On this “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan:
- Power Secretary Chris Wright
- Michael Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S.
- Robert Costa, CBS nationwide correspondent and chief Washington analyst
- Sen. Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia
- Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S
Click on right here to browse full transcripts from 2026 of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
MARGARET BRENNAN: I am Margaret Brennan in Washington.
And this week on Face the Nation: Because the warfare on Iran enters its second week, considerations a few world power disaster are rising.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: U.S. and Israeli forces stepped up their bombing marketing campaign by means of the weekend, concentrating on Iranian airports, oil depots, bases and extra. President Trump guarantees an escalation of hostilities till Tehran presents an entire and unconditional give up.
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DONALD TRUMP (President of the US): It is once they cry uncle or once they cannot struggle any longer, there’s no person round to cry uncle.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: However Iran’s defiant leaders say they may by no means give up, hitting again exhausting at U.S. services now, as within the area, placing oil and fuel infrastructure, placing stress on a lot of the world’s power provide.
We’ll ask Power Secretary Chris Wright in regards to the potential for a severe world provide shock and what it may imply for oil and fuel costs within the U.S.
Plus, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Michael Leiter, might be right here. We’ll ask him how his authorities’s goals sq. with U.S. targets.
And we may even verify in with Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine.
Then: a suggestion from Ukraine. This time, they wish to assist the U.S., providing experience in countering Iranian drones. Ukraine’s Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna will be a part of us to debate that and extra.
It is all simply forward on Face the Nation.
Good morning, and welcome to Face the Nation.
As we look forward to one other week, the warfare with Iran appears to be getting into a brand new section, with essential infrastructure now being focused within the area that would doubtlessly influence thousands and thousands of individuals. President Trump referred to as the battle a minor tour and has not but indicated the subsequent steps.
However there are indicators America’s involvement within the battle is deepening. A 3rd plane provider is making ready to deploy to the area. And when requested whether or not he would ship floor troops to safe nuclear materials in Iran, the president would not rule it out.
We start our protection this morning with chief correspondent Matt Gutman, who’s in Tel Aviv, Israel.
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MATT GUTMAN (voice-over): For seven days, the U.S. and Israel focused regime management and navy installations. However, in a single day, towering flames solid an eerie orange glow over Tehran after Israel struck what it stated was an Iranian navy gas depot, drivers on this freeway detouring across the flames.
Video circulating appears to point out sewers and streets on fireplace as properly, this morning, these fires nonetheless burning beneath blackened skies, an enormous plume hanging over town. And with over 1,300 lifeless in Iran, in response to the Purple Crescent, the nation’s clerics have now introduced they’re near choosing a brand new chief. Assist has just lately crystallized round Ayatollah Khamenei’s hard-line son Mojtaba. Israeli
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s adviser Michael Eisenberg with a blunt message.
MICHAEL EISENBERG (Adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu): I do know the highest-risk job proper now could be to be the brand new ayatollah. That is a high- danger job. To be the pinnacle of the Iranian navy, the IRGC, these are high- danger jobs. Do not take them.
MATT GUTMAN: They’ll be focused?
MICHAEL EISENBERG: Do not take these jobs. These are high-risk jobs. We’re watching you.
MATT GUTMAN: The president has demanded a say within the collection of Iran’s subsequent chief, and Israel’s Netanyahu utilizing an handle in a single day to instantly converse to the Iranian individuals.
(PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
MATT GUTMAN: He stated: “I’ve been talking to you and for you for many years. The second of fact is approaching, for we don’t search to divide Iran. We search to liberate Iran and reside with it in peace.”
In Lebanon, Iran’s principal proxy within the area, Hezbollah, has stepped up rocket and drone fireplace at Israel, in a single day, most of that intercepted.
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MATT GUTMAN: In response, Israel has ordered some 300,000 residents of Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut to flee, taking out constructing after constructing.
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MATT GUTMAN: Margaret, a short while in the past, a bomblet from a type of cluster munitions landed in that constructing behind me. You’ll be able to see it flung a automobile up within the air. They’re now within the technique of transferring it.
Israeli authorities telling me that Iran is now relying extra closely on these cluster munitions, which unfold out these bomblets excessive up within the ambiance, and so they’re discovering these way more tough to cease – Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That is Matt Gutman in Tel Aviv.
We flip now to senior overseas correspondent Imtiaz Tyab, who’s in Doha, Qatar.
