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One World with Zain Asher
High-Stakes U.S.-Iran Amid American Military Build-up; Top U.S. General Looks To Avoid Conflict With Trump While Preparing For Possible Iran War; Hillary Clinton Faces Off With House Lawmakers In Epstein Probe; Democrat Demands Answers On Missing Epstein Files; WSJ: Bill Gates Apologizes To Foundation Staff Over Epstein Files; Police Investigating Death of Nearly Blind Refugee From Myanmar; Burger King Makes First Changes To Whopper In A Decade; CNN Visits One Of New York's Most Exclusive Trophy Homes; Aired 12-1p ET
Aired February 26, 2026 - 12:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[12:00:18]
ZAIN ASHER, CNN ANCHOR: A tale of two conflicts. This hour, diplomatic negotiations are underway in Geneva. The second hour of "One World" starts
right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: President Trump has said his finger is on the trigger. His forces are in place. He says he
prefers diplomacy, but at the same time, he wants to ensure that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: The U.S. wants Iran to stop enriching uranium forever. The Iranians say they have every right. Is a deal possible? We'll discuss.
And a refugee dead. Border patrol under scrutiny and a family demanding answers. We'll take a look at the heartbreaking death of Nurul Amin Shah
Alam.
And later.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WHITNEY GOLDSBERRY, NEWLYWED: And out of all the anxieties of a bride has for her wedding, it never crossed my mind so worry about the cartel bombing
our wedding.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: Love conquers all. How this couple pulled off a fairytale wedding right in the middle of cartel violence.
All right. Coming to you live from New York, I'm Zain Asher. My colleague, Bianna Golodryga is off today. You are watching "One World."
Our coverage continues of those back-to-back talks in Geneva. U.S. delegates looking for a path to end Russia's war in Ukraine while also
addressing Iran's nuclear program. This comes as the U.S. assembles a significant array of weapons systems in the Middle East. It marks the
largest American buildup -- military buildup since the Iraq war back in 2003.
American and Iranian negotiators are showing an unprecedented openness to new and creative ideas. That's according to Oman's foreign minister. His
hopeful outlook is similar to that of Iran's foreign minister who wants to reach what he calls a fair deal.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ABBAS ARAGHCHI, IRANIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: I think a fair, balanced, and equitable deal is achievable, but we are not ready to give up
our right for peaceful use of nuclear technology. This is what we are -- what we demand.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: Meantime, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that his delegates are discussing a, quote, prosperity package for post-war
reconstruction.
America's top diplomat, Marco Rubio, argues the U.S. is the only country that can be a catalyst for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARCO RUBIO, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: If we walk away or we foreclose that, then who's going to do it? The United Nations isn't going to do it. France
isn't going to do it. The E.U. isn't going to do it. The Russians won't even speak to them.
So we don't want to walk away from that. We -- we -- we know that at the end, that war in Ukraine does not have a military solution. That war will
be settled through a negotiation. And right now, we are the only country in the world that can be a catalyst for negotiation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(EXPLOSION)
ASHER: The sounds of war still echoing, though, across Ukraine in recent months, Russia has focused its strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Today's talks in Geneva taking place as Russia's war in Ukraine enters its fifth year. Our team is tracking all of these angles. Zachary Cohen is
standing by for us in Washington.
But first, let's go to Nic Robertson in London. So, Nic, just in terms of what's happening with Iran, those negotiations taking place in Geneva as
well. You know, just walk us through how much progress have been made so far in the few hours that those talks have been going on today. How
productive have they been? What are you hearing from your sources?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Yes. I think it's really hard to tell, because we don't get a full and comprehensive read-out
of what happened this morning or what's happened at the previous two rounds of these indirect talks that the Omanis have been helping facilitate.
What we have been told today, and this sort of contributes to a positive image, is that the Iranian Foreign Minister and Steve Witkoff did have an
extended period together. It appears that's the implication of what's being said. CNN has learned that, but it doesn't mean that that was productive.
And we really don't have the level of detail.
I think if you sort of look at the last couple of meetings, and particularly go back to the first meeting, the -- the indirect meetings
that we had in Oman a few weeks ago, the Iranian Foreign Minister came out very quickly afterwards and was very positive about what could be achieved.
And -- and that tone has been maintained.
Today, he's talking about a seriousness of purpose around these talks. And I think everyone does view them, regionally, at least. They do view these
talks as a real test that if there isn't some level of progress in this military buildup, President Trump has put in place, could well be used.
[12:05:14]
The two sides do seem still significantly far apart on the core issue just on this nuclear negotiation that the U.S. side is going into this, saying
they want a permanent and sort of a deconstruction of Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.
