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The Brief with Jim Sciutto
CNN International: Minneapolis Mayor: We Stand Up for Democracy; U.S. Lawmakers Move Toward Possible Deal to Avert Shutdown; Growing Number of Lawmakers Call for Noem to Step Down; WH Border Czar Plans for Drawdown of Agents in Minnesota; U.S.-Iran Tensions; E.U. Designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a Terror Group; Some Asian Airports Screen for Nipah Virus. Aired 6-7p ET
Aired January 29, 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]
PAULA NEWTON, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, and a very warm welcome to our viewers joining us from all around the world. I'm Paula Newton in New York. Jim
Sciutto is off. You are watching "The Brief."
Just ahead for us this hour, the mayor of Minneapolis says U.S. cities are standing up for democracy as the White House borders our plans to draw down
the number of ICE agents in Minnesota. The E.U. labels Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group after the regime's brutal crackdown on
protests. And airports in Asia are screening for the Nipah virus. We'll bring you the latest on this potentially deadly disease.
And we do have breaking news just in to CNN. The Senate Democratic leadership says a bipartisan funding deal has now been reached to avoid a
government shutdown. Senate Republicans are now trying to set up a vote for Thursday. Democrats had asked for a two-week stopgap funding extension for
the Department of Homeland Security over what is, of course, the tense situation in Minnesota.
Joining me now is Democratic Congressman Greg Stanton of Arizona. And I'll put that question to you. Have you heard about this deal, and what can you
tell us about it?
REP. GREG STANTON (D-AZ): Oh, I have heard about the deal. As you know, they took an earlier vote today on the entire package and did not have
enough support in the United States Senate to pass. So, I understand what they're planning on doing is separating out the Homeland Security
appropriations portion of it, voting on all the non-controversial ones and let them pass, and potentially a short-term continuing resolution so that
we can actually build accountability measures into that bill before it gets finally passed.
NEWTON: You know, you said it yourself, it's a stopgap, it's temporary, this buys everyone some time. Is this a real win? Do you think you're going
to get meaningful reform from this?
STANTON: Yes. We have to get meaningful reform and accountability. The American people rightfully are demanding that after they've seen this
violence against our fellow American citizens in Minnesota. Two of our fellow citizens were shot and killed by ICE, an unaccountable ICE. They
wear the face mask, so their identities aren't known. They're not wearing the body cameras that they should be. They don't follow the warrant
procedures that are appropriate. They don't have a code of conduct. We need independent investigation.
I'm a former mayor of a major city. All of the accountability measures that we'd expect from a local police department, these people are carrying guns
on the streets of America. They need to have the same level of accountability.
NEWTON: Yes, Congressman, you are the former mayor of a large city, Phoenix, I believe. You're also a trained lawyer. So, I do want to ask you,
when it comes to accountability and actually changing the tactics, because remember, whether you're in the community or outside of the community,
outside looking in, the federal government continues to say that local and state authorities are not cooperating.
When you parse it, as a politician and as a lawyer, are they cooperating? Would that help take down the temperature anyway?
STANTON: Well, so look, the Obama administration did a significant amount of immigration actions and deportation. They didn't have this type of
issues that you're seeing with this unaccountable ice in American cities. So, regardless of whether we're in Minneapolis or Chicago or any city
across the United States of America, regardless, they need to act in a professional way with accountability. So, that means masks off, body cams
on. That's what the American people expect.
When you engage in violence, there needs to be independent investigation. That's not for legal reasons. That's so the American people have confidence
that the investigation will be thorough and fair. There needs to be a code of conduct. Obviously, training needs to be significantly ratcheted up if
they're going to do business like this among the American people.
American people do not have confidence that these ICE agents or even Border Patrol agents, when they're acting in American streets, are trained for the
duty for which they are acting.
NEWTON: I do want to turn to the bipartisan demands for Secretary Kristi Noem's impeachment. I mean, obviously, this deal doesn't call for that at
all. This is not the first time you've called for the president to fire her. Last year, you cited a report finding FEMA violated federal law six
times under her management. You know, I don't have to remind you, the president backs her. Do you think you have any hope of getting to
impeachment with her?
[18:05:00]
STANTON: Well, we shouldn't have to get to impeachment. The president should have already fired Kristi Noem. She has no business running any kind
of law enforcement organization. You know, she also oversees FEMA. There was a terrible flood in Texas, you remember, last summer. Over 100 people
died. A lot of young girls at the camp died. FEMA waited three days before they even began search and rescue efforts, and that was incredibly poor
leadership by Kristi Noem. There is no doubt in my mind that her inaction, her unwillingness to roll up her sleeves and get FEMA involved earlier
likely cost lives in Texas.
