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The Brief with Jim Sciutto
CNN International: Trump Hints at U.S.-Iran Talks "In Two Days"; U.S. Blockade of Iranian ports Enters Second Day; Israel and Lebanon Hold First Direct Talks in Decades; Republican Lawmakers React to Trump's Iran Threats; Ukraine and Germany Agree to New Defense Deal; MF Warns of Consequences of Prolonged Middle East Conflict. Aired 6-7p ET
Aired April 14, 2026 - 18:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[18:00:00]
LYNDA KINKADE, CNN ANCHOR: Hello and welcome to our viewers joining us from all around the world. I'm Lynda Kinkade in Atlanta. Jim Sciutto is off
today. You're watching "The Brief."
We just had this hour, a new 48-hour window for diplomacy. President Trump hints at a possible movement with Iran, but with major sticking points
unresolved. What could that mean? Israel and Lebanon hold their first direct talks in 40 years. And in sport, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-
Germain advance to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. We'll have all the details.
But we begin with efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East and President Trump's hint that something could happen in Pakistan in the next
two days. Both the U.S. and Iran are trying to get back to the negotiating table before the ceasefire expires this time next week. Last weekend's
talks in Islamabad, headed by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, ended without a deal. Officials say both sides are proposing that Iran suspend its
Iranian enrichment, but they can't settle on a time frame.
It comes as the U.S. tries to close the Strait of Hormuz to ships using Iranian ports. The U.S. says six ships have turned around as a result of
its blockade. Tracking data shows many Iranian-linked vessels have transited through the strait regardless.
Kristen Holmes is at the White House following all the developments and joins us now live. Good to have you with us, Kristen. So, yes, U.S. Central
Command says six vessels were turned around in the Strait of Hormuz, but many others have been able to transit through that strait. Some, you know,
sanctioned ships and some linked to Iran. Did they ignore U.S. warnings or instruction? What do we know?
KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: It's unclear right now how exactly that happened. We do know that there have been a couple of
things going on. One, we've seen some ships not leave. Then we've seen these six ships that we've heard from Central Command that turned back
around to the port after they were instructed to do so from the United States. But we don't have a real idea of ships that are getting through and
how exactly that's playing out.
We know that there are 10,000 service members, U.S. service members involved in this blockade across 12 U.S. naval ships. And so, they are
really putting a lot of resources into this blockade. And it's coming at the same time. President Trump is kind of floating this idea of another
round of talks just in the next two days. He did an interview with a New York Post reporter who is stationed right now in Islamabad. Saying don't
leave the area because just in the next two days, we might have more talks. The idea of Geneva was floated. He said, no, why would we bring in a
country or go to a country that's not involved in this?
Now, during that conversation, he wouldn't say who would be in the delegation. But we have since learned that it would be the same delegation
that has been involved in these negotiations in the past. And it was just in Islamabad, including Vice President J.D. Vance, as well as Steve Witkoff
and Jared Kushner.
Now, on the other side of this, the Iranians have been very clear that they have not agreed to a second set of negotiations. So, right now, it's
unclear where these two days is coming from. We have been reporting that there was conversation within the administration of how they would set
something up quickly if it were to happen, if they were to be given this opportunity. But that was really where we landed in our conversations with
senior administration officials. President Trump, of course, taking it a lot further, saying that something was going to happen in these next two
days. We are waiting for more information on that.
KINKADE: All right. Yes, we'll see what comes of that latest deadline. Kristen Holmes, outside the White House, thanks very much.
Well, in Washington, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. hails what he calls a wonderful meeting with Lebanon.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
YECHIEL LEITER, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO U.S.: We discovered today that we're on the same side of the equation. That's the most positive thing we could
have come away with. We are both united in liberating Lebanon from an occupation power dominated by Iran called Hezbollah.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[18:05:00]
KINKADE: The Lebanese ambassador to the U.S. says the meeting was constructive. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted Tuesday's direct
talks between the two nations, calling it a historic opportunity for peace. The State Department says Israel and Lebanon agreed to hold further
negotiations.
But Israel still refuses to commit to a ceasefire in Lebanon as it fights Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. Lebanon says Israeli strikes
have killed more than 2,000 people since the beginning of last month.
Well, joining me now is Jamil Jaffer. He is the founder and executive director of the National Security Institute at George Mason University.
Good to have you with us.
JAMIL JAFFER, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL SECURITY INSTITUTE AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY AND FORMER ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO U.S. PRESIDENT
GEORGE W. BUSH: Thanks for having me on.
KINKADE: So, these are the first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in more than four decades brokered by the U.S. What does that say about
U.S. leverage right now in terms of those discussions? And what do you make of the Israeli ambassador's comments?
JAFFER: Well, what's clear is that there's a shared interest between the Lebanese government, the legitimate government of Lebanon and Israel, which
is to, as the Israeli ambassador said, liberate Lebanon from Hezbollah and its dominant influence it's had over in recent decades in that country.