IMTIAZ TYAB: Nicely, Margaret, because the warfare between the US, Israel and Iran intensifies, nations right here within the Gulf proceed to be focused in Iranian assaults, together with Kuwait Metropolis this morning, the place a strike set the nation’s principal social safety headquarters on fireplace.
Now, the UAE, Bahrain and different Gulf states say their air defenses are nonetheless intercepting Iranian missiles and drones nearly each single day, a few of these strikes additionally concentrating on at the least one important water desalination plant, which might be a grave violation of worldwide legislation.
Now, on Saturday, Iran’s president promised to cease placing Gulf nations. He even apologized, however stated provided that assaults on Iran didn’t come from their territory. Now, it must be stated most Gulf states host main U.S. bases, making that situation nearly unimaginable to fulfill.
The continuing assaults has additionally triggered this large financial shockwave proper throughout this oil-rich area and has critically disrupted power manufacturing. Saudi Arabia has needed to halt operations at a key refinery and is shifting exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, the place about one-fifth of the world’s oil usually flows.
Iraq has needed to shut some oil fields, and the UAE and Kuwait have begun scaling again manufacturing. Right here in Qatar, the power minister has warned, if the battle continues, oil costs may surge to $150 a barrel.
Now, in a single day, President Trump spoke to the emir of Qatar, who emphasised to the president the – quote – “want for diplomacy” and the necessity to de- escalate the state of affairs. The query now could be whether or not the Trump administration can preserve world power transferring whereas this warfare continues, Margaret, or whether or not the financial shock spreads far past the battlefield and into Individuals’ wallets.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That is our Imtiaz Tyab.
Nicely, we flip now to Power Secretary Chris Wright, who joins us this morning from Denver.
Good morning to you.
CHRIS WRIGHT (U.S. Power Secretary): Thanks for having me, Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, 50,000 U.S. troops deployed, six Individuals that we all know of to date killed in motion, civilians stranded. We take a look at our polling, Mr. Secretary, and we see that that is an unpopular warfare among the many majority of Individuals.
Greater than half of them, 56 p.c, disapprove. Whenever you converse to power executives in regards to the scope and length of American involvement, what do you inform them? How lengthy?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: Nicely, I inform them that, for 47 years, Iran has warged – waged warfare in opposition to the US.
They usually’ve – all through that 47 years, they’ve tried to undermine the power growth and power infrastructure of all their neighbors, as they’re doing proper now, and it is time to put it to an finish. So, sure, we’ve a – we’ve a short lived interval of elevated power costs, but it surely is not going to be lengthy.
Within the worst case, that is weeks. This isn’t months. And it results in a significantly better place. It results in an Iran that is defanged, that may’t threaten its neighbors, cannot threaten American troopers and may’t proceed to drive up power costs by making a large number of the Center East. They’ll transfer to commerce, not battle.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, however you might have the second we’re in proper now, and, as you realize, gasoline costs up 14 p.c up to now week, in response to AAA, experiences the nationwide common is $3.45. We have seen oil costs spike.
How excessive do you assume oil and fuel are going to go?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: They should not go a lot larger than they’re right here, as a result of the world may be very properly equipped with oil. There is not any power scarcity in any respect within the Western Hemisphere.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: The USA is a internet exporter of oil, a big internet exporter of pure fuel. However refineries in Asia and Europe are seeing an interruption from the traditional crude flows.
However there’s huge power shops world wide. What you are seeing is emotional reactions and worry that this can be a long-term warfare. This isn’t an extended term-war.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However…
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: It is a short-term motion.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sorry. Go forward. Momentary motion?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: No, I am saying, look, we have seen earlier administration have achieved every little thing they may. They begged, bartered and bribed the Iranian authorities to cease its nefarious exercise, cease its murderous conduct, and it merely hasn’t labored.
And now they’re – they’re increasing missile and drone program which might be quickly rising to guard their want to construct a nuclear weapon.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So…
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: We will cross the brink the place we will not put them again within the field. Now’s the time to finish their danger to America and the world.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However, as you realize, after I ask you about power costs, this isn’t a provide downside. You stated there’s loads of provide.
The pinnacle of the Worldwide Power Company stated: “Lot of oil. Logistics are the issue. It is dislocation. It is a major problem.”