Iran has said, they're not willing to countenance a permanent destruction of their ability to enrich uranium. Is there wiggle room there? Precisely,
what were the Iranians accept in terms of sanctions relief, which is something that's very important to them? What will the U.S. give on that
account? Again, that isn't -- that isn't clear at this time.
We understand that the Iranians have sort of headed back towards the talks. They're due to restart roundabout now, but it really does feel as if the
outcome today is going to be hugely important. I don't think anyone is -- is willing to say that it immediately goes to a use of military force.
There could be another round of talks, but it is being watched so intently.
But -- but I do think broadly in the region, there is not a lot of faith in the Middle East from diplomats that I speak with, that the Iranians are
being honest when they say they don't want a weapon system. And this is really what's behind the United States' motivation to want these facilities
deconstructed. So, it is a huge gap when you look at it in that perspective.
ASHER: All right. Nic Robertson, do stand by. Zach, let me bring you in because America's top general is certainly under a lot of pressure right
now as it pertains to potentially striking Iran.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan -- General Dan Caine, is essentially looking at various military options when it comes to striking
Iran, but also apparently being very vocal with the president about how this might backfire. What are you learning from your sources?
ZACHARY COHEN, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL SECURITY REPORTER: Yes, Zain. A number of people we talked to describe really a delicate balancing act for
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Dan Caine, who is really the key player here on the military side when it comes to drawing up that range of military
options that we have been reporting on over the last several weeks.
And that includes anything from limited strikes on Iranian military facilities, on Iranian nuclear sites to a much broader and expansive
potential military operation that we're told in private, General Caine has raised some concerns about. He's raised concerns about the scope or the
scale of such an operation, the complexity of it, and also about the potential for U.S. casualties.
Really, some sources describing -- comparing his demeanor and his confidence level to that of the operation to remove Nicolas Maduro, the
former leader of Venezuela, saying Cain was immensely confident in the likely success of that operation and the lead up to it.
A little bit different and less confident here, vocalizing concerns about the potential risks and costs of a potential military operation that would
likely be much more involved than what we've seen from the Trump administration so far.
ASHER: All right. Zachary Cohen, live for us there. Nic Robertson. Thank you both so much. Appreciate it.
All right. Happening right now, a face-off for the ages. Former first lady, Hillary Clinton, giving testimony to lawmakers on the U.S. House Oversight
Committee behind closed doors in Chappaqua, New York. It's part of the panel's investigation into the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey
Epstein.
Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, is set to be deposed by the same committee on Friday. Important to note, the Clintons have not been
accused of wrongdoing in the Epstein case, but this marks a huge reversal for the couple who resisted testifying for months in what they announced as
a Republican plot against them.
The committee's chairman argues it is a bipartisan issue.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. JAMES COMER (R-KY): The Democrats voted to subpoena the Clintons. The Democrats voted with the Republicans to hold the Clintons in contempt. So,
the Democrats have just as many questions for the Clintons as the Republicans.
So, this isn't a -- a partisan witch-hunt. This was a motion, a bipartisan motion, supported by the Democrats to bring the Clintons in. So, I don't
take it to any type of being unfair in any way to the Clintons.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: CNN's MJ Lee is live for us in Chappaqua, New York. Deposition is already taking place. Hillary Clinton, for her part, is saying that she
never met Jeffrey Epstein. And this is indeed political and it's part of a plot to sort of detract from President Trump.
MJ, what is the latest?
MJ LEE, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL ENTERPRISE CORRESPONDENT: Zain, we are expecting a long day of questioning for the former Secretary of State,
Hillary Clinton, as she is going to be asked about what information she may have had about Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell.
[12:10:06]
But as she has made clear herself in the past and again today in her opening statement, she intends to make very clear and reiterate that she
had never even met Jeffrey Epstein and has no important information that she can provide about the ongoing investigation.
I'm told that the opening statement from the former secretary of state has concluded, and now where we are in this deposition process is the
questioning from Republican members of the House Oversight Committee.
Now, just to give you a sense of the kinds of questions that she has received so far, because obviously reporters and members of the media are
not in the room right now. I'm told that she's been asked by the committee's lawyer whether she has ever spoken to the co-executors of
Jeffrey Epstein's estate. So that would be Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn, and she answered, no.
Then the lawyer proceeded to ask her whether she has spoken about Epstein with a number of other individuals, she also answered, no.
And then at one point, I'm told, she even said, I've never even heard of some of these people that you are asking me about.