Obviously, Hezbollah is a U.S.-listed foreign terrorist organization.
We know about the terrorist attacks they've committed, not just in the region, not just against Israel, but against America and our interests
around the globe. And this is a group that has been backed by Iran for decades. And it is -- it will be good to see Lebanon successfully liberate
itself. And if that comes with some American and Israeli help, then so be it.
KINKADE: The thing is, even if Israel and Lebanon are on the same page and reach a framework agreement, Hezbollah is not at the table, right? They've
already rejected this process. So, how realistic is an agreement that holds and one that can be enforced on the ground if they're not even a party to
it?
JAFFER: Well, no, you're exactly right. It's going to involve the Israeli defense forces, the Lebanese armed forces, and potentially U.S.
capabilities being brought to bear to really pressure Hezbollah to give up the territory and influence it has in the region and in Lebanon
specifically. That's going to be a difficult battle. It will not come purely with just negotiations.
The best that can be achieved by these talks is a commonality of understanding and agreement and maybe some action as between the Israelis,
the Americans, and the Lebanese forces. It's not going to solve the problem that is Hezbollah. The way that problem gets solved is twofold.
One, Hezbollah being disarmed on the ground and giving up its arms, which it is unlikely to do. And two, frankly, preventing Iran from supporting
this proxy group that it has as it has for decades. That's what might come out of the larger discussions in Pakistan or elsewhere, as you laid out,
between the U.S. and Iran.
KINKADE: And I want to turn to Iran because you helped craft the congressional oversight on the Iran nuclear deal. And right now, we're
seeing a fundamental gap. The U.S. pushing for zero enrichment, while Iran insisting that it maintains its right to enrichment. From your experience,
is there a viable middle ground here?
JAFFER: Well, look, I think that President Obama in his nuclear deal tried to find that middle ground, allowed Iran to have enrichment, but only at
certain levels over a certain period of time or a 10-year agreement. That agreement obviously was roundly rejected by both bipartisan majorities in
the House and the Senate, although not enough to prevent the president from entering into that agreement. And then ultimately gotten rid of by
President Trump in his first administration.
So, what's clear is this administration is not interested in Iran enriching domestically. They view, and I think correctly view that as a mistake in
the prior administration that made that deal. And ultimately now the question becomes, can you get to a deal, Iran having now had enrichment
domestically for a while, first under an illegal illicit program, and then legitimately under the Iran framework deal, the joint plan of action, will
they ever go back to not enriching domestically? The U.S. view is they must. That's the gold standard -- and as a result, Iran, a lawless state
that supported terrorism for a long time, should at least be held to that standard.
And so, there's a debate here. And now, there's been some suggestions in these negotiations that maybe the U.S. would accept enrichment after 20
years. Iran has said maybe it might give it up for five years. Maybe there's some trade space there, but in my view, allowing Iran to have
enrichment at any point is unacceptable because there's no need to have enrichment if you want a civilian program. The only reason to have
enrichment is if you want to develop a nuclear weapons capability at some point, that's not something we should ever allow this government in Iran to
ever have.
KINKADE: And, Jamil, you've argued that both sides want a deal, that there doesn't seem to be overlapping terms. So, what creates actual leverage at
this stage? Is it military pressure, economic pressure, diplomatic concessions?
JAFFER: I think all of those things. I think you're right. I do believe that both sides want a deal. It's clear that President Trump is getting
weary of this war.
[18:10:00]
It's clear that the high oil prices are costing him politically at home. He wants to get this war to a conclusion. The Iranians want to end the
devastation that's happened to their military and to their stature globally as they've been taken down in a significant chunk.
They still have some weapons. They still have missiles and drones. They'd like to maintain those. The U.S. would like to get rid of those. They still
have a supply of enriched uranium, 440 kilograms, enriched up to 60 percent, which, by the way, is very close. Even though 90 percent is the
threshold for nuclear weapons capability, between 60 percent and 90 percent, the work is only about 5 percent more work to get to that level of
enrichment because of the way that enriched uranium works.
So, they're very close to weapons-grade uranium, which is troubling. That's about nine weapons worth of capability that they could get to if they chose
to make that sprint. And so, we got to get that enriched uranium out of there.
You're right, the parties are far apart. There's not a lot of commonality today, but that's because Iran is too far along with their capabilities and
have too long supported terror. The U.S. has now put pressure on them, but perhaps not enough.
For there to be real pressure, Iran has to not think they have control of the Strait of Hormuz. That means President Trump's going to have to reopen
that strait. He's put in place a blockade, but to your point earlier, that hasn't been that effective. We'll see how it goes over the next few days
and weeks.
KINKADE: Yes, exactly. Jamil Jaffer, great to get your analysis and perspective. Thanks for joining us.
JAFFER: Thanks for having me on.