So, what he is referring to there’s with the ability to truly transfer it round. I do know you stated there’s – there’s one vessel that is gone by means of the Strait of Hormuz; 20 million barrels per day sometimes undergo it. When do you get again to that stage?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: Oh, I believe it is going to be comparatively quickly.
After all, I do not know precisely. All of our navy property proper now are centered on ending Iran’s means to kill their neighbors, threaten American troopers and threaten ship visitors within the Strait of Hormuz, however that is going swimmingly properly. Their missile launches are down 90 p.c. The drone launches are down over 80 p.c.
I believe, within the comparatively close to time period, you are going to see their capability so low that we’ll see extra regular ship visitors return to the Strait of Hormuz.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So you do not assume Navy escorts of vessels are crucial?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: Oh, they could be. They could be. The U.S. is right here to do every little thing we are able to to maintain world oil markets equipped.
MARGARET BRENNAN: When will you make that call?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: Sure, if they’ve some residual – oh, we’re – we’re in engagement proper now with folks that wish to get tankers transferring out of the Gulf.
And so, sure, there might be there – early tankers most likely will contain some direct safety by the U.S. navy, however most vital is to defang their means to threaten these ships.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, the president had stated he was open to tapping the American stockpile of oil, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, however I noticed you on different networks this morning sort of throwing chilly water on the thought. You referred to it as depleted.
Are you saying America does not have satisfactory stockpiles?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: No, America nonetheless has over 400 million barrels of oil in our Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and, after all, strong manufacturing.
We’re – we’re very happy to make use of that if it is wanted. However, as you stated earlier, it is a logistics concern. The place do they want oil? They want oil at refineries in Europe and in Asia. And that is why we took a really pragmatic step. There’s over 100 million barrels of floating Russian crude ready in line to ship to China.
That is going to be offered. It’ll be refined. However that might be one or two months from now. So, in a realistic approach, with no change in U.S. coverage in the direction of Russia, we instructed the Indians, convey that into your refineries. You already know, when you – when you’re feeling a scarcity of crude, costs are being bid up, draw down that Russian crude shares which might be sitting proper offshore.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure. So, on that time, the U.S. has briefly suspended some sanctions to make that Russian oil you say was already going to be offered anyway, make it obtainable.
However does not Russia nonetheless financially profit from that? Why is not the U.S. seizing these Russian tankers, if they’re our adversary?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: As a result of, proper now – as a result of, proper now, we’re fearful about Iran and fixing a 47-year downside there, and we’re fearful about American customers. We wish to cease the rise in…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Russia was serving to Iran…
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: … gasoline and diesel costs. Nicely, there’s been rumors of that. We do not know if that is true or not. Actually, they’ve gotten a powerful message from us.
However that is oil already on the ocean.
MARGARET BRENNAN: These Iranian drones have Russian components in them. The Russians have been shopping for Iranian drones. That may be very well-documented.
And CBS has confirmed and reported that there was sharing of intelligence, Russia offering intel to focus on Individuals. So how is Russia not a part of this?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: Look, Rus – Rus – Russia is skilled at inflicting bother world wide. So I am not saying they are not. I am saying I do not – in the event that they’re serving to Iran, it is not working very properly.
However we’re not serving to Russia by simply accelerating the sale of their oil to cease the rise of power costs and preserve European and Asian refineries in oil. We’re simply doing pragmatic issues to get by means of a brief interval that can herald an period of even decrease power costs, as a result of a significant energy- producing area of the world, the Center East, will now not have a powerful, highly effective Iran that may threaten their neighbors, that may threaten the US of America and was not far-off from a nuclear bomb.
MARGARET BRENNAN: How a lot…
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: That is an unacceptable state of affairs. That is the chance to power costs was not doing something.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So – so, when the Qataris say you could possibly see $150 barrel in oil, that is one thing America may abdomen? President Trump would not say, I am achieved with this warfare as a result of I am unable to stand the political stress and the American individuals saying, I do not like what I am paying on the pump?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: No, the president’s going to proceed to remain centered on ending a 47-year battle, keep centered on rising the worldwide power provide.
That is truly a part of that effort. It does contain a short lived obstacle to power manufacturing. However, on the opposite facet, it’ll permit way more power manufacturing and far decrease power costs. However this isn’t a long-term battle. Most presidents have simply thought, ah, they will kick the can down the highway.