Now, earlier this morning, we did hear from the chairman of the committee, Congressman James Comer, who basically said buckle up for a long day of
this deposition. He said, this is a day that could go on for hours.
We've seen members of the House Oversight Committee, both Republicans and Democrats, accompanied by their staff travel up here to Chappaqua, New
York, for this opportunity, of course, to question the former secretary of state.
Now, according to that opening statement that she gave, we know that she said, she never met Jeffrey Epstein. She certainly never been on his plane
or traveled to his island.
Of course, the exact same cannot be said for her husband, former President Bill Clinton, who has appeared in the Epstein files in numerous different
ways, including in photographs that have appeared in the files.
So tomorrow is going to be a whole another ordeal, but for now, again, we are about an hour in or so into Hillary Clinton's deposition in front of
the members of the House Oversight Committee. We'll continue to bring you any updates.
ASHER: All right. MJ, thank you so much.
All right. Meantime, the Department of Justice says, it is reviewing whether documents mentioning Donald Trump were improperly withheld from
public release.
The records apparently missing from the released Epstein files include three interviews related to a woman who accused Donald Trump of sexually
assaulting her decades ago.
President Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. A woman had also accused Epstein of sexual abuse as well,
starting from when she was 13 years old.
The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee wants to know why documents, these documents are not released -- have not been released,
rather, in the Epstein files.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. ROBERT GARCIA (D-CA): I went to the DOJ file search room yesterday to look for these documents that are in the manifest document. And they should
be in there and they're not there.
These documents relate to a survivor that has made serious allegations about the president.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: All right. Let's bring in Margaret Talev. She's the director at the Institute for Democracy, Journalism, Citizenship at Syracuse University.
She's also a senior contributor to "Axios."
I mean, Margaret, first of all, I mean your reaction to this, because there have been so many accusations that Pam Bondi, in her role as U.S. Attorney
General, is sort of simply sort of masquerading as President Trump's personal lawyer and that the Justice Department has really been weaponized
and -- and sort of used at -- at the will -- will and the whim of the U.S. president.
Just talk to us about the seriousness of these accusations, this idea that certain documents that may be accusing the president of improper conduct
here as it pertains to Epstein victims would have been missing or removed from the Epstein files.
Why hasn't there been much more of a political fallout from this news as you might expect?
MARGARET TALEV, SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR, AXIOS: Yes. Zain, and thank you. I mean, you -- we are all coming into this story at an extremely pivotal
time. There was just the State of the Union Address. The president is considering an attack involving Iran. And the American public -- many parts
of the American public are really reeling from an economic situation that is left and thinking a lot about affordability.
And so bring into this the latest twist, and it's a big one in the Epstein files story. I want to start, not with these latest revelations, but with
some recent polling that was actually conducted just before these reports that you are talking about, about this woman's uncorroborated accusation
and the missing files around us.
[12:15:08]
And that is polling from The Economist and YouGov, which showed -- this is as of mid-February, that more than half of Americans already thought that
President Trump is trying to cover up the late Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and about half who think the president himself is involved.
Again, these are Americans' opinions. They are not necessarily attached to facts. But at that time, just one in four Americans approving of how
President Trump and his administration have been handling the release of the Epstein files. So those are already quite dismal numbers.
And then you get to these new revelations about what appears to be the withholding of release of -- of some tranches of documents related to this
woman's, again, uncorroborated accusation.
And I think it's, of course, obviously raising questions about whether there's some kind of a cover-up, whether the Justice Department is acting
in American's interest or the president's interest.
But it is also raising questions about whether equal standards are being applied to President Trump or to his allies as part of the rollout of this,
as are being applied to other figures in -- in politics or public life, including some who he might see as -- as critics, whether it's Bill Clinton
or Larry Summers or, you know, opponents, figures like Bill Gates, you know, were the same standards for what gets released and what doesn't get
released applied or is there a partisanship at work here.
And so the truth is, I think the president already is dealing with a lot of headwinds against him because of the history of midterm elections in the
United States, because of the state of the economy for so many Americans who are not looking at the Dow but are looking at, you know, their
checkbooks, and because of what is widely perceived now in the U.S. as overreach on ICE when it comes to immigration and deportations and how
American citizens are being treated.
So, I'm not sure that the Epstein files will overtake those issues, but it is becoming yet another big headwind for the president.
ASHER: And just to sort of expand on something you mentioned that there's not really an -- an equal treatment just in terms of, you know, how
President Trump and -- and allies are being treated in this versus, let's say Democrats. You gave the example of the Clintons. Hillary Clinton is dep
-- is in a deposition right now as I speak.