I called for her termination then. She should have been gone. She's not equipped. She doesn't have the experience. She doesn't have the leadership
capacity to lead this organization. So, she should be gone now, and if the president won't do it, Congress is going to have to do it for him via
impeachment.
NEWTON: And do you believe, though, that that would go through? I mean, obviously she survived this far. Do you believe you could actually get her
impeached?
STANTON: Yes, I think there's -- you're seeing more and more Republicans speak out, trying to tell the president that Kristi Noem is not competent
to run this position. Every duty she's had, whether it be FEMA or now, the situation with ICE and even the Border Patrol, she's failed to show real
leadership, to understand that they needed to do significantly more training, that wearing the face mask would do more harm than good.
I mean, law enforcement -- local law enforcement around the country, they don't go around with masks on their face. They're part of the community.
That's not a way to do law enforcement in this country. So, more and more even Republicans are saying what is obviously true. The American people can
see right through it. Kristi Noem has got to go.
Obviously, now, there's finger pointing going on in the White House where she's blaming Stephen Miller, told her that he's the one that instructed
her to call. Mr. Pretti, who was killed by the Border Patrol on the streets of Annapolis, called him a domestic terrorist. What a horrific, horrific
thing to do without having done any type of investigation. That's just a complete and total failure of leadership.
NEWTON: Yes, and a reminder for viewers, Stephen Miller is the Deputy Chief of Staff and has said that he is driving a lot of what the
immigration program looks like for the Trump administration. I do want to get back to what happens after this temporary stopgap measure.
So, Tom Homan is framing right now on the ground in Minnesota that there will be this drawdown plan. And a lot of that does involve, and it hinges
on, that cooperation that I asked you about earlier between local state officials and the federal government. I am wondering, if we look to deals
down the road in the next few weeks, are you serious about trying to get some of the funding that's currently with Homeland Security to some of
those local authorities?
I know the numbers that we've touted before on CNN as well, that if you take Minneapolis, there are about 600 law enforcement officials and ICE
brought in apparently 3,000 people in order to continue with these ICE operations.
STANTON: Well, look, if the president continues with these mass deportation policies, that is, the American people overwhelmingly say
that's not what they wanted. But the president ran on a policy of going after violent criminals. That's not what we're seeing in practice. And if
that's the case, of course, local law enforcement is not going to participate. If they want to help apprehend a violent criminal, well, of
course, local law enforcement is going to help get a violent criminal off the streets, but that's not what we're seeing. We're seeing these mass
deportation policies.
I'm sponsoring a bill that would redirect the money that was given to ICE as part of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill and redirect it to local
law enforcement. We could hire over 200,000 local police officers with that money. And our local police departments are really needing to beef up their
staffing. Many of them are understaffed, including in my city in Phoenix. That would really help to get our local law enforcement up to full
staffing. I know the American people would support that for sure.
NEWTON: Yes, and as you point out, it is tough in these cities, and the overtime bills really is something that's difficult to account for when you
have an issue like this, and then you have law enforcement working those long hours. Congressman Greg Stanton, glad for you to be with us,
especially as we have the breaking news. Appreciate it.
STANTON: Thank you so much.
NEWTON: And we do want to get back to that breaking news. The Senate Democratic leader says a deal has been reached to avoid a government
shutdown. Kevin Liptak has been following all of this from us from the White House. I mean, Kevin, we had heard that really the president was
instrumental in at least getting this kind of delay. What more are you learning?
KEVIN LIPTAK, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Yes. And the president had actually tried to invite some of these Democrats to the White House this
week to talk about how to keep the government funded.
[18:10:00]
They didn't end up doing that, but it does appear now is if a plan is at least in place to try and avert a shutdown, what it would do is separate
out funding for four of the agencies, pass those funding bills, and then have a two-week extension of the Department of Homeland Security funding,
which has obviously been the point of contention as Democrats work to enact reforms to that agency holding up the funding there.
Now, this isn't the end of the road. What we understand is that the Senate Majority Leader John Thune will have to get his Republican caucus on board
with this plan. It's not clear that all of the Republicans are yet ready to vote for this. And of course, it will then have to go to the House, and
House Speaker Mike Johnson will have to bring the House back in and get all of them behind this plan in order for those agencies to keep their funding.
So, a lot of unknowns at this point, but certainly clearly progress made towards keeping the government funding open. And it does seem as if the
administration's pivot in how they're dealing with Minneapolis seems to have, you know, propelled this forward. You know, you have seen a degree of
conciliation by the president in sending Tom Homan to Minneapolis and bringing out Greg Bovino in Homan's remarks today, suggesting that there
could be a way to reduce the number of federal officers there.
