's no evidence that Iran's trading partners are immediately cutting off their ties. Just yesterday, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, meeting with Iran's president and vowing continued economic support. Wolf?

BLITZER: All right. Kevin Liptak at the White House, thank you very much. Pamela?

BROWN: All right, Wolf. Happening now, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is in Thailand, its first regular port call in more than eight months. That extended deployment led to onboard complaints of mental health issues and supply issues, and we heard from one mother who traveled to Thailand to be reunited with her daughter, who is a crew member.

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SHAKEIRA FAIRFAX, MOTHER OF CREW MEMBER: And there was a time where, you know, the morale was at low and I said, what can I do? You know, what can I do? She said, just tell me old stories. And to be able to share stories and laugh and photographs to take that walk down memory lane was really nice.

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It was really nice. I just can't wait to see her smile. I can't wait to hear, Mom. I know that's the first thing she's going to say. I can't wait to hear her say, Mom.

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BROWN: And I've been in touch with some of the sailors and crew members on board, and they tell me they're very happy to be on land right now.

And as you see here in this video, I did spend some time aboard the Lincoln carrier group in the Arabian Sea, where it took part in the U.S. blockade of Iranian ships and also launched missions. And I saw the remarkable work and sacrifice of these men and women.

Lincoln is headed back to Southern California once it leaves Thailand, where it will complete one of the longest deployments in U.S. Navy history.

BLITZER: Also happening now, parts of Texas on alert for flooding as the bad situation out there continues. We're talking about Tropical Depression Edouard. Br- it's bringing drenching downpours and powerful wind gusts, and it made landfall on the Texas-Louisiana border just yesterday afternoon.

Also happening now, Pamela?

BROWN: Jurors in the Lindsey Clancy murder trial are back in court for the fifth day of deliberations. Yesterday, the judge sent the jury back for more deliberations. Basically, this happened after the jury came to the judge and said that it was deadlocked. So, right now they're deliberating. We're trying to find out if there's any developments.

We do have a CNN producer inside the courtroom who had described the jurors as solemn and straight-faced. So, here's what here's what else we learned I know that this was a long trial.

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JUDGE WILLIAM F. SULLIVAN, MASSACHUSETTS SUPREME COURT: I know there were over 80 witnesses. There were over 300 exhibits. And -- but because of that, I'm going to ask you to go back out, keeping in mind all of the instructions that I gave you, to go out and to continue your deliberations at this time.

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BROWN: Clancy is on trial for killing her three young children. Her defense doesn't dispute that fact, she strangled her children, but argues she should not be held criminally liable. They say that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis during the killings.

So, let's go live now to CNN Correspondent Jean Casarez, who is right outside the courthouse. Jean, you have been tracking this every step of the way. Tell us where things stand right now. JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The jury is deliberating. They are in that deliberation room. They've only been deliberating for a short period of time this morning. However, this could be a very significant day. But it even started out that way unusually because the judge actually, along with the attorneys in the courtroom this morning, called each juror, including the alternates, up one by one, had them take an oath, and they were asking them some questions.

Our producer in the courtroom saw head noddings. It went fairly quickly. But here is what CNN has confirmed independently. We have confirmed that yesterday, around 3:40 P.M., so that is ten minutes after the jury was dismissed for the day, that a woman, 56 years old from Massachusetts, was arrested by the Massachusetts State Police and has now been charged with one count of intimidation of a witness or a juror in a criminal proceeding. And according to that statute, if there is harassment of a juror that a reasonable person could believe that there is emotional impact on that juror, that is probable cause they have committed this.

Now, there is going to be an arraignment of this woman, Dawn Light, this morning. And we also can tell you, I, as I read the statute, this is serious because it is a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted. However, if the criminal trial involves first-degree murder, life in prison, it is a maximum of 20 years in prison. So, that is just something that's happening alongside a jury that is now very seriously and consistently trying to reach a verdict.

BROWN: So, tell us what happens if the jury continues to come back and says that it's deadlocked, Jean.

CASAREZ: What should happen -- it's all up to the judge, but what should happen is that the judge will really want to try, not force them, but hopefully get them to a verdict. So, in the state, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and all jurisdictions have this, but it's called the Tuohy/Rodriguez charge based on case law in Massachusetts, and he will actually read to the jury, and it'll be on camera, so we will see this. He will read to them on camera what their duties are as jurors. Go back, keep an open mind, but it's codified in Massachusetts. So -- and even the American Bar Association has weighed in on what should be said to a jury. They go back, they try again, and then it is up to the judge.