The danger is just too nice to kick that more and more harmful can down the highway.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: President Trump’s daring management is, sufficient’s sufficient. We will put it to an finish.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I wish to ask you about Venezuela. The U.S. deposed Maduro. He is sitting in a jail.
Simply this previous week, although, we had the inside secretary visiting Venezuela and sitting throughout from Maduro’s chief thug, Diosdado Cabello. That is somebody who has a $25 million bounty on his head. He ran the prisons. He ran the militias. He was handled as a counterpart to an American official.
Is that this the identical playbook the Trump administration goes to run in Iran, that you’ll cope with the identical regime you’ve got been telling me is horrible to cope with for 47 years?
SECRETARY CHRIS WRIGHT: We do not know what the regime might be in place on the – on the finish of this battle.
However we do know that regime is not going to have a large weapons arsenal. That – that regime will now not be a large risk to Individuals and to the Center East and to world oil provides.
President Trump is utilizing daring management. We won’t change the world at a blink of a watch, however we are able to steer it in massively optimistic instructions. And, sure, Venezuela is a superb instance of that. Crime within the close by Trinidad and Tobago has plummeted already from our actions in Venezuela and President Trump’s insistence that he’ll work with that – our neighbors to cut back drug trafficking within the Western Hemisphere.
Management takes – includes dangers, however if you wish to drive enchancment, you have to be assured, you have to have the correct agenda, and you have to have the braveness to do it. This president does.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Power Secretary Wright, thanks on your time this morning.
Face the Nation might be again in a minute. Stick with us.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: And we’re joined now by Israel’s ambassador to the US, Dr. Michael Leiter.
Welcome to Face the Nation.
MICHAEL LEITER (Israeli Ambassador to the US): It is good to be with you. Good morning.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, your prime minister and the American president converse day by day, in response to President Trump. Have they agreed to starting and ending the warfare on the identical timeline?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: Now we have been collaborating now for months, I’d say, even previous to Rising Lion, Midnight Hammer in June.
And that collaboration consists of day by day conversations through which there’s an evaluation of how the warfare is progressing. And I assume that we’ll attain an entire understanding on the tip of this warfare as properly.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So that you imagine and belief that America will stick with Israel by means of the length of this, even when there are strains within the American financial system, like fuel costs?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: Now we have reached a stage of collaboration that we’ve by no means seen between our two nations and between our two militaries.
It is a essential operation that does not rely actually on a timeline. You already know, while you’re doing one thing that is so essential, you are not going to have a look at a stopwatch. This must be completed. It is a terror-sponsoring state that must be introduced down. And that is what we’re centered on.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However you agree with the U.S. evaluation from the secretary there? He stated that is only a matter of weeks?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: We imagine so. We’re seeing cracks within the edifice of this navy safety terror regime. They’re beginning to have very grave difficulties in conveying orders down by means of the system.
There’s arguments inside the system in regards to the appointment of a successor to the supreme chief. They’re having grave difficulties. The truth that they’re lashing out irrationally to all of their neighbors and firing these ballistic missiles into all their neighbors from 12 nations, into Europe, for crying out loud, is indicative of the actual fact they’re having large issues. We’re having success in these assaults on their command facilities.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So President Trump was particularly requested yesterday about sending troops in to safe Iran’s provide of enriched uranium. He stated he isn’t ruling it out.
Does Iran at the moment have entry to the documented enriched uranium that exists contained in the nation, and what’s Israel’s plan to safe it?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: Israel’s plan is to safe it. That is for certain.
MARGARET BRENNAN: How?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: How precisely is an operational concern, I do not assume, Margaret, that you really want me to debate right here on a Sunday morning, Face the Nation.
We have to try this. It is an goal we’ve to perform. However the very first thing we’ve to do is create a state of affairs we’re going to have the ability to get to that enriched materials and take away it. And that has to achieve a degree the place there’s much less kinetic exercise on the bottom. It is clearly on our radar display, and we’ll care for it.
The entire goal right here of this operation is to stop a terror state from reaching nuclear weapons. So it’s extremely a lot on our radar display, and that is what we’ll accomplish.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However simply to place a superb level on it, the priority is that that materials may find yourself within the mistaken fingers if the regime collapses and it is a mess, proper? So, how do you safe it with out floor forces in a roundabout way? Is Israel ruling out floor forces?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: We’re ruling out the potential for this regime remaining within the place the place they will endanger us and their neighbors.