And her argument is that she has never met Jeffrey Epstein. And the only reason why she's in this deposition is to, in her words, detract from the
U.S. president.
She initially resisted these calls to sit for a deposition, but then they were threatening her with, you know, holding her in contempt of Congress
and then she reluctantly agreed.
I mean, the sort of -- for outside observers, it does appear to be extremely partisan and extremely sort of political here.
For Republicans, you know, what is -- what is the just sort of end goal of interviewing Hillary Clinton on this particular issue, given that based on
her claim she's never met Epstein once?
TALEV: Yes. I think it depends on which Republicans you're talking to, because Republicans in Congress who are in tight congressional races in
swing districts, don't necessarily love this.
But Republicans in red meat based districts know that both the Clintons, as a couple, and Hillary Clinton as a standalone individual, are extremely,
not just polarizing, but rallying characters or forces among their base. They can rally energy, turnout, anger, you know, a desire to act.
And so there is a -- if the group that you're really trying to rally is a group of your own base who doesn't trust the Clintons or Hillary Clinton,
then trying to attach her name to this investigation, you know, may have some political win or upside.
I think from the other side of the aisle from the Democrats' perspective, Democrats really do distinguish between Hillary Clinton and former
president Clinton here. They understand that his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was much more personal. And they have many more questions about it
themselves.
So it was U.S. Democrats, democratic officials who effectively helped put the -- the force mechanism for the Clintons to have to be doing what
they're doing today with this testimony.
But I think the way that those Democrats thought about Hillary Clinton's responsibility or role was quite different than the way they do that of the
former president.
ASHER: Right. Democrats do make a distinction. Margaret Talev, live for us. Thank you so much.
And Microsoft's co-founder, Bill Gates, has apologized to staff at his foundation over his own ties to Jeffrey Epstein. According to "The Wall
Street Journal," Gates said, it was a huge mistake to spend time with the convicted sex offender.
Gates has repeatedly said that he did not do or see anything illicit during his meetings with Epstein.
[12:20:02]
CNN's Matt Egan reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATT EGAN, CNN SENIOR REPORTER: These appear to be the most detailed comments to date from Bill Gates, describing his relationship with Jeffrey
Epstein.
Now, these comments were made during a town hall event this week with staffers at the Gates Foundation.
According to "The Wall Street Journal," Gates apologized to staffers. And he acknowledged that he did make mistakes, mistakes that cast a shadow over
this organization.
The billionaire said it was, quote, a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein and to bring foundation executives into meetings with the convicted
sex offender.
Gates admitted to having two affairs with Russian women, affairs that Epstein later discovered, but Gates insists the affairs did not involve
Epstein's victims and that he never spent time with any of those victims.
Now, according to the journal Gates said, I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.
Now, during this town hall, Gates says that he met Epstein in 2011, so it was around three years after Epstein's guilty plea. And Gates concedes that
he did not properly check Epstein's background.
He also acknowledged that his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, had expressed concerns about Epstein back in 2013.
According to the "Journal," Gates said, knowing what I know now makes it, you know, a hundred times worse in terms of not only his crimes in the
past, but now it's clear there was ongoing bad behavior.
And Gates, speaking of his ex-wife, he said to give her credit. She was always kind of skeptical about the Epstein thing.
Now, Gates says that, yes, he did spend time with Epstein in New York, in Washington, in France, in Germany but he did not spend time overnight. He
never stayed overnight. And he says, he never visited Epstein's island.
Now, is this the whole story from Gates? His critics would argue maybe not, but we should note that Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing. We did
reach out to Gates. And his foundation replied in a statement where they did confirm that, yes, he had a town hall. He spoke candidly with staffers.
And then he took responsibility for his actions.
Of course, all of this only comes after Congress forced the Justice Department to release millions of Epstein related documents.
Now, in a previous interview earlier this month, Gates says that he was, quote, foolish to be with Epstein. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILL GATES, MICROSOFT FOUNDER: It just reminds me, you know, every minute I spent with him, I -- I regret and I, you know, apologize that I did that.
It's factually true that I was only at dinners, you know, I never went to the island. I never met any women. And so, you know, the more that comes
out, the more clear it'll be that although the time was a mistake, it had nothing to do with that kind of behavior.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
EGAN: Now, Gates is among the business leaders who are facing intense questions about their ties to Epstein.
We've seen a number of prominent executives resign, retire, apologized because of revelations that have come out in these documents and questions
that have been raised about their decision to continue relationship with Epstein.
