Paula Hancocks

My take on latest developments and Iran’s attacks on the Gulf - speaking to @FareedZakaria who always asks the questions that matter

Update from Tehran: Thick black smoke still in the air over pretty much the entire city. We drove around town just now. The rain has stopped, but breathing the air feels quite toxic. @CNN @cnni

Nearly a week into the conflict, CNN's reporters are fanned out across the region bringing you the latest: 📍@fpleitgenCNN in Iran 📍@NicRobertsonCNN in Saudi Arabia 📍@clarissaward in Iraq 📍@PHancocksCNN @BeckyCNN @EleniGiokos in the UAE 📍@BijanCNN in Qatar... 1/2

Based on my reporting--I can see the Gulf states are losing patience with Iran's attacks. They've claimed again and again the right to defend themselves. @HTAlhasan tells me what that self-defense could look like from this point on.

Let us in. For more than two years, we’ve been barred from entering Gaza to report freely. It’s long past time for Israel to lift this ban and #LetUsIn. Join us. Share this post. And sign the FPA’s petition: c.org/BfXbQdXjd9

Told @BeckyCNN: Iran is going to Geneva to seal a deal with the US. Iran has shown a readiness to only enrich uranium as needed and to not accumulate nuclear materials. Given that solely Tehran Research Reactor needs fuel, Trump can bag concessions Obama could only dream of.

“I sense it’s more a matter of when not if” Former CENTCOM deputy commander Bob Harward assesses the chances of a US military strike in Iran and what is on the target list.

Reposting this important insight w/ @nmladenov ahead of Trump’s #boardofpeace meeting today. More on @CNNConnect at 9a et / 6p Abu Dhabi time

“Everybody in Iran wants change. The hardliners want a return to the past, the reformists a shift to the future and many moderates want any change. Nobody is happy with the status quo.” Good analysis by @MostafaSalemCNN cnn.com/2025/12/30/mid…

The choice of shelter for Palestinians in Gaza is grim. The risk of your tent being flooded or washed away - if you can find one. Or the risk of a bombed out building you are sleeping in collapsing. edition.cnn.com/2025/12/22/mid…

U.S. and Russian officials are holding talks in Abu Dhabi. @PHancocksCNN reports on what's happening behind closed doors - and without Ukraine present.

The number of children suffering from acute malnutrition jumped 11% in the world's largest refugee camp during the first 9 months of this year-- UNICEF Aid workers warn dramatic cuts in international assistance from the US will only make matters worse @bexwright1 #Myanmar

Zahira apologized - she could not offer me tea as her house had been destroyed earlier this month. I apologized to her that the world failed her. #Gaza

RT @AbeerSalmanCNN: English teacher Ghada Rabah was thrilled to return to her home in Gaza City alongside her brother Hussam. She sent joyf…

Abu Wissam is among hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians left stranded in Gaza City, as Israeli forces push deeper into the enclave and fighting intensifies. @PHancocksCNN reports.

UN Commission says Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. cnn.com/2025/09/16/mid…

The call between the Qatari and Israeli negotiating teams lasted until 5:00 in the morning. Hamas had promised to respond to Qatari negotiators 12 hours later. Israel had other plans. by @OrenCNN @BeckyCNN @talshalev1 edition.cnn.com/2025/09/11/mid…

A presidential jet and a massive US airbase didn’t shield Qatar from Israel’s attack. America’s Arab allies are taking note

A presidential jet and a massive US airbase didn’t shield Qatar from Israel’s attack. America’s Arab allies are taking note. Analysis by @PHancocksCNN edition.cnn.com/2025/09/10/mid…

A presidential jet and a massive US air base did not shield Qatar from Israeli attack. America’s Arab allies are taking note. cnn.com/2025/09/10/mid…