KINKADE: Well, on Capitol Hill, Republican lawmakers are reacting to President Trump's violent rhetoric about Iran, including last week's threat
to wipe out its civilization. Senator Thom Tillis says the president had bad judgment and made a, quote, "horrible statement." But Senator Lindsey
Graham, one of Mr. Trump's fiercest advocates for military action in Iran, defended the threat.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC): I'm actually OK with the way he's talking to a bunch of terrorists. I could care less what words he uses, I want outcomes.
As to delaying the negotiations or extending the ceasefire, that could be anything.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Well, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says Democrats will force weekly votes in the Senate to require congressional approval for
continued military action. He calls the war in Iran, quote, "a colossal failure."
Well, joining me now is Ami Bera, a Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Intel Committee. Good to have you with us.
REP. AMI BERA (D-CA): Lynda, thanks for having me on.
KINKADE: So, I want to get your response first to the aggressive, extremely aggressive language towards Iran from the U.S. president,
including the threat to wipe out the entire civilization. What does that kind of rhetoric do in terms of potentially risking miscalculation or
increasing escalation?
BERA: I mean, a lot of wars escalate because of misunderstandings and inflammatory rhetoric. That is President Trump's style. I would suggest if
he wants to get a prolonged ceasefire, that isn't the way to go about doing this. Otherwise, again, a miscalculation could end badly.
KINKADE: And as a member of both the foreign affairs and intelligence, do you believe Congress is being adequately consulted on U.S. actions in Iran
and the Strait of Hormuz?
BERA: We are not. I hear a lot of my Republican colleagues say the same thing. So, clearly the Democrats are not getting information, but a lot of
the Republican senior members on the Intelligence Committee, on Foreign Affairs, on the Armed Services Committee also don't have a good idea of
what the end goal is, what the strategy is. I would urge the president again to engage Congress, make Congress partners. I don't think he's going
to do that.
So, we also need our allies, our European allies, our Asian allies. If we want a lasting peace, a strait that's open and potentially a better future
for the Middle East, we can't do it going alone. We need the Europeans and the Asians with us. And insulting them is not how to get folks to the
table.
KINKADE: And I want to get your reaction to this strategy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, because U.S. Central Command says U.S. naval forces have
been able to turn around six vessels in the strait, but many have been able to get through, including sanctioned and Iranian-linked vessels. So, is
that strategy failing?
BERA: I think it is. I don't think it's a good strategy. I don't think it's well thought through. If you want to de-escalate this war and the
Iranians play a game of chicken with you and move a ship through, are you going to shoot that ship down? Because that is not going to be de-
escalatory. That is not going to move you closer to a long-term ceasefire.
I also, as someone who really does focus on Asia and the Pacific, the Chinese are watching here, and they're saying, look, if President Trump can
do a blockade, what if they were to do a blockade around Taiwan? That is something I worry about very much at this juncture. And we want to avoid a
kinetic conflict with Beijing. We don't want a war with Beijing. But we do want to protect the people of Taiwan and let them choose their future.
[18:15:00]
So, I think President Trump is playing a very dangerous game without consultation of the members of the United States Congress, as well as our
allies in Asia and Europe. And that's dangerous.
KINKADE: And I want to ask you about the president signaling that something could happen in the next, you know, 48 hours when it comes to
those renewed talks with Iran. Do you have any indication of what that might be or is he potentially sending mixed signals in terms of combining
threats with diplomacy?
BERA: I mean, the president has sent mixed signals throughout his second term. He sent mixed signals throughout this war with Iran. The problem is
the world generally is used to a president of the United States being measured, thoughtful, and decisive in their words. This is not a president
of the United States that we've ever seen. Someone who just doesn't take any counsel, doesn't work with any of our allies, and just shoots from the
hip.
So, we risk the president of the United States becoming irrelevant and that is a dangerous place for the world.
KINKADE: Representative Ami Bera, we appreciate your time. Thanks so much for joining us.
BERA: Thank you. Be well. Be safe.
KINKADE: Well, Ukraine and Germany have agreed to a new defense deal following a visit by the Ukrainian president to Berlin. Kyiv and Berlin
have agreed on a $4.7 billion defense package covering air defense and drone production. The departure of Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban
could mean that a $106 billion E.U. loan that had been blocked by Budapest might now be available.
As the Ukraine war drags on and Russia faces mounting losses on the battlefield, a CNN investigation has uncovered that Russian universities
are being used to funnel students into the military. Recruits are offered lucrative one-year drone force roles, which in reality could bind them to
standard military contracts without a clear exit.
Clare Sebastian has more on how universities are applying the pressure, particularly to struggling students, as the Kremlin tries desperately to
sustain its war in Ukraine.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CLARE SEBASTIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This is not a war-themed computer game. It's a recruitment video designed to convince students to
join Russia's drone forces. You were told you were wasting time on video games, says this clip. There is a place where your experience is especially
valuable.