And there are those who believe that this is just the tip of the iceberg. And that we're going to see more prominent people caught up in this
scandal. Back to you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: Matt Egan reporting there.
All right. Still to come, Burger King has revamped its famous Whopper for the first time in a decade. Will you be able to tell the difference? We've
got a sneak peak for you later on this hour.
Also ahead, inside one of New York's most exclusive trophy homes. Just how much does $20 million get you on Billionaires' Row?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHELLE GRIFFITH, REAL ESTATE AGENT, DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE: This is a complete oasis. Starting, Paula, with the living green wall, which is on
either side of your 65-foot lap pool.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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[12:25:47]
ASHER: All right. I want to turn our focus now to a tragic story about the death of a nearly blind refugee from Myanmar.
Border Patrol agents dropped 56-year-old, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, off of a Buffalo, New York coffee shop one week ago, following his release from
jail. He had spent much of the past year waiting trial and charges. His family say resulted from misunderstanding.
Police say that his body was found five days later, just a few miles from that coffee shop where he was dropped off at.
Buffalo's mayor calls the death preventable. And police are investigating events leading up to his death as well.
Let's bring in CN's Priscilla Alvarez joins us live now from Washington. Priscilla, what happened here?
PRISCILLA ALVAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, there are a lot of questions about a certain period of time, which is when he was released from the
local jail, sent over to Border Patrol to be in their custody, and then that drop-off and the five days later his death.
So, that is what has come under intense scrutiny and is part of this investigation.
But just to backtrack here a little, as you mentioned, he's a 56-year-old, nearly blind refugee who came to the United States in December of '24 --
2024. And he was spent most of the past year in local custody, awaiting trial on criminal charges that were ultimately resolved in a misdemeanor
plea deal.
Now, in the course of that discharge is when Border Patrol was alerted because they had placed an immigration detainer on this individual. And
now, ever since he was transferred to their custody, that is when U.S. Customs and Border Protection determined that he was not eligible for
removal because he is a refugee, and therefore, they left him at this coffee shop.
Now, I do want to read you the statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection because it spells out a little bit more on the timeline here. So
to read the statement, "On February 19th, Erie County Sheriff's Office alerted Border Patrol about a non-citizen in their custody. Our agents
confirmed that Mr. Shah Alum entered the United States as a refugee on December 24, 2024 and was not amenable to removal. Border Patrol agents
offered Mr. Alum a courtesy ride, which he chose to accept to a coffee shop determined to be a warm, safe location near his last known address, rather
than be released directly from the Border Patrol station. He showed no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special
assistance."
Now, I want to note the reason they're calling this a courtesy ride is because, according to protocol, they would otherwise just release him from
the station or release him to some to -- or transfer him to another's custody.
But again, since that drop-off, he went missing and then was found dead.
Now, we do have a little more from the Erie County Medical Examiner, who said they conducted an autopsy and noted that the death was health-related.
They ruled out exposure and homicide.
Now, again, local officials are criticizing this. They are seeking more answers on this. So is the family. The family says, they had no
notification that he was transferred to Border Patrol custody and that then he was released from Border Patrol custody.
So, there are questions there in terms of whose responsibility it was to notify that there was a change in custody for this individual.
But all of this hopefully will be answered over the course of these investigations that have been launched at the local level. We're also
seeking more answers from the Department of Homeland Security as to what happened in the moments that those Border Patrol agents released this
individual.
[12:30:10]
ASHER: All right. Priscilla Alvarez, thank you so much for that.
We'll be right back with more after the short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ASHER: All right. This hour, the U.S. and Iran are resuming nuclear negotiations in Geneva. A source tell CNN, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff
and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held, quote, extended direct talks before mediators took a break earlier in the day.
These talks are generally carried out indirectly, so any face-to-face meeting will actually be a huge development, especially given how high
tensions are right now.
Time now for "The Exchange." Joining us live now is Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator for the U.S. State Department. Aaron, thank
you so much for being with us.
So, these talks today are largely seen as pretty much the last ditched, last chance at diplomacy before there is any kind of potential military
strike against Iran.
How optimistic are you? How hopeful are you that there could be some kind of a breakthrough here?
AARON DAVID MILLER, FORMER U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT MIDDLE EAST NEGOTIATOR: I mean, I don't like -- thanks for having me, Zain. I don't like making
predictions, but I figure it's -- and we really don't know what's happening inside the negotiating room.
But I -- I'd still, under normal circumstances, U.S.-Iranian negotiations are highly fraught and dysfunctional. And they've rarely, in -- in recent
years, produced much.