And so, you do see a level of cooperation, even as tensions remain extraordinarily high, even as, you know, the temperature hasn't necessarily
been lowered in the rhetoric coming from the White House and the president. Clearly, I think on Capitol Hill, there is a sense that there is a way
forward here. And this funding bill, I think, is an indication that they're trying to find some of these compromises in order to, you know, move all of
this ahead.
NEWTON: Yes. And also, it seemed to determine that even a partial government shutdown is not in their interest at this hour. Kevin Liptak,
grateful to you. Appreciate it.
Now, White House supporters are Tom Homan, as Kevin was just saying, is under pressure to ease tensions after the killings of two protesters by
federal agents. He said in Minneapolis today that the number of immigration officers could be reduced.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM HOMAN, WHITE HOUSE BORDER CZAR: When the violence decreases, we can drawdown those resources. But based on the discussions I've had with the
governor and the AG, we can start drawing down those resources as far as those looking for public safety threats being released and doing it in jail
with much less people. So, the drawdown is going to happen based on these agreements. But the drawdown can happen even more if the hateful rhetoric
and the impediment and interference will stop.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: So, Homan, as you know, was sent to Minnesota after Saturday's fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and also vowed to stay in the state until,
quote, "the problem is gone." Now, all this comes amid reports of new guidance that the Trump administration is considering for federal agents,
including plans to avoid engaging with what it calls agitators. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaking at the Conference of Mayors in Washington today.
Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JACOB FREY, MINNEAPOLIS MAYOR: We recognize that one great American city is experiencing an invasion. That is an invasion on our democracy, on our
republic, and on each and every one of us. And the fact that you all are standing up means the world.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: Shimon Prokupecz is in Minneapolis for us. A lot going on on Capitol Hill, but I am wondering on the ground there, if hour by hour there
seems to be a little bit of hope, because as you were telling us before, when they see what's going on in Washington and the fact that does seem to
be compromised, do they believe that that's going to translate into what they see from ICE agents on the street?
SHIMON PROKUPECZ, CNN SENIOR CRIME AND JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, perhaps. The thing is, for people who live here, I mean, they've been
through hell, certainly the last few months, and they're just hoping that they can get back to going to restaurants without doors being locked and
going to supermarkets without being afraid that they're going to get stopped and questioned about their citizenship.
So, you know, right now, it's very cold here. So, we're not seeing as many people, certainly, out in the street. As the temperatures start to rise,
we'll start seeing more people come out. And I think the activity around Minneapolis has certainly decreased, the federal law enforcement activity.
We're not seeing sort of any signs like what we were seeing last week and the weeks before.
And the significant thing here being that Greg Bovino, who was running this entire operation, many people felt, including the police chief who I spoke
to the other day, felt that they were escalating situations, just in the way that their tactics, the tactics they were using, the way they were
driving around in large convoys, drawing attention to themselves.
[18:15:00]
They feel that right now, at least, that seems to have decreased, and we'll see if that continues. But I don't -- I think the way Homan expressed
himself today, to say we're not surrendering, that we're going to keep doing this immigration work. ICE is not going to leave this city. They're
going to continue their operations, but I think they're going to go back to doing it the way they used to do it, quietly, more targeted, with
surveillance, and in ways where they don't draw attention.
I mean, just if they did it at 6:00 in the morning, instead of noon or 2:00 in the afternoon, or 9:00 in the morning on a Saturday, as we saw in the
Alex Pretti incident just around the corner from us, changing those tactics and doing things a little differently, and de-escalating, should bring a
level, at least a more measured approach to this, and should also decrease some of the protests that we're seeing, the observers.
I mean, they're on watch here. These observers are not stopping. They're still -- you know, I'm following them in the chat rooms, and they're still
out here looking for cars, and observing, and very suspicious of certain type of vehicles. So, I think locally, the nerves are going to continue.
People are going to continue to worry that they're going to come back. No one believes that this is totally over. I mean, there's a lot of concern
that this is going to continue.
NEWTON: You said we have to see proof of concept on the street, right, given what we see politically. Shimon, grateful to you. Thanks so much.
PROKUPECZ: Yes.
NEWTON: Still ahead for us, iPhone frenzy. Apple sales says its new models are off the charts. The latest on Apple's quarterly results and its sales
rebound in China. We'll have that next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NEWTON: And welcome back to "The Brief." In today's Business Breakout, a tough day for tech investors. The NASDAQ fell three quarters of a percent
on A.I. spending jitters and fears that software sales will be impacted by A.I. Now, Microsoft was a big loser down nearly 10 percent. The company
posting strong earnings, though, but it's A.I. spending remains high as cloud growth disappoints.