The videos, which began appearing on university websites and social media pages around the start of the year, all advertise military contracts in
Russia's newly formed unmanned systems forces. Here you see a gamer on the left, a drone operator on the right. One university captioned it, choose
the right skin.
SEBASTIAN: But behind the flashy PR, there is a darker side to this. Few students will speak out publicly, but some of those we have reached have
told us anonymously that the pressure on them is rising.
SEBASTIAN (voice-over): Everything changed this year, wrote one student. All the top people in the university are now calling on students to go to
war. Students at risk of failure are a common target, hardly consistent with an effort to form an elite brigade.
In this video sent to CNN by one student, a woman tells the group, If I were you, I would consider an option to join the drone forces. It will be
as if your missing credits never existed. Another student told us on a single day in February his university almost expelled a third of our group
and forced them to sign a contract on the spot to keep their place.
Through videos, posters and in-person meetings, sometimes with soldiers serving in Ukraine, students are being promised an easier war experience, a
one-year fixed term, an opportunity to serve far from the front line, huge payouts and high-tech skills. And yet --
ARTEM KLYGA, RUSSIAN HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER: Everything is a lie. It's a simple contact with the Russian army without a deadline, without a special
term.
SEBASTIAN (voice-over): This is the small print. Russia's 2022 decree on mobilization, which was never cancelled, states every military contract
remains in force until that decree is revoked. No exceptions. And no guarantees, experts and anti-war activists say, that the drone unit is
where they'll end up.
GRIGORY SVERDLIN, FOUNDER, IDITE LESOM: As soon as the person signs a contract, he's literally a slave of Ministry of Defense and he can be sent
to whatever unit Ministry of Defense will need.
SEBASTIAN (voice-over): It's not clear yet how many students have been recruited so far. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not responded to
CNN's request for comment, but none of the students we spoke to are buying it.
[18:20:00]
I don't find this nonsense convincing, wrote one. I'm deeply opposed to the military propaganda. Among my classmates, no one is considering signing a
contract, even those in a very difficult financial situation, wrote another.
Russian losses in Ukraine have been mounting in recent months. Its system of enticing soldiers with huge salaries and bonuses under increasing
strain.
KATERYNA STEPANENKO, RUSSIA TEAM LEAD, INSTITUTE FOR STUDY OF WAR: There's a lot of estimates in terms of the recruitment getting more expensive for
the Kremlin, which is why coercion is becoming more prominent.
SEBASTIAN (voice-over): The main battle for peace is inside you, claims this recruitment video. Russia's internal battle for manpower is
escalating.
Clare Sebastian, CNN, London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Well, the Russian Defense Ministry did not respond to CNN's request for a comment. Still ahead, a warning from the IMF. The fund says
the global economy could sink into recession if oil prices remain elevated. And it's not the only one sounding the alarm.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KINKADE: Welcome back. In today's Business Breakout, U.S. stocks continued their winning ways Tuesday on hopes for Iran war diplomacy. Tech stocks
were the big winners, up almost 2 percent. U.S. stocks have now gained back all their losses since the start of the Iran war. Oil prices fell sharply
too, with both Brent and U.S. crude falling below $95 a barrel yet again.
That said, new numbers out today show the effects of higher oil prices on inflation. U.S. wholesale inflation hit its highest level in three years in
March, up 4 percent year over year.
The IMF is warning that the global economy could tip into a recession if the war in Iran causes long-term disruption. For now, it is cutting this
year's global growth forecast to 3.1 percent and raising its inflation forecast to 4.4 percent. The IMF's chief economist says the war is
reversing many of the recent positive trends in the global economy.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PIERRE-OLIVIER GOURINCHAS, CHIEF ECONOMIST, IMF: We were ready to upgrade our forecast to 3.4 percent just a few days, a few weeks before the war
erupted. There was a lot of momentum. The trade, the tariffs, the trade policy uncertainty, a lot of that was in the rearview mirror. There was a
lot of momentum with the tech A.I. investment boom. There was also fiscal support in some countries, a lot of resilience on the private sector part,
and easy financial conditions. A lot of these things could be reversed going forward.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[18:25:00]
KINKADE: Well, the IMF's warning was echoed today by billionaire investor Ken Griffin. The hedge fund executive said a global recession is inevitable
if the Strait of Hormuz remains shut for months.
Art Hogan is joining me now for more. He's the chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth Management. Great to have you with us.
ART HOGAN, CHIEF MARKET STRATEGIST, B. RILEY WEALTH: Thanks so much for having me.
KINKADE: So, the IMF says the global economy is drifting towards a more adverse scenario. We haven't seen a major market sell-off. Does that mean
that the risk is overstated or that markets haven't really priced in a prolonged conflict?
HOGAN: I think that's it exactly. I think it's duration. So, we entered this war, call it six weeks ago. I think assumptions would be that it would
be somewhere around eight weeks or two months or something of that nature.