I think it's 60-40 seems to me in favor of some sort of military strike. I just think the margin, which will enable the Iranians to give enough to the
administration and the administration's willingness to stay his hand -- stay its hand after deploying the largest cruise and -- and naval force,
missile force since the -- the Iraq war. I think the -- the potential for compromises are very, very narrow.
[12:35:04]
ASHER: Just explain to us how this -- if the U.S. obviously ends up striking Iran, how might that backfire on the United States do you think,
Aaron?
MILLER: Well, it's a war without a strategy, or let's put it this way, if - - if U.S. ends up striking. It's unclear to me and the president has not said anything, at least to the public, or anyone else, frankly, about what
his objectives are with respect to deploying American military resources.
I mean -- and they were on the gamut, right, from trying to eliminate the political leadership and decapitation strikes to discharging his posts on
social media, indicating that he would come to the aid of the Iranian public, help is on the way, to a much broader campaign, which could last
days, if not longer, in an effort to destroy the remnants of Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities and its ballistic missile technology.
In the end, I mean, my -- my -- my bottom line here in the end is -- is quite sober. I'm not sure, frankly, that is going to accomplish what the
administration sets out to do. You need a different regime in Iran. And the administration is incapable, it seems to me, as previous -- previous
administrations of -- of trying to change the regime.
So, it's a -- it's a measure of manage -- it's a matter of managing, I suspect, with whatever emerges as the remnants of -- of this regime,
however weakened in the wake of American strikes.
ASHER: President Trump did lay that out as a potential goal, this idea of regime change in Iran. Some experts that I spoken to on this show say, you
know, that's just sort of tough talk, that's just bluster. He's actually not going to follow through with that.
Other experts are not so sure. Where do you stand with that?
MILLER: I mean, you want to change the regime, you do Iraq. March 2003, you deploy hundreds of thousands of American forces, you occupy the country.
That's the two longest wars in American history, including Afghanistan, where the margin for victory was never could we win, but when could we
leave and what would we leave behind?
No, I don't think the United States is capable of changing the Iranian regime. And I think even if it could, the reality is that this -- this
country, serious country, over 90 million people, is going to have to be governed by Iranians for the benefit of Iranians. And ultimately, it will
be up to them to decide.
The question is, to what degree can -- can U.S. facilitate constructive change? Right now, I don't think we're headed down that path.
ASHER: I mean, yes, you make a good point. I mean, if you're going to go for regime change, strikes are not the most efficient way to go about that.
Just in terms of where you see the negotiations ending up. I mean, this idea of, you know, ending enrichment of the uranium and there being sort of
a permanent line in the sand, which is what the U.S. wants from that versus Iran limiting its support for proxy groups in the region.
Where do you think the sort of final negotiations between both sides is going to land on this, if it isn't going to lead to any kind of strikes by
the United States?
MILLER: I mean, I can't imagine that of the three issues, proxy ballistic missiles and nuclear, even though administration officials, including the
president, has referred and actually demanded progress in all three.
I think the most likely would be something on the nuclear side, either allowing the IEA into complete inspections from Iran's nuclear sites to
shipping out the 400 kilograms or more of highly enriched uranium and going down to limited enrichment, perhaps for medical purposes or as part of some
regional consortium.
I don't think the Iranians are prepared to agree with zero enrichment. I think that's a loser. And look, the Iranians aren't enriching uranium now
anyway. So, if there were a productive area for compromise, it would probably be that one with the Iranians, except restrictions on ballistic
missiles aimed at the United States, perhaps.
But I don't think they're prepared to give up what they consider to be their now most formidable weapon to defend themselves and to deter either
U.S. and or Israeli military operations.
I think the whole thing, Zain, is -- is very fraud. And as I mentioned, I'd -- I'd hope there'd be some compromise. But it seems unlikely that the
compromises would be enough to pull the United States.
[12:40:08]
ASHER: Aaron David Miller, appreciate your perspective. We'll see what happens in the coming days and weeks.
All right. And this just into CNN. Afghanistan says it has launched large scale offensive operations against Pakistan's military positions along the
border.
A spokesperson for the Taliban says it is in retaliation for recent Pakistani airstrikes. Tensions have been rising between the two nations
after Pakistan conducted airstrikes over the weekend.
Pakistan says that those strikes were on militant targets responsible for spate of recent suicide bombings.
We'll be right back with more after this short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ASHER: All right. Let's get a quick check and see how the U.S. markets are doing down across the board.
Dow is down almost half -- half a percent. S&P 500 down about one percent. NASDAQ nearly down two percent. This is your "Business Breakout."