Contrast that with Facebook parent company Meta, whose shares rallied more than 10 percent. It's A.I. spending will nearly double this year. But
investors aren't worried yet, as overall revenues remain strong. The company posted sales growth of some 24 percent last quarter.
[18:20:00]
Now, checking some of today's other business headlines, discouraging news for the Trump administration on trade. The U.S. trade deficit with the rest
of the world increased by nearly 100 percent in November. It's the largest jump in almost 34 years. The deficit widened due to slowing U.S. exports of
consumer goods, crude oil, and pharmaceuticals.
American Airlines says it plans to resume service to Venezuela for the first time since 2019. The carrier will start flying there again when the
U.S. government gives the OK. American is the first U.S. airline to announce a resumption of flights since the U.S. removed ex-Venezuelan
leader Nicolas Maduro.
It was a volatile day for gold. The precious metal pulled back sharply early Thursday after touching record highs of almost $5,600 an ounce. Gold
turned around late in the day, though, and ended up 1.5 percent. Gold has risen more than 90 percent so far this year. Incredible.
And the tech earnings just keep on coming. Apple is out with better-than- expected quarterly results. It says demand for its new iPhones has been, quote, their words now, "staggering." And crucially, sales in China are
back on track. Apple's investment in A.I. has been comparatively modest so far, but the company did announce today that it's buying Israeli startup
Q.ai. Its value is estimated at about $1.5 billion.
Dan Miles is here for us. He is the founder of Niles Investment Management. Really keen to get your insights here on Apple. I mean, staggering? OK.
What do you think?
DAN NILES, FOUNDER, NILES INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT: I mean, quite honestly, Paula, it is staggering because their really good product is actually
coming out later this year, which is you're going to be able to get a foldable iPhone and, remember, Samsung's had one since 2019, and you're
going to have an A.I.-enabled iPhone, which is about two years late.
So, the fact that they were able to grow revenues at 16 percent and the street had it growing at 11 percent, and then they were able to beat EPS
and grow that at 19 percent, where the street had it at 13 percent, is truly incredible, especially when you consider how much component costs
have gone up. And then the guidance was also better than what people were expecting, especially on the gross margins, which is the most important
thing when you have memory prices escalating like this.
NEWTON: Yes, yes, absolutely. Like you said, the margins. I am wondering what you think. Is this a turnaround for Asia as far as you're concerned?
NILES: Yes. I mean, I think it's a turnaround for Apple because if you look at the revenue growth, they grew it at 16 percent year over year. This
is the fastest quarter of year over year revenue growth since 2021. And if you look at it, calendar '22, '23, and '24, the combined revenue growth for
those three years was 5 percent.
They just put up a year where they did 10 percent growth. And if you see this form factor change, that can drive even more growth. And if you look
at China, to your point, Paula, the growth there was 38 percent year over year versus the overall company, which grew 16.
So, between that, India is also growing double digits. Those are obviously two massive markets with the two biggest populations in the world. The fact
that they're gaining share, that's a really good sign when you think about the end of this year when you get some really compelling products coming
out.
NEWTON: Yes. You know, all the tech results seem to be a story of A.I. one way or the other. I'm wondering what you made of what happened with
Microsoft and Meta. I mean, two diverging stories, as we just pointed out, but especially disappointing for Microsoft.
NILES: Well, I think it's the same story really since the end of October, which is for the last almost three years till October, the assumption was
everybody was going to win and there were no losers in A.I. And if you've been doing this for long enough, you realize that's just not the way it
works.
And then late October, what people started to do is say, if you're exposed to OpenAI, we don't believe OpenAI can meet their commitments for spending,
which is, you know, 1.4 trillion in spending over the next eight years. And so, if you look at Microsoft, they obviously own 27 percent of OpenAI. But
I think what bothered people was that they didn't grow as fast as people thought in their cloud services business called Azure. And then they
disclosed that open A.I. was 45 percent of their remaining performance --
NEWTON: And I don't know if you can still hear me. I believe -- apologies there for our technical difficulties. Unfortunately, we've lost Dan. We do
want to thank him though.
As the Trump administration sends a sizable naval force towards Iran, it's met with indignation by Tehran, which is vowing an immediate response to
any military action. We will have that next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:25:00]
NEWTON: And welcome back to "The Brief." I'm Paul Newton. Here are the international headlines we're watching today.
We have some breaking news for you, in fact, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says a deal has been reached to avoid a government shutdown. Senate
Republicans are now trying to schedule a vote for Thursday. President Donald Trump says he is working hard across both sides of the aisle to get
a government deal passed before the weekend's deadline.