If that features placing boots on the bottom – our desire is for the boots on the bottom to be these of the Iranians. These are individuals who have been dwelling beneath the boot of this regime now for 47 years. They need freedom. It is a complete technology on the market that is aware of there’s such a factor as freedom, however has by no means tasted it but.
They should put their boots on the bottom and guarantee their future and the way forward for the area.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You imply the Iranian military, the IRGC?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: The Iranian – the Iranian consists of – no, I imply the Iranian individuals; 80 p.c of the Iranian individuals are against this regime. They simply have not been in a position to categorical themselves.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, and CENTCOM is telling Iranian civilians to remain residence proper now. Is there any organized or armed opposition inside Iran that Israel helps?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: We have been speaking to the minorities now for a few years.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The minorities which means the Kurds and the Azeris?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: They’re Kurds. They’re Baluchis, the Azeris, however the Iranian individuals themselves, the Persians. We noticed what they did two months in the past. There’s a level of combustion, the place the individuals will stand up and say, we’ve had sufficient. We wish freedom.
So as soon as we set the stage and there’s no longer regime with 1,000,000 armed individuals which might be keen to shoot their fellow residents within the again, these individuals are going to stand up and say, we would like our nation again.
MARGARET BRENNAN: As a result of President Trump stated yesterday he doesn’t need the Kurds, who make up about 10 p.c of the inhabitants inside Iran, he does not need the Kurds in neighboring nations to enter the battle. “We do not wish to make the warfare any extra complicated than it’s already.”
Turkey’s overseas minister got here and stated he – he stated he had spoken to Rubio about it, however he stated this: “Israel’s intentions on this matter should not so secret.”
Turkey appears to assume that your nation is making an attempt to get the Kurds to intervene right here. Is that correct?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: I would not take the phrases of President Erdogan too critically. He is speaking about his personal caliphate spreading all through the Center East.
(CROSSTALK)
MARGARET BRENNAN: … the overseas minister.
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: He is speaking about taking on – properly, that is coming down from the president. He is speaking about taking on Saudi Arabia and Israel on the identical time.
Look, we would like a united Iran. There is not any query about it. However we wish to empower the minorities to have their say within the course of, within the political course of. They have been denied of their freedom. So it is not matter of supporting this specific minority or one other. It is supporting all of the minorities.
What we’re encouraging them to do is to coalesce, is to return collectively, to unify. If over the previous 47 years, the opposition of Iran would have unified, this regime would have come down a very long time in the past. So, we might help them coalesce. We might help them unify. We might help them come collectively and stand up and say, we’re taking our nation again. That is finally the endgame.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So your prime minister gave an handle Saturday and stated to the IRGC: “To those that lay down their arms, no hurt shall come. To those that don’t, their blood is on their very own heads.”
If there aren’t any Israeli floor forces, who would you like the IRGC to give up to? How does that work?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: There are numerous precedents in historical past the place the individuals themselves, like Romania – they turned their weapons round in opposition to Ceausescu.
When individuals are disadvantaged of freedom, there is a sure level the place they are saying, sufficient. And all they need to do is put down their weapons and never take part. Look, they do not to take part when the individuals stand up in taking pictures their very own civilians, their very own neighbors, their very own households in lots of instances.
So, look, the target right here is to realize a state of affairs the place Iran is now not an exporter of terrorism, is now not raining ballistic missiles down on its neighbors, and is now not within the pursuit of nuclear weapons. That is achievable. And, collectively, the collaborative effort…
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: … between Roaring Lion and Epic Fury, we’ll accomplish that.
(LAUGHTER)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Ambassador, we’ve to go away it there for the second, however we’ll have extra questions shortly.
We have to take a fast business break. Stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: For greater than half-a-century, CBS’ 60 Minutes has been reporting on the transformation of Iran.
For a glance again at some highlights from that protection and evaluation on the highway to at this time’s warfare, tune in to our streaming community, CBS Information 24/7, at this time at 3:00 and seven:00 p.m. for a four-hour marathon particular.
We might be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We might be proper again with much more Face the Nation.
Stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome again to “FACE THE NATION.”
We return to our dialog which Israel’s ambassador to the US, Physician Michael Leiter.