If this extends longer and the price per barrel of oil remains at or near $100 for an extended period of time, I think the IMF is right. That's going
to be a drag on global economic activity. It's certainly going to be a drag on U.S. economic activity.
So, it's a function of how close are we to the off-ramp on this. And obviously, we've got some mixed messaging. But it feels as though the
market's reacting today and for the last week or so to the fact that most sides seem to want to find that off-ramp. It's just how close are we in
terms of what gets us there.
And I think markets have done something today and over the course of the last couple of days that is very telling. They've actually bounced on news
where energy prices weren't necessarily coming down very much. And they've bounced on those areas that were the most sold off.
So, technology is finally catching a bid. That was down even before the war started. I think that's telling investors something that that's very
oversold and likely an opportunity. But we just need to get closer to that off-ramp. And the Strait of Hormuz needs to have a lot more traffic through
it.
KINKADE: Yes, exactly. I mean, how critical is the Strait of Hormuz to this outlook? Because, you know, if disruptions continue there, is that the
fastest way this turns into a global economic problem?
HOGAN: 100 percent. So, unless and until we get to a place where there's normal flow of traffic, not just for hydrocarbons, but for all sorts of
petrochemicals coming through the Strait of Hormuz, which supplies a great majority of the global market for all of those things, then it's very
difficult to see an end in sight, right? And the longer that that's prolonged and the longer it takes for us to find an answer to that, the
more economic damage we're going to see.
So, I think that's one of the choke points and the most interesting parts of this conflict right now is it all comes down to what does it take to get
the Strait of Hormuz back up and going? If that can be done through negotiations and we can sort of go back to our quarters and get the flow of
traffic going through, that would be the first thing you'd want to see.
But if that is going to be something that's military, like the blockade that was just put in place and how effective that will be, and that drags
on for a longer period of time, equities aren't going to celebrate that, both domestically and globally.
KINKADE: Of course, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said today that U.S. growth could still reach 3.5 percent despite this war. What's your
reaction? Is that too optimistic?
HOGAN: Yes, Scott Bessent's done a pretty good job of bringing out those pom-poms every time things don't look that well. The other thing that he
said today, though, was that the Fed probably has to wait before they cut rates, and that's a big change for him since the last time he spoke
publicly about this was just a week ago.
So, I think they're starting to come to the realization in this administration that perhaps the longer this lasts, the longer you're going
to see rates exactly where they are, the less chance the Fed's going to cut rates this year.
So, to all of that, I would say one of the most interesting things that I think that have happened of late is that the market only sold off about 10
percent, 9.2 percent of the S&P 500 coming into this, and that was because the fundamentals coming into this were actually pretty darn good and
technology had been very oversold. And what's happening now is as the market bounces, technology is finally catching a bid. But while all of
that's happening, we're in the middle of earnings season.
So, sometimes that takes away the focus on the macro and helps us focus on micro stories. We've heard from a multitude of big banks so far this week,
and all of those reports have been good and nobody's taken their consensus down, their estimates down for the rest of this year.
KINKADE: Yes, you make some good points. I'm Hogan from B. Riley Wealth Management, great to have you on the show.
HOGAN: Thanks so much.
KINKADE: Well, Amazon announced a multi-billion-dollar deal Tuesday that will help it better compete with SpaceX. The tech company says it's buying
satellite giant Globalstar. The deal will help Amazon reach its goal of deploying more than 3,000 satellites by 2029. Our Claire Duffy explains.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CLARE DUFFY, CNN TECH REPORTER: This $11.5 billion deal is all about Amazon trying to put itself in a better position to compete with Elon
Musk's SpaceX, especially as SpaceX prepares for an IPO later this year.
[18:30:00]
This satellite connectivity business still new, but is really growing quickly, but the ability to provide people cell service, text message
service, internet service through a satellite rather than by connecting to a traditional ground tower has become really popular with consumers who
live in rural areas or who like to travel to rural areas, who like to hike.
It has also become very important in emergency services, and when you look at a company like SpaceX, it has also given Elon Musk significant influence
over global conflicts. We've seen these sort of back and forths about whether SpaceX should turn on satellites in places like Ukraine during its
war with Russia.
Now, this is going to allow Amazon to grow its satellite business called LEO. It's going to continue to remain a much smaller player than SpaceX,
but the company's goal is to have thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit by the end of this year. Globalstar, this company that Amazon is
acquiring, also brings a partnership with Apple where it provides emergency satellite connectivity for iPhones. Amazon says that will continue and even
expand into watches in the coming years.
Amazon is paying handsomely for this. They are paying $90 a share for Globalstar, 30 percent premium on where the shares closed at the time deal
talks were reported, and I think that gives you a sense of just how much potential they see in this business. Amazon is talking about this, giving
consumers more choice. You know, they're looking for a competitor to SpaceX.