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So, the day is young. They have just started deliberating, but we have to see what will transpire during this course of day. And if they just keep deliberating, the judge may not want to bother them because they are working. They're working toward a conclusion, a verdict.

BROWN: As you know, Jean, this case has really resonated with a lot of people. What has it been like outside of the courthouse?

CASAREZ: Everyone knows about it. I mean, you sit next to someone at an airport or just talk with someone at the local market, they know all the facts. They know the evidence inside and out. Now, one thing this morning that's interesting, I was talking to someone, and they live in this community, and they just don't want a retrial if this ends up as a hung jury and a mistrial is declared. They say that it's been taxing on the community, that it's cost the community money, and they just hope that they go on and they don't retry it.

But, of course, that will be up to the district attorney of Plymouth County, Massachusetts. He will make that final decision if it gets to that point.

BROWN: All right. Jean Casarez, thank you so much. We'll wait and see what happens. Wolf?

BLITZER: And still ahead, racing against time in Nepal. The rescue operations underway to find workers trapped in hydropower tunnels. CNN is on the ground.

BROWN: And later, filling a void, the newly released vaccine recommendations coming from leading medical groups when it comes to RSV, COVID, and flu shots.

You're in the Situation Room, and we'll be right back.

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BLITZER: Happening now, Tiger Woods has reached a plea deal with prosecutors on a lesser charge in a case stemming from a rollover crash this year. The crash originally led to charges of driving under the influence. Take a look at body camera footage from the day that happened.

Woods appeared in court this morning where he changed his not guilty plea.

Let's go live right now to CNN National Correspondent Randi Kaye. She's over outside the court. Randi, what does this lesser charge wind up meaning potentially for Woods?

RANDI KAYE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it means, Wolf, very likely that he can put this case behind him, although there are a couple of things that will drag on for him, such as a license suspension for the next five years that he will have to deal with. But he had pleaded not guilty, as you said, back in March, and now he has pleaded no contest.

So, here's what happened in court today. For count one, which was driving under the influence, the state amended that charge, knocking it down to willful wanton reckless driving. For that, he got a $1,000 fine and five-year suspension of his license.

And then on count two, which was his refusal to take this urinalysis test while he was in the field so they could see what medications or drugs might have been in his system for refusing to do that, there was an adjudication of guilt in that case. So, there was a $500 fine, and also another five-year suspension of his license.

Now, those license suspensions will run concurrently, so just the five years. The judge said to him, Wolf, for your safety, for the public's safety, if you go driving again, you will be immediately taken back to jail.

We also know that he was fingerprinted. His girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, was in court with him as well. And the prosecution, before all of this happened, said that there had been an erosion of evidence, and that this agreement was in the best interest of the court.

Now, the state attorney spoke about that just a few moments ago and gave us a little more context as to what exactly that evidence was. Take a listen.

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THOMAS BAKKEDAHL, FLORIDA STATE ATTORNEY: What the doctors indicated is the result of Mr. Woods' long-term use, he had built up a tolerance. If he has a tolerance, then guess what? It doesn't impair him. So -- and if he's not impaired, guess what? I can't prove DUI.

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KAYE: Now, at the scene that day back in March, Wolf, he was found with two hydrocodone pills, which is an opioid, in his pocket, and he did tell deputies that he had taken a few prescription medications earlier that day. But, again, they're suggesting that he built up a tolerance and it would be very hard to prove impairment, which is what the deputies said they saw. Wolf?

BLITZER: All right. Randi Kaye reporting for us, thank you very much. Pamela?

BROWN: All right, Wolf. This just in to CNN. Major medical groups are issuing their own seasonal guidance for flu, COVID-19, and RSV shots this year. They say they're doing this to fill a void.

So, let's go live now to CNN Health Reporter Jacqueline Howard. Tell us more about this, Jacqueline.

JACQUELINE HOWARD, CNN HEALTH REPORTER: Yes, Pam. So, these updated guidelines, they're from, like you said, major medical groups who say that there's a need for public health messaging around respiratory virus season. And it's that time of year again. Kids are back in school. Leaves are changing colors. Here's what's recommended based on these guidelines.

The guidelines do recommend for everyone six months and older to get their seasonal flu shot. It recommends for all adults to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, also for infants between six months and 23 months of age to get the updated COVID shot, and for children with risk factors or if your families simply request it.

And then for RSV, which we also know can spread around this time of year, that vaccination's recommended for older adults 75 and older, between the ages of 50 and 74 if you're at an increased risk. This is also recommended during pregnancy between weeks 32 and 36, and it's given between the months of September and now through March. It's also recommended, the monoclonal antibody is recommended for infants younger than eight months old.