Simply to select this again up. After we discuss what’s coming subsequent in Iran, it has great influence doubtlessly for your complete area and American pursuits there. The president stated, in relation to Iran’s subsequent leaders, the general public we had in thoughts are lifeless. “The New York Occasions” is reporting the Israeli strike that killed the supreme chief additionally took out Iranian pragmatists, that was how they phrased it, who have been additionally in that very same compound. However the White Home had hoped that these people would possibly assist lead a brand new Iran. Had been they deliberately focused by Israel or was this unintended?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: No. Pragmatists are very restricted of their means to affect in Iran. There have been pragmatists all all through the 47 years of this terror regime. They’ve had completely no affect.
The individuals influencing, deciding for Iran are these ayatollahs, who very – have a really apocalyptic view of the longer term and do not actually care about how many individuals they kill of their very own or others.
So, look, what we’re hoping for is that we transfer right into a interval of a transitional authorities the place the minorities come collectively, the place nearly all of the individuals come collectively. All the assorted opposition events come collectively for a transitional authorities the place they will lead the nation for a 12 months or so, along with the steering from the US, and Israel, and different area allies, who will now not reside beneath the worry of being hit by ballistic missiles, after which transfer right into a mode of democratic course of. Let the individuals select.
Let’s not neglect, the individuals of Iran are probably the most pro-western individuals after Israel.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure. Nicely, however after I hear, that is going to take weeks not months, referring to the fight, what you are speaking about takes a very long time. That sort of transition. So, we’re not simply speaking a few restricted navy operation. U.S. stress, Israeli stress goes to need to be there for a very long time.
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: Sure, properly, this is not Iraq or Afghanistan as a result of, on this case, 80 p.c of the individuals oppose the regime. They simply want the power to precise themselves. That is what we’re emphasizing right here. This isn’t a repeat of without end wars. They have to place their boots on the bottom and so they’re starting to be motivated and to really feel that they are going to have the ability to accomplish that. They’re starting to maneuver ahead. It is simply going to take somewhat bit extra time.
There is not any long-term acquire with out some minimal ache.
Look, I do know what warfare is all about. I hate warfare. I misplaced my son in warfare. I do not wish to see warfare. None of us in Israel wish to see warfare. However we will not have a state of affairs the place our existence is threatened each day by a regime that claims they are going to eradicate us.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure. However simply to place a superb level on it, did Israel deliberately goal these different Iranian leaders that the president had known as a few of the individuals he had in thoughts to steer?
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: You already know, Margaret, we’re fairly good at precision. I believe we have confirmed that. However the diploma of precision the place, on this exact same room there are these individuals sitting and people individuals sitting, we’re not that good.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Ambassador, thanks on your time this morning.
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER: Good to be with you.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We’ll be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: There have been seven American deaths within the warfare with Iran to date, six who died in fight. Yesterday, at Dover Air Drive Base, President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of Protection Pete Hegseth have been readily available to witness the dignified switch of the Individuals who’ve been killed in motion. They have been all members of the Military Reserve assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based mostly in Des Moines, Iowa, and so they have been serving at a U.S. facility in Kuwait final Sunday when it was struck by a drone.
Main Jeffrey R. O’Brien was 45. Captain Cody A. Khork was 35. Chief Warrant Officer Robert M. Marzan was 54. Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor was 39. Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens was 42. Sergeant Declan J. Coady was 20.
And we thank them for his or her sacrifice.
We flip now to CBS Information nationwide correspondent and chief Washington analyst Robert Costa.
Bob, I perceive you spoke with President Trump by cellphone final evening. It was a – it was a heavy day. How is he feeling about this warfare?
ROBERT COSTA: Good morning, Margaret.
Late final evening I did converse with President Trump about how he assesses every little thing. He talked in regards to the sustained assault on Iran. He stated as we have been talking final evening, the actual fact is we’re being bombed. He believes the US has achieved quite a bit to eradicate the Iranian navy, the Iranian management.
I requested him in regards to the Iranian management particularly. Who’s he going to cope with if there’s going to be a diplomatic resolution right here? And he is getting threats from Ari Larijani, the highest nationwide safety official, amongst different Iranian leaders. He stated, I could not care much less who these individuals are. I am centered on the warfare, the navy marketing campaign in opposition to them, and he says their threats are empty in his view.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, I imply that is one thing we have turn out to be used to within the age of Trump that he takes cellphone calls from reporters, however that is extremely uncommon, significantly in a second of such excessive sensitivity. Normally the wording, the language, it is so rigorously crafted round a warfare technique. He isn’t doing that. We’re nearly following every assertion to determine the place this warfare goes subsequent, and generally these statements are contradictory.