The man U.S. President Donald Trump has put in charge of the immigration crackdown in Minnesota says he wants to ease tensions there. White House
border czar Tom Homan says he wants to eventually draw down the number of federal agents in Minneapolis, and he urged protesters to let agents do
their jobs.
President Trump says Russia has agreed to halt strikes on major cities in Ukraine for a week. He says he made a personal appeal to his Russian
counterpart Vladimir Putin, citing cold temperatures in the region. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy thanked Mr. Trump and says he expects Russia
to implement the pause. No word yet, though, from the Kremlin.
President Trump is considering strikes on Iran's leadership, government institutions and nuclear sites, that's according to people familiar with
the matter. Preliminary discussions with Tehran over limiting its nuclear program and ballistic missile production didn't make any progress. Sources
say the president believes his military options have expanded now that the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is in the region.
President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action in response to Iran's crackdown on nationwide protests. A key adviser to Iran's supreme
leader is vowing to respond, naming Tel Aviv as a target if the U.S. attacks. Tehran also says it's added 1,000 drones to its military
stockpile.
The European Union, meantime, now labels Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. It's the latest move by Western
countries to try and put pressure on Iran over its brutal crackdown on protesters. France had initially been against the move, fearing it would
damage diplomatic ties with Tehran. E.U. officials in Brussels also approved new sanctions against Iran.
[18:30:00]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAJA KALLAS, E.U. FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF: In Iran, horrific crackdown on protesters has come at heavy human cost. The E.U. already has sweeping
sanctions in place and today ministers agreed to designate Iran Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. This will put them on the
same footing with Daesh, Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda. Those who operate through terror must be treated as terrorists.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: CNN's Fred Pleitgen is reporting from inside Tehran this week, operating only with the permission of the government. He visited the site
where the protests began, eventually spreading nationwide. Now, Fred spoke with some Iranians about their grievances and the government's crackdown on
protesters that has killed thousands of people and arrested thousands more to protect identities. We blurred the faces in this report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTENRATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: We're in the area around Tehran's Grand Bazaar. This is where the protests started
several weeks ago that then of course spread throughout the entire country, then ultimately, leading to that crackdown where even the government
acknowledges that thousands of people were killed. We spoke to some folks around here and at least some of them said the despair continues and they
said they have very little trust that the government will be able to resolve the issues.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In general, the situation is volatile in a way that the prices are crazy high and for instance just yesterday there was a 20 to
30 percent hike in prices.
PLEITGEN: Are you confident that the government can solve the economic issues?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): Definitely not. We're certainly sure the government cannot solve it. This is something that I can say for
sure. Maybe it is dangerous. I feel this is the end of everything.
PLEITGEN: How deep is the trauma after the crackdown on the protests?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): In this situation, no one is able to do anything because you either have to go to the streets and be
killed by weapons or stay at home and die of hunger.
PLEITGEN: When the protests first started here at the bazaar in late December, it was especially the carpet sellers and jewelers who first
walked out. Now, he did speak to some people here. He claimed that the situation is now under control.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Of course, the Islamic Republic can solve the problem. Actually, it's done so. 99 percent of it is
resolved.
PLEITGEN: All this comes as President Trump continues to weigh his military options here in this region. Iran's leadership has said that any
attack on Iran will be met with very strong resistance. But they've also said they're willing to negotiate, however, not under duress.
Fred Pleitgen, CNN, Tehran.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: Joining me now is Firas Maksad, he is Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa Group -- at the Eurasia Group, pardon me. Good
to have you with us. I just want to get right to what your opinion might be at this point. Do you think there's an off-ramp or do you believe a
military strike here is inevitable?
FIRAS MAKSAD, MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA MANAGING DIRECTOR, EURASIA GROUP: Paula, I think we're increasingly leaning towards a military
strike. I have no doubt that President Trump, the U.S. administration are looking for a deal. It was very clear during the protests in the last two
weeks, although there was sort of verbal assurances, a red line that was given to the protesters.
Really, this is about getting to a deal on the four core issues that his envoy, Steven Witkoff, has outlined. Enrichment on the nuclear program,
giving that up, limiting the ballistic missiles of Iran, limiting its support to the proxies in the region, giving that away essentially, and
then exporting the highly enriched uranium stockpile, which continues to be in Iraq. Those are the four issues the president is looking for a deal.
I don't think -- most Iran observers don't think that a deal is possible as long as the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, continues to be in power in
Tehran.
NEWTON: So, we know then that Iran will retaliate in some way, but do you believe that it will be serious or do you believe like the time before it
will be a bit impotent?