All right. The president and CEO of the World Economic Forum is stepping down. And this comes just weeks after the group launched an independent
investigation into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Borge Brende became president of the WEF in 2017. The U.S. Justice Department files show
Brende had three dinners with Epstein and communicated with him by email and text message.
Instagram says it will alert parents monitoring their children's accounts if their teens repeatedly conduct searches related to suicide or self-harm.
Social media companies are facing pressure in the wake of Australia's ban on social media for children under 16.
And Burger King is making its first change to the famous Whopper in almost a decade following customer complaints with an updated bun mayonnaise and
packaging as well. The new Whopper will be available in over 7,000 U.S. locations this week.
For more, let's bring in CNN's Vanessa Yurkevich.
So, Vanessa, I have to be honest, I have not had fast food in many, many moons. And I imagine you haven't either.
VANESSA YURKEVICH, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: No.
ASHER: This -- we're probably not the right people for the story. But talk to us about the differences in taste and what people were complaining about
in terms of the original.
YURKEVICH: Yes. So, this rollout is starting. And it's going to stretch to 7,000 stores here in the U.S. The full rollout will be complete March 15.
But what Burger King is trying to do is they're trying to not offend their Burger King fanatics with this new update to the Whopper, but they're also
trying to do enough that they bring in maybe consumers who have soured on the brand.
[12:45:10]
So what the changes are is a new premium bun, change to the mayonnaise, and then a change to the packaging.
And, Zain, I want to just draw your attention to the screen right now. This is the new version and the old version. I'm not telling you which is which,
but can you even tell?
ASHER: They look identical. They look --
YURKEVICH: Right.
ASHER: -- identical. Oh, my God.
YURKEVICH: Can you tell which one?
ASHER: I -- no. I'm -- but, you know, I'm not -- I'm not the right person to ask it. I have no idea.
YURKEVICH: But I think this is -- I think, Zain, this is the intention though with what they're trying to do. They don't want to rebrand the
Whopper. They want to make it subtle.
So, the new version is actually the one on the right.
ASHER: OK.
YURKEVICH: The bun, as you can see, has a little bit of a glaze. It's shinier. The one on the left has the softer bun. And this really came after
consumers complained that the Whopper was getting smooshed. It was falling apart.
And so after years of hearing this from consumers, Burger King really had to deal with the operations of their store first, trying to fix sort of
tired stores, customer experience that was not great, cold food. Burger King says they feel like they got that under control. And now they're
moving on to the menu.
And as I mentioned, there's a glaze now on the bun. So, the sesame seeds also stick a little bit better. The mayonnaise is becoming creamier with
now a sweet and citrus kind of tang to it.
And the box, the box is really important because people were complaining that they would get their Whopper and it was completely falling apart.
Also worth noting that the CEO -- excuse me, the president of Burger King, said that these changes were coming because of direct customer feedback.
He's now taking calls for two weeks from customers giving out his phone number. He wants to learn more about changes they should be making.
So look out for possible new other menu changes coming from Burger King, but this is the first with the Whopper, Zain.
ASHER: Man of the people. I love it.
YURKEVICH: He's trying.
ASHER: He's trying. That's great. That's -- that's a good one.
Vanessa, thank you so much. I appreciate it.
All right. New York City is known for its high real estate prices. CNN's Paula Newton visited one of Manhattan's most exclusive trophy homes, a $20
million oasis along Billionaires' Row. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PAULA NEWTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It stands like a trophy exquisitely perched.
MICHELLE GRIFFITH, REAL ESTATE AGENT, DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE: It is a seamless, elevated experience.
NEWTON (voice-over): 53 West 53rd in the heart of Manhattan's Billionaires' Row sweeps you in, if not off your feet, definitely to new heights.
GRIFFITH: There isn't your traditional concierge desk. It almost feels like you are entering part of your living space.
The double-height ceiling, the floor-to-ceiling windows, the views are exceptional.
NEWTON (voice-over): And yes, as you already guessed, so is the price. This unit listed for just over $20 million. We're here for the eye candy, of
course, the views, the opulence.
NEWTON: Oh, wow.
GRIFFITH: I know.
NEWTON: It is really a pretty oasis here. You just kind of sink into the views --
GRIFFITH: I know.
NEWTON: -- and to the level.
GRIFFITH: It somehow feels calming, right? Very Zen.
NEWTON: Yes, it really is.
NEWTON (voice-over): And we're getting a look too at the state of New York real estate.
GRIFFITH: Many of these trophy properties are all going into contract prior to ever hitting the market. And we're talking seven-plus on a price per
square foot basis.