ROBERT COSTA: It appears, based mostly on the conversations I’ve had with him, not solely final evening, however in current weeks, that he is extremely engaged and all the time being briefed and up to date. So, it is truly helpful as a journalist to continuously hear how he is assessing the knowledge in entrance of him. He stored going over final evening how he noticed over 40 ships have been destroyed and he was speaking in regards to the extent of the destruction.
And I stated to him, properly, what about what’s subsequent now? You are telling me about what’s occurring. What subsequent? What about U.S. allies? You talked about how the – he does not need the Kurds to enter the struggle. And in relation to the Brits, for instance, he is pushing again in opposition to the prime minister, Keir Starmer, saying it is too late, he instructed me, too late to be sending ships.
He stated his mission proper now could be to deal with the U.S.-Israeli efforts to push Iran to have unconditional give up. And after I pushed him once more somewhat bit, I requested him in regards to the Iranian management, he stated he isn’t centered on that. He is centered on getting Iran to a degree the place they give up. That is your complete prerogative he has proper now.
MARGARET BRENNAN: It is attention-grabbing. And we’ll be monitoring it.
Thanks, Bob, for bringing us your newest reporting.
We’ll be again in a second.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We’re joined now by Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine.
Good to have you ever right here, Senator.
SENATOR TIM KAINE (D-VA): Thanks, Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You sit on many related committees, Armed Companies, Overseas Relations.
I wish to ask you about this explosion in a single day close by the U.S. embassy in Oslo. I perceive that the Norwegian police say it could have been a deliberate assault linked to the present safety state of affairs.
What do we all know in regards to the risk right here and to different American posts?
SENATOR TIM KAINE: There are threats. Due to my service on the Overseas Relations Committee, I have been in dialogue with State Division personnel world wide. Escalated safety. Different embassies or consulates have had protests. Protests that sort of have been merging towards violence or at the least scary to our diplomats. Now we have Americans stranded within the area. They have been instructed to return residence, however they weren’t instructed to return residence till after business air flights had stopped.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: And so, my workplace has been working with Virginians this week making an attempt to assist them come residence. And so, we owe it to our courageous professionals, wherever they’re, and our residents to maintain them secure.
And, Margaret, it is simply another reason why I have been asking the query, have we realized nothing from 25 years of warfare within the Center East? And with the arrival of the primary American casualties again residence yesterday, together with a Virginian, I fear that the reply to that’s no.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, do you might have an estimate on the variety of Individuals nonetheless stranded within the Center East?
SENATOR TIM KAINE: It is hundreds and hundreds.
MARGARET BRENNAN: It’s?
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Now, not each American chooses to return residence.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: So, there’s tons of of hundreds when you simply add all of them up who’s coming residence.
I’m working with the Virginians who’re reaching out to my workplace. We have been in a position to facilitate one Richmond space resident getting residence from Dubai on a flight a few days again. And so it is kind of coping with that. However what worries me somewhat bit extra is that a few of the professionals at embassies and consuls should not being instructed to return residence and so they’re kind of there and sometimes their safety presence will not be what we want it will be. So, we’ve to pay shut consideration to them.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure. Let me ask you in regards to the homeland now. We’re on this fourth week of a partial homeland safety shutdown. Which means individuals on the Coast Guard, Secret Service and TSA should not getting paid, however ICE and CBP are nonetheless funded.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Proper.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Provided that the stress from Democrats is not affecting the businesses the place Democrats wish to see coverage change, is that this actually an efficient technique?
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Proper. Nicely, we’ve stated to the Republicans, we have labored out funding for all these businesses, apart from ICE and CBP. Let’s simply go these funding payments. Let’s confine the ICE and CBP reform dialogue simply to these two businesses and fund the others. To date, Republicans have blocked these efforts. We wish to fund TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard and CISA. We wish to fund these businesses. And we’ve a funding settlement that is already been negotiated between each events in each homes. So, let’s do this after which ICE and CBP, the Republicans, gave them cash final summer time. They don’t seem to be operating out of cash.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: We will proceed the reform dialogue there.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, I requested as a result of CBS obtained a homeland safety essential incident notice that cites, “Iranian non secular leaders issuing fatwas, calling on Muslims to avenge the supreme chief’s loss of life.” DHS says that, you realize, up to now, these sort of fatwas have not actually impressed assaults essentially. However –
SENATOR TIM KAINE: However you have to be fearful about it.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However you have to be fearful about it on this second in time.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Completely.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, is not there a very good argument to be made to maneuver on this standoff, to finish it?