MAKSAD: Well, I mean, there are different military scenarios out there. Certainly, the symbolic strike was discussed, that that would be a U.S.
strike against the Basij and the IRGC. Those are the tools of coercion and repression that the Iranian government has used against its own people. I
think that's out the window at this point.
Simply the military assets that are being deployed, the armada, the carrier group, those point to a much more significant American military action. And
so, we're talking anything from decapitation strikes, something along the lines of what happened with Maduro and Venezuela, to something that then is
more extensive, that goes after Iran's ballistic missile program. Really the core strategic capability that Iran still has at its disposal.
NEWTON: I do want to go to your recent analysis and it is helpful because you look at the bigger picture here and you note that Tehran is no longer a
principal actor shaping the region's strategy, that it's actually the competition between the two emerging blocs, right?
[18:35:00]
And can you explain that for us further? And we all have seen that in terms of the way Iran has been debilitated in the last year, it has completely
transformed the region, right?
MAKSAD: Yes. I mean, Paula, it's very important that we put what's happening in Tehran in the broader context. The regime in the last two
years in the back end of the October 7th attack against Israel has really lost its regional footing. It lost its proxy, what it calls its forward
defense strategy, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the crown jewel of the proxies, Hamas in Gaza, the Syrian regime, the Assad regime, which was this kind of
crucial lifeline for it to project power in the region.
There was a day not too long ago when Iranian officials used to boast that they control four Arab capitals. That is not the case today. And I think
part of why we're seeing people out on the street in Tehran is for so long the regime promised them power and resistance to the West and pride, but
they've quickly realized that they've come out with nothing, that the regime is in fact -- it has very much lost its deterrence and at the same
time is unable to basic necessities for its people.
NEWTON: You know, there's one thing that I believe that so many people, and I've spoken to the Iranian diaspora and I know what they're upset about
because President Trump told protesters that help would come right now. You have noted that the Trump administration was looking for a deal. You said
that at the opening of this interview.
So, where are the protesters in all of this? And Marco Rubio, you know, did the other day appear before a hearing on Capitol Hill and didn't really
indicate that they were looking for regime change. So, what is this about? And does this mean that the Trump administration will forsake Iranians and
leave them condemned to more repression?
MAKSAD: Yes. Ultimately, the fate of the regime will be left to the Iranian people to decide. I don't think that this is an administration
that's out for regime change. In fact, the administration's rhetoric from the get-go, before these protests even started, when President Trump went
to the region, he was in Saudi Arabia, he very much was channeling to the audience that this is no longer the neocons in power in Washington, that
regime change has went out the window, that it is the people of the region that will decide its fate.
So, this is not a president that is looking for regime change. He's looking for one and we're done, very quick, decisive military action. And so, what
that means is, again, looking for a deal with the regime, perhaps on the back end of military action, if an 11th hour deal does not in fact
materialize before military action.
NEWTON: And again, one has to wonder where that leaves Iranians themselves that were so courageous to be on the streets and then paid such a high
price. Firas, grateful to you, appreciate it.
MAKSAD: Thank you.
NEWTON: Now, manufacturers are using artificial intelligence to make their weapons more accurate and deadly than ever before. The technology gives
them the ability to detect, track and intercept threats more efficiently and is transforming air and ground warfare. Nic Robertson takes a look at
how A.I. is changing the future of combat.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR (voice-over): At an Israeli gun range, a demo of how A.I. is changing up battlefields.
SEMION, DIRECTOR OF EUROPE, ISRAEL WEAPON INDUSTRIES: It will analyze my movements, analyze when I'm stable enough on the target, and will release
the bullet when it calculates the maximum probability for me to hit the target.
ROBERTSON (voice-over): This tech called Arbel and others like it already in use by Israeli troops in Gaza. A.I. enhanced weapons on you, but putting
them in front line soldiers, regular guns is cutting edge.
SEMION: I think we're at the, let's say, the beginning of this revolution of putting A.I. on the soldiers.
ROBERTSON (voice-over): The manufacturers are counting on fears of cheap, increasingly lethal battlefield drones boosting sales.
SEMION: Europe has an ecosystem that feel very threatened by this kind of threat. We see very growing interest in this kind of solution.
ROBERTSON: The lessons of the world's cutting-edge battlefields like Ukraine. If you don't have A.I. tech in your weapon, then you just increase
your chances of getting killed. Manufacturers are racing to keep up, governments hungry to protect their troops.
BOB TOLLAST, RESEARCH FELLOW, ROYAL UNITED SERVICES INSTITUTE: Guys are just being, you know, they're being chased into bunkers. They can't get
away and I think this is what's driving such a massive level of experimentation. And in Ukraine alone, I've actually heard there were 63
companies just in the drone interceptor market.