I think the question is just how quickly they can scale up this business. Can they become a real viable competitor to SpaceX? And will we see more
acquisitions like this in this space as companies look to compete with Elon Musk? Back to you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Thanks to Claire. We're checking some of today's other business headlines. Shares of major U.S. airlines rally Tuesday on merger
speculation. Reports say the CEO of United pitched a potential merger with American Airlines to President Trump a few months ago. The deal would
create the world's largest airline, but many question whether it can get regulatory approval. American and United are not commenting.
Well, more big U.S. banks released first-quarter earnings Tuesday. J.P. Morgan, the largest American bank, reported a better-than-expected 13
percent jump in profits. Its trading revenues hit records. Citigroup profits meantime soared 42 percent. Wells Fargo fared worse. A key measure
of the firm's profitability came in weaker than expected. Its shares fell more than 5 percent.
The man who allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was held without bail in a California court today. The 20-year-
old suspect faces attempted murder and attempted arson charges. His arraignment has been moved to May 5. Authorities say he attacked Altman's
home and the San Francisco headquarters of OpenAI. No one was injured.
Still to come, fast-food but lasting health issues. The new report sounding the alarm over ultra-processed food.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:35:00]
KINKADE: Welcome back to "The Brief." I'm Lynda Kinkade. Here are the international headlines we're watching today.
There's optimism for more talks between the U.S. and Iran through an Iranian law. An Iranian lawmaker says Tehran believes the Trump
administration is not trustworthy. President Trump told the New York Post that something could happen in the next two days in Pakistan, but didn't
provide any details. The ceasefire between the two countries expires next week.
Pope Leo is on a 10-day tour of four African nations, and he planted an olive tree, a symbol of peace, during a visit to Algeria at the Basilica of
St. Augustine. The pope continues to endure criticism from the U.S. president for voicing opposition to the war in Iran.
Two members of Congress have resigned after being accused of having sexual relations with people who worked for them. Democrat Eric Swalwell and
Republican Tony Gonzales both face possible punishment in the House. Swalwell has denied the allegations. Gonzales acknowledged having an affair
with a former staffer.
Well, the new report is highlighting the alarming health risks of ultra- processed food. The study found that ultra-processed food, which includes fast-food and sugary drinks, could take a toll on muscle health, showing a
strong association with fatty marbling in muscular tissue.
More than 50 percent of the calories consumed by adults in the U.S. come from ultra-processed food, according to the CDC, and that number is higher
in children.
My next guest is the author of the new book, "You've Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy." Dr. Trisha Pasricha is
assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, and the Ask a Doctor columnist for the Washington Post. I mean, what a title of a book.
Good to have you with us.
DR. TRISHA PASRICHA, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL, AUTHOR, "YOU'VE BEEN POOPING ALL WRONG" AND ASK A DOCTOR COLUMNIST,
THE WASHINGTON POST: So, glad to be here. Thanks for having me.
KINKADE: So, Doctor, this study compared human muscle to marbled steak, and the imagery was quite incredible. What's actually happening inside the
body when it comes to the consumption of ultra-processed food?
DR. PASRICHA: Yes, those images were quite striking. So, this study looked at over 600 adults, people who are at risk of knee osteoarthritis, but who
didn't have it yet. And what they found is that people who consumed greater amounts of ultra-processed foods appeared to have greater amounts of fat
embedded within the muscle of their thighs.
And what's so interesting about this is that this is not a change that you'd be able to appreciate just by looking in the mirror. What seems to be
happening is those fat cells are infiltrating and replacing the healthy muscle fibers of the thigh, and they're weakening the muscle from within.
KINKADE: And so, you know, when you look at the details of this study, it shows that more than half of all calories consumed by adults here in the
U.S. come from ultra-processed food, and 62 percent in children. So, kind of just explain how concerned the average person should be when it comes to
the everyday diet of Americans.
DR. PASRICHA: Yes. I mean, this is a big part of our lives. And with every generation, the amount of ultra-processed foods that we're consuming is
growing and growing. And as it's growing, we're also seeing a growing body of literature that is showing how damaging and concerning this can be for
our health.
So, this study adds to that body of literature. We've seen that ultra- processed foods, they can increase our risk of dementia, of cardiovascular disease. And more recently, we've seen a lot of concern about the role that
ultra-processed foods are playing in the rise of colorectal cancer.
Now, look, I get it. Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. It's impossible to cut them out almost entirely. And if you did, that would be incredible.
But what I want people to really focus on is that it doesn't have to go from 100 to zero in one day. What I want people to do is think about the
small changes that they could make every day. Maybe one swap, one granola bar. Swap that out for a handful of nuts. Maybe think about what you're
going to add instead of what you're going to take away. Add in a serving of broccoli at dinner. Add in some fresh fruit at breakfast.
[18:40:00]
Sometimes when you focus on what you're adding can be just as important as what you're going to take away from your diet as well.