NEWTON (voice-over): Michelle Griffith is talking up $7,000 a square foot.
NEWTON: You've been at this for 15 years. What has surprised you about where the market is today?
GRIFFITH: The resiliency of the market is what surprises me every time. Taking the pandemic into consideration, a lot of uncertainty, a lot of, you
know, cautious buyers. But the way that market turned so quickly post- COVID, I find that to be one of the most surprising things.
NEWTON (voice-over): At this end of the market, the sky-high end, demand is actually outstripping supply. But properties starting at about a million
dollars, yes, that's what a modest apartment costs in New York.
GRIFFITH: Rates. That market is really waiting for rates to come down.
NEWTON (voice-over): Mortgage rates have stayed stubbornly high for too long.
ZOHRAN MAMDANI, MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY: Good afternoon.
NEWTON (voice-over): And then there's New York's new mayor, threatening a nine and a half percent hike on property taxes to wrestle a runaway city
budget.
GRIFFITH: I received a lot of text messages on that, Paula.
A tale of two ends. So the higher end of the market, they're not necessarily talking about that. But will that affect first-time buyers and
other people that are just considering dipping their toes into the market? Absolutely.
[12:50:06]
NEWTON (voice-over): But not the toes dipping into these waters.
GRIFFITH: This is probably one of our most requested amenities in Manhattan.
NEWTON: This must really drop some jaws when you bring them in here.
GRIFFITH: Absolutely. This is a complete oasis starting, Paula, with the living green wall, which is on either side of your 65-foot lap pool. Floor-
to-ceiling windows.
NEWTON (voice-over): In the competition between ultra-luxury buildings, wellness is a key distinguishing feature. The pool, the gym, the whole
concept of a curated health-conscious life in the heart of a city.
The exodus from New York post-pandemic was real, but so is its comeback.
GRIFFITH: The diversification of New York, whether it's finance, tech, fashion, media, couple that with the culture and the energy of New York
City, it's bringing so many buyers back to New York.
NEWTON (voice-over): At this price tag, maybe not everyone, all at once, but if mortgage rates edge down, there are plenty of renters ready to be
minted as new New York City homeowners.
Paula Newton, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ASHER: All right. When you're planning a destination wedding, you try and plan for every problem that might come up. But one Kentucky couple could
never have imagined that the death of a cartel boss would completely upend their wedding in Puerto Vallarta
Reporter Ajay Patel of WLEX in Kentucky explains what happened.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
AJAY PATEL, LEX 18 REPORTER (voice-over): A year and a half of planning for their magical day turned upside down just hours before the ceremony.
GOLDSBERRY: And out of all the anxieties a bride has for her wedding, it never crossed my mind so worry about the cartel bombing our wedding. That
was not part of it.
PATEL (voice-over): Newlyweds Whitney Goldsberry and Jeoffrey Teague are talking about the Jalisco New Generation Cartel committing violent acts in
the city they're staying in, after their leader, El Mencho, was killed by the Mexican military.
TRAVIS YOUNG, WEDDING MUSICIAN: Smelled like burning rubber for sure, because there were a lot of vehicles being burned. They were -- they were
asking people to evacuate their cars and buses. They were setting them on fire. They were burning gas stations.
PATEL (voice-over): So the couple had to cancel their wedding date. But thanks to Teague's band friends and the Blind Corn Liquor Pickers and
others, the show went on. The crew was able to reschedule the ceremony for the next day.
[12:55:07]
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's very unfortunate because we seriously do empathize with like the town. Like, I mean, this city is burning around us and we're
like, can we actually make our wedding happen?
Always have this joke as a band, it's like, Blind Corn unite. Everybody get back together, get away from what you're doing.
PATEL (voice-over): And just like the show business, the couple was practicing their best improv skills, finding their wedding photographer at
the resort bar.
GOLDSBERRY: We happened to find him by taking shots with him. And -- and hired him for the wedding. We went clipped flowers out of the trees to make
my bouquet.
PATEL (voice-over): Was the on paper plan executed to the tee? No, but this experience reminded everyone at the wedding one thing.
YOUNG: But the world feels chaotic right now. And we felt that very directly this weekend. Couple (INAUDIBLE) of that who love each other very
deeply and are inspiring to all of us.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We made what was a disaster the most beautiful thing I've ever been involved with.
PATEL (voice-over): I'm Ajay Patel LEX 18 News.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: That is an incredible story.
All right. That does it for "One World." I'm Zain Asher. Appreciate you watching. "Amanpour" is up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[13:00:00]
END