[18:40:00]
ROBERTSON (voice-over): These recent videos from Ukraine show how sophisticated front line drones have become. Smart operators increasingly
helped by A.I. able to hit targets impossible a few years ago.
And it's not just Ukraine's front line losses ringing alarm bells around Europe's capitals, airports from Denmark to the Netherlands, Germany,
France, the U.K., are also getting buzzed by fast moving, hard to target drones. The Dutch recently tried unsuccessfully to shoot them down.
As the threat multiplies, so innovation is accelerating both attack and defense, enhanced by A.I. near instantaneous software updates edging
closer.
TOLLAST: It's that iteration loop that's really changed how we're looking at warfare that's really one of the big lessons from Ukraine actually.
We're in an age what some people call Software Defined warfare.
ROBERTSON (voice-over): Even so, experts like tallest caution against the notion an infantry soldier's A.I. tech being a defining Battlefield game
changer just yet. Back on the Israeli gun range, They're convinced A.I. augmented infantry is the way forward.
SEMION: It really dramatically increases your marksmanship, your lethality, your ability to engage, but this is the best tool to any light
arm scenario you can see at the battle.
ROBERTSON: Is there any way of going back from this now?
SERION: No.
ROBERTSON (voice-over): What is clear, guns as we knew them are changing, becoming more deadly.
Nic Robertson, CNN, Israel.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWTON: Coming up after a break, airports across Asia reimpose health screenings last seen during the COVID era after India flags two cases of
potentially deadly virus. We'll have that next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NEWTON: Britain and China hailing a reset of ties in Beijing. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is on a four-day trip to China, taking with him
dozens of business leaders in an effort to mend a strained relationship. His counterpart, Xi Jinping, also stressing the need to strengthen dialogue
and cooperation.
Mike Valerio has more on these meetings, as President Trump continues to upend longstanding U.S. alliances.
[18:45:00]
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIKE VALERIO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: So, we're waiting on the deliverables, but we do know that this is a remarkable reset visit, because after years of
suspicion really permeating the relationship between the U.K. and China, we now have the British prime minister here in town, in Beijing, saying that
he wants a relationship between the U.K. and China, delivering security and prosperity for the British people.
Quite a reversal from what we've heard from some members of the British government in recent years. So, to that end, let's listen to Prime
Minister, Keir Starmer in his own words. We'll talk about it on the other side. Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KEIR STARMER, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: China is a vital player on the global stage, and it's vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VALERIO: OK. So, quite a statement there in eight-and-a-half seconds. Chinese leader, Xi Jinping very much echoing the sentiment, saying in part
a couple of minutes ago, quote, "China is willing to develop a long-term, stable and comprehensive strategic partnership with Britain, which will
benefit the people of both countries as well as the world."
So, this reset visit is so remarkable in part because of the primary ally, the largest and most important ally of the United Kingdom, and that would
be the United States. And we see more and more often allies of the United States, leaders of those allies, from Emmanuel Macron of France, Mark
Carney of Canada, coming back to this town, Beijing, re- evaluating their ties with China.
So, we have not only with the British Prime Minister traveling with members of his government, but also bringing with him big business names. We're
talking about representatives from Jaguar Land Rover, GSK, HSBC, big business brands from the U.K. And this is happening as so many companies
around the world, myriad companies, are trying to diversify their trade portfolios, perhaps reduce their reliance on trade with the United States.
So, it will be interesting to see what are the deliverables, what are the tangible results of this trip, especially considering where the U.K. and
China have been. I think one of the low points was certainly in 2020, when the British government said that Huawei needed to be removed from Great
Britain's 5G network, a deadline of next year still existing to remove all installed elements of Huawei Technology from Britain's 5G network because
of allegations and security concerns that have been leveled by the British government.
But on the flip side, we have Keir Starmer, just about a week ago, greenlighting the so-called mega embassy project across the street from the
Tower of London, in the shadow of London's financial district, the heart -- financial heart of Great Britain. So, we have both of these things
happening, a new path that seems to have emerged.
The British prime minister saying that he's not going to choose between relations, good relations with China and the United States. And the next
leader that perhaps will follow in this parade of Western allies coming to Beijing, we're watching for February for German Chancellor, Merz, perhaps
to make his way to Beijing also.
Mike Valerio, CNN, Beijing.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWTON: Pakistan is the latest Asian country to check incoming travelers for the Nipah virus after two cases were confirmed in neighboring India.
The airports in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Vietnam now doing the same. The two people infected in India are health
workers and one remains in critical condition.
Now, the potentially deadly virus is carried by fruit bats and animals such as pigs. It can cause fever and brain inflammation. Small scale outbreaks
are not unusual, and virologists say the risk to the general population remains low.