KINKADE: Yes, some really good advice. I'm wondering if this kind of damage that we're seeing in the muscles of people is silent? Is it being
seen even in people that otherwise might look healthy?
DR. PASRICHA: Yes. And so, one of the really striking and key findings of this study is that the researchers actually looked at how many calories
people were taking in, what their BMI was, how much exercise they were doing. And it turns out you could hold all of those things constant. And it
was really the ultra-processed foods that was linked to this association with the changes in the muscle.
So, this is something that we're seeing in lots of different conditions. It's not something that you will see from the outside. And actually, these
numbers that we focus so much on in society, right? How many calories are we consuming? What's our BMI? They're actually not the most important
factor here because as this study showed, you could have two people, same BMI, so look very similar, same number of calories in. But if one person is
eating ultra-processed foods and the other one is eating more real, more whole foods, the one who's eating the more whole food diet, they're going
to have a much healthier body.
KINKADE: And are there hidden ultra-processed foods that people might think are healthy like flavored yogurt or protein bars or packaged snacks?
DR. PASRICHA: Absolutely. Ultra-processed foods are truly anywhere. And one of the easiest ways I tell people to think about ultra-processed foods
is that it's been industrialized. So, if it's got ingredients on it that you couldn't make in your home kitchen, it's an ultra-processed foods.
And you might think that healthy foods, right? Like Greek yogurt, like bread. Well, actually a lot of these have been heavily processed. A lot of
these yogurts contain emulsifiers, additives, chemicals, the breads are shelf stable because of a lot of the preservatives. And so, they sneak into
our foods. The stuff that is probably more on the whole food side is the stuff that shouldn't last in your pantry for two or three weeks and still
taste good.
KINKADE: Some great advice, Dr. Trisha Pasricha. Appreciate your time. Thank you.
DR. PASRICHA: Thanks for having me.
KINKADE: Well, CNN's annual campaign to raise awareness about modern day slavery is kicking off. And after the break, Ivan Watson discovers one
school in Hong Kong adopting a novel approach to highlight that issue. We'll have that story next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:45:00]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CROWD: My Freedom Day.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Students there from Kosovo celebrating the start of CNN's My Freedom Day. It's a call to action bringing together young people from
around the world to raise awareness of modern-day slavery, which is said to affect nearly 50 million people. To mark its 10-year anniversary, for the
first time we've united students from all seven continents. This group is from Antarctica.
Well, this year's theme is called Marking 10 Years Progress and Obstacles in Combating Trafficking. Take a listen to this student from the Royal
Orchid College in Anuga, Nigeria.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No child should suffer in the name of survival or convenience. Protecting children is not optional. It is a moral duty we all
share. A protected child is a free child.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Well, Ivan Watson met with students at King George V School in Hong Kong to see how they're learning about modern-day slavery.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
IVAN WATSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: What is the cost of your freedom? We're here marking the 10th anniversary of My Freedom Day, a
CNN initiative to combat modern-day slavery. It's a student-led action. And I'm with kids, students from the George -- King George V School who are
engaged in an activity right now with these price tags.
Guys, can you explain to me a little bit what are these price tags and what's kind of the point of this activity?
MOMOKA, 16 YEARS OLD: Basically, we're able to make tags for common objects around school, so the school hoodie or laptops and tablets. And I
know a lot of students, they wouldn't really think about the origin of these products, but we really wanted to spread awareness for the workers
and the cost of our freedom and just build empathy for them.
WATSON: And these are children, these are teenagers your ages who are stuck making perhaps some of the stuff that we use in day-to-day life,
right?
GABRIELLA, 17 YEARS OLD: It definitely brings into perspective the cost of prices for us and for them, because even though these are price tags,
instead of the normal prices we would see online or in the shop, they have prices like invisible hands or hard labor, because it really makes us think
that the price of our items are their livelihoods.
WATSON: Do you guys have a sense of how big the problem is of modern-day slavery, especially for children?
EMILY, 16 YEARS OLD: I think this project really helped to, like, open my mind to more things, because I didn't really realize, like, you don't think
of everyday items that you use. You really only think of, like, the main things that they raise a merit of. So, it was good to see smaller things
that are affected.
WATSON: So, there's a bit of a taste here. The 10th anniversary of CNN's My Freedom Day, which works with other partner organizations to try to
spread awareness about this criminal activity, and also it is student-led, so it is guys like you who are helping spread the word about this criminal
activity. And there's an awful lot of work to be done, because I think there are estimates of around 50 million people today stuck working in
modern-day slavery.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Thanks to Ivan Watson there. Well, tomorrow I'll be meeting students at the Atlanta International School, learning how they're raising
awareness about modern-day slavery and working to end human trafficking. Well, in fact, this school was among the first 10 years ago to launch this
initiative, and here's just a little snapshot of what they've accomplished.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: I'm Lynda Kinkade at the Atlanta International School, where students from kindergarten to grade 12 are staging a mass walkout for
freedom.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It means to me is having a right to have a home and go to school and have a job.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Well, My Freedom Day coverage continues until this time tomorrow only on CNN. Let us know what freedom means to you using the social media
hashtag MyFreedomDay.