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And, Pam, the medical groups say they hope this guidance can help both clinicians and families. And like you said, they're doing this at a time where they say we need to fill a void.

BROWN: Tell us more about that, when they say they're filling a void.

HOWARD: So, they used to collaborate -- the medical groups say they used to collaborate with the CDC on robust respiratory virus vaccine guidance each year around the fall. They say those collaborations haven't been happening lately. And the CDC used to also have vaccine campaigns each fall.

But here's president-elect of the American Medical Association talking about how things have changed. This is Dr. Sandra Fryhofer. Have a listen.

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DR. SANDRA ADAMSON FRYHOFER, PRESIDENT-ELECT, AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: I know what the government used to do, and we used to have regular meetings. We had working groups. And all that has changed. So, what the AMA, the Vaccine Integrity Project, and the medical specialty societies have done, is we've gotten together to try to fill that void.

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HOWARD: Now, Pam, the CDC has updated at its website to say the same flu recommendations that were made last year around getting your flu shot are still in effect this year. But that's really what the latest we've heard from the CDC on this respiratory virus season. Pam?

BROWN: All right. Jacqueline Howard, thank you so much. Wolf?

BLITZER: Also coming up, President Trump praised Freedom Fuel for cheap gas prices, but a massive new lawsuit claims there's a catch. The chain was allegedly selling $4 million of fuel never actually paid for. Those explosive allegations, that's coming up next.

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BROWN: Well, new this morning, Chevron says it will invest $7 billion in its Venezuelan oil projects and expects to double its current oil production by 2031. This is a long-expected decision, and it follows President Trump's demands that U.S. oil companies take advantage of his administration's January ouster of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is currently in Venezuela finalizing a deal that would give the U.S. control of a large portion of the country's oil reserves. Wolf?

BLITZER: Also happening now, a new lawsuit claims that the company that purchased gasoline for the Freedom Fuel network may have stolen some $4 million worth of gas. The Freedom Fuel network is a chain of discount gas stations back in July. It was selling gas for about 50 cents below market value and was praised by President Trump.

BROWN: The president writing on social media, in part, quote, On July 3rd, the Freedom Fuel network will be lowering gas prices at 25 Freedom Fuel stations across the greater Philadelphia area. This retailer is taking the lead and others should follow. They are doing this because they love the USA.

Now, the supplier in question here, KRSM, disputes the allegations. An attorney for the company told CNN it plans to fight it and described it as, quote, an accounting dispute over fuel invoices mispriced by Mansfield Oil.

BLITZER: All right, let's go live right now to CNN Senior Reporter Matt Egan. Matt, what more are you learning about these allegations?

MATT EGAN, CNN SENIOR REPORTER: Well, Wolf and Pamela, this is quite the plot twist, and it could provide some answers into the mystery over how Freedom Fuel stations were able to sell gas at such rock bottom prices that the chain won praise from President Trump.

Now, this lawsuit was filed by Mansfield Oil, a Georgia-based fuel supplier. Mansfield alleges that New Jersey-based KRSM acquired more than a million gallons of gas worth nearly $4 million. But Mansfield says KRSM never paid even $1 for this fuel. Some of that gas was later sold to stations within the Freedom Fuel network.

Now, the lawsuit alleges that this was no accident, rather that it was an intentional strategy that allowed Freedom Fuel to undercut its rivals with unusually low prices that helped the chain garner attention. Consider that in early July, Freedom Fuel was selling gas for just under $3.50 a gallon at stations around Philadelphia. That's despite the fact that at the same time, Pennsylvania average gas prices were almost $4 a gallon.

Now, according to the lawsuit, quote, KRSM was able to sell such fuel for such low prices and garner such publicity because it never paid plaintiff for such fuel.

Now, KRSM is contesting the allegations. As you mentioned, an attorney for the company told CNN that it intends to fight the lawsuit, describing it as a, quote, accounting dispute over fuel invoices mispriced by Mansfield.

Now, I should note that a White House official told me this week that the administration has had zero contact or dealings with KRSM. All of this, of course, is coming as energy prices remain painfully high for consumers across the country. Last month was the most expensive August for gas prices on record. That's according to AAA. And GasBuddy expects Labor Day gas prices to shatter the all-time record set under President Obama back in 2012. Wolf and Pamela, back to you guys.

BROWN: All right. Matt Egan, thanks so much for that. Wolf?

BLITZER: And coming up, new CNN reporting. Sources inside the U.S. Army now telling us Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is damaging their efforts to adapt to the modern battlefield. What this could mean for the war with Iran. We have details. Stay with us.

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