Now, a bizarre turn of events in the case of Luigi Mangione. He is a Minnesota man now allegedly tried to free Mangione from a federal jail last
night by impersonating as an FBI agent, that's according to law enforcement sources. Criminal complaints as the man was carrying a barbecue style fork
and a circular blade in his backpack. Mangione is accused of killing the CEO of United Health Care back in 2024. The federal trial could begin this
fall.
OK. Coming up for us, a new documentary about the first lady premieres tonight in Washington. We'll head to the red carpet for the movie
"Melania."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:50:00]
NEWTON: In your Field of Play, the men's semis at the Australian Open takes spotlight this Friday in Melbourne, but it was the women's semis that
took center stage today. World number Aryan Sabalenka, will face Elena Rybakina for the second time in four years. That will happen this Saturday
in a rematch. Some say it seems all too familiar.
We want to go straight to our Patrick Snell, who is, of course, been following this. And I got to tell you, the Australian Open never
disappoints.
PATRICK SNELL, CNN WORLD SPORT: It doesn't. So, many great storylines. Hi, Paula. Yes. Eagerly anticipated women's rematch of that 2023 final.
Savchenko, Rybakina. So, much to look forward to.
As you rightly say, the women's final set, this is how Aryan Sabalenka booked through her place on Thursday, through to the championship match for
her fourth straight year as well. Incredible stuff from her. Sabalenka needing just an hour and 16 to get past the 12th seeded Ukrainian player
Elina Svitolina in straight sets. The Belarusian player, I will say this, moment of controversy here. She was left unhappy because she was penalized
by the chair umpire for grunting during a point early in the first set. Let's listen in.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Stop. Hindrance. This is hindrance. This is hindrance for me. OK? Because you don't make the normal sound.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SNELL: Yes. Sabalenka feeling very hard done by there. Demanding a review. A decision was upheld, though the point awarded to Svitolina. Aryna was
beaten in last year's final by Madison Keys. So, she's determined to get her hands back on that trophy that she last won in 2024. And afterwards, a
really moving moment here, Paula, as she's asked how the 10-year-old Aryan Sabalenka would feel about her achievement.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ARYNA SABALENKA, TENNIS PLAYER: Oh, I don't know. I'm sensitive right now. I think she would be just super proud that. Yes, I was able to make it here
at just, you know, back. I would never think that I would be able to first of all, make it to the top 10 and secondly, to be that consistent and be
able to play on such a big arenas in front of you all and feel all the support that just a dream life. And every day, I'm grateful for everything
I have. And I mean, I don't know, I hope she would be proud of me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SNELL: Emotions running high. All right. Well, the 2023 running up Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, as we mentioned, standing in Aryna's path now in
the final. Rybakina just too good here for the USA's Jessica Pegula. In straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, setting up a shot at revenge for her defeat in
that the side of three years ago. Rybakina took the first set that time out, but Savchenko fought back to take the win and her first Grand Slam
title. It was at the time, the Russian-born Rybakina seeking her second Grand Slam triumph following her 2022 success.
And, Paula, the men's semis of the Aussie Open taking center stage Friday in Melbourne. We got Carlos Alcaraz, a six-time Grand Slam champion going
head-to-head with the German player Alexander Zverev. That one's due to start in about three and a half hours or so from right now.
And then we got the two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner facing off against 10-time champion Novak Djokovic. The Serbian player, Paula, is
going for a record and standalone 25th Grand Slam singles title, surpassing Margaret Court, the legendary Australian who's on 24. Nole will have some
work to do, though, if he's to get past Sinner and then potentially get past Alcaraz in the final. We'll see. Back to you.
[18:55:00]
NEWTON: A lot of great storylines, and we will be watching. Patrick, good to see you. Thanks so much.
And tonight, in Washington, meantime, a gala premiere for a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump. Now, you are looking at live pictures from,
we'll call it a red carpet, but I am told it is a black carpet, and we're going to see a lot more of that. A red carpet where the president and first
lady are expected to arrive any minute now. The movie, "Melania" captures the 20 days around her return to the White House.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MELANIA TRUMP, U.S. FIRST LADY: Everyone wants to know. So, here it is. Hi, Mr. President. Congratulations.
DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT: Did you watch it?
M. TRUMP: I did not. Yes, I will see it on the news.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NEWTON: Well, apparently, they're going to watch it tonight. Amazon MGM Studios is said to have paid her $40 million for the project. The
documentary is set to appear in movie theaters worldwide Friday.
All right. I want to thank you for your company. I'm Paula Newton in New York. You have been watching "The Brief." Stay with CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[19:00:00]
END