Well, still to come on "The Brief," four big teams fighting to secure the spots in the Champions League semi-finals. We'll have the highlights for
you.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:50:00]
KINKADE: Atletico Madrid are through to the Champion League semifinals after edging past Barcelona on aggregate and a tightly contested tie. Paris
Saint-Germain are also in the last four, booking their place with a win over Liverpool.
Patrick Snell is following all the details closely and joins us now. So, what was the turning point for Atletico Madrid?
PATRICK SNELL, CNN WORLD SPORT: Hi, Lynda. Yes, you know, they just did what they had to do. Any team of Diego Simeone is going to find a way to do
it. And it happened. It was a great, really tense matchup, an all-Spanish affair with Barcelona on Tuesday evening.
Barcelona looking to overturn. They were 2-0 down from the first leg to Atleti, but they come flying out of the traps here. Lamine Yamal, the 18-
year-old, threw the keeper's legs for 1-0 Barcelona. Their dream start for Hansi Flick's men. Then 20 minutes later, Lynda, it would be Ferran Torres.
This is terrific stuff from Barcelona. 2-nil on the night to them. And just like that, Atleti's first-leg advantage wiped out inside of 25 minutes.
But here is the key moment of the night. This goal from Ademola Lookman is absolutely priceless, just past the half-hour mark, because it puts Atleti
into a 3-2 aggregate lead. That's a lead over the two matches. 11 minutes from time, Barca's hopes pretty much over as they're reduced to 10 men.
Eric Garcia seeing red.
But this great chance for them, deep into stoppage, six minutes into injury time. It's the header from the sub, Ronald Araujo. The sub can't keep the
header down, though. Their chance is spurned. And just look at the emotion now on the faces of these Atletico players and their head coach, Diego
Simeone. They get the job done, and they are to the last four. Barcelona are eliminated.
To northwest England, close to where I grew up in Liverpool at Anfield. The Reds looking to overturn a 2-nil first-leg deficit as well against
defending champs Paris Saint-Germain. The Parisians breaking the deadlock with just under 20 to go through Ousmane Dembele. He got another one as
well, just for good measure. The Ballon d'Or winner makes it look all so simple, doesn't he? PSG a class apart as they reach the semis again after a
resounding 4-0 aggregate victory over the Premier League timer, humbling for Liverpool in their own backyard.
So, this is where we are at now. PSG through to the semifinals again. They will play the winners of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. That one is on
Wednesday night at the Allianz Arena in Bavaria. And then we've got Atletico Madrid. They await the winners of Arsenal, the English team, and
Portugal's sporting as well. Arsenal, remember Lynda, they are on a mission. They hope this season they have never won the Champions League.
They've never won the Champions League. They're also trying to win the English Premier League title for the first time since 2004. So, a lot on
the plate of Mikel Arteta. He's the team's Spanish head coach.
But yes, a fascinating Tuesday night in the Champions League and really still a lot to come on Wednesday evening. Back to you.
KINKADE: Yes, there's certainly is. So, Patrick, as a betting man, who's your money on for the remaining teams?
SNELL: Well, I'm actually not, to be fair, but I do have an opinion and I do think I've got a little sneaky feeling that Bayern Munich are going to
go all the way. And maybe it's a little bit of my English bias and the World Cup coming up, of course, as you well know, Lynda, Atlanta is going
to be a real hub with eight matches. Harry Kane, the English striker who plays for Bayern Munich. What a dream it would be for him if he could
inspire them to win European Club Football's biggest prize.
[18:55:00]
Remember, he left the Premier League for the big times and the big prizes. He's won the Bundesliga. He would love to add the Champions League to it
all. Back to you.
KINKADE: Who wouldn't? We'll wait and see. We'll catch up soon. Patrick Snell, thanks so much.
Well, from hip hop pioneers to the poster boys of Cool Britannia, this year's intake for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has been unveiled. Here's
more on the 18 artists being recognized for their impact on music history.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees were just announced. 18 artists made the cut across four categories.
In the Performer category, late R&B singer Luther Vandross, who had hits like "Never Too Much," will be inducted. The hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan
also made the cut, as well as rock band Oasis, known for their hit song "Wonderwall."
(MUSIC PLAYING)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Phil Collins, Billy Idol and Sade are among other notable inductees in that category. Legendary TV personality Ed Sullivan is
also being inducted this round after receiving an award for non-performing industry professionals who have made an impact on music. The Beatles were
first introduced to American audiences on Sullivan's variety show in 1964. The induction ceremony will be held on November 14th in Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: That does it for this edition of "The Brief." Thanks so much for your company. I'm Lynda Kincade. Stay with CNN. Much more news coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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