SENATOR TIM KAINE: I would utterly agree. Let’s fund all these businesses that do not have funds proper now. And let’s confine the ICE and CBP dialogue to what are the reforms crucial –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Why is not that occuring?
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Nicely, we have provided this on the ground and the Republicans have to this point rejected. They’ve stated, you have to fund every little thing or nothing. And we have stated, we have agreed on all the opposite businesses. Let’s do this.
However ICE and CBP want reforms. We have made that very, very plain. And Americans need there to be reforms. And so that’s the focus proper now. They usually do come up with the money for as a result of the Republicans offered it to them final summer time within the reconciliation invoice.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We noticed Secretary Noem lose her job this week.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Sure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You’ve got stated you do remorse having voted for her. You have been one of many Democrats who did.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Massive mistake. Sure, look, she was a governor. Governors are sometimes good cupboard secretaries. However what we realized, and this bears going ahead, is that she wasn’t calling the photographs. Stephen Miller is looking the photographs. And so long as he’s calling the photographs, with out reforms, that is going to proceed to be a really, very rogue, renegade division.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, do you might want to see and listen to one thing from Senator Markwayne Mullin to get you to vote for him? In the event you’re saying he is simply going to be principally a puppet of Stephen Miller.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: That is our worry. So, he may exhibit in any other case. However what we wish to see is not only the change within the nameplate on the door, we wish to see reforms to the way in which ICE and CBP operates. They need to function like native legislation enforcement does, not invading individuals’s properties with out warrants, physique cameras, not carrying masks –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Administrative, not judicial warrants, proper?
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Sure. Sure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: What they use.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Nicely, for properties, I’d say judicial warrants. I believe that may be vital for invading individuals’s properties. These are fundamental rules that our native legislation enforcement businesses reside by. The Ashland city police lives by them. We must always ask our federal businesses to do precisely the identical factor.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You are on Armed Companies as properly.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Sure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The Pentagon could also be taking a look at a supplemental finances request to fund this new warfare within the Center East. CSIS estimates the primary 100 hours of the warfare price practically $4 billion.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Sure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Have you ever heard an estimate on price? The place are we on this supplemental? Will it get any Democratic assist?
SENATOR TIM KAINE: We do not know that the White Home is sending a supplemental. So, we had a labeled briefing the opposite day and the subject got here up. What I can say, and it is not labeled, is the administration stated they have not decided. My targets proper now are two-fold. Cease this warfare, which I view as each unlawful and profoundly unwise, and shield our troops. If a supplemental comes over, I will be seeking to see, OK, how does it sq. with these targets? Defending the troops is vital. That is one of many causes I wish to cease the warfare. I believe they’re simply uncovered to a very pointless danger by what President Trump has achieved. So, we’ll take a look at a supplemental, in the event that they ship one –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: To see, OK, how does it accomplish these targets.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Did they inform you what that is depending on? Why do not they know in the event that they want more cash? Is it the length of the time of the battle or –
SENATOR TIM KAINE: I believe that is the problem. You historically do not ask for a supplemental midway by means of since you would possibly ask for an insufficient quantity. You may not – I believe they might not wish to ask for a supplemental as a result of they’re making an attempt to keep away from debates and votes in Congress on the Iran warfare proper now.
I put up a warfare powers vote that I used to be –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: That I misplaced earlier this week. However I can guarantee you, I am not going away. Now we have different means to have a debate and dialogue about whether or not this warfare is within the U.S.’ curiosity after 25 years of warfare within the Center East.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: They might wish to keep away from a vote on that and try to delay it for that motive.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: They will make that decision and we’ve to have a look at the content material.
MARGARET BRENNAN: In a short time, I wish to ask you about a few of the Individuals which might be nonetheless being held in Iran.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Sure. Sure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: In Evin jail. Considered one of them, Reza Valizadeh, a journalist, one in every of them, Kamran Hekmati, a 70-year-old man. Do you might have any concept what’s being achieved to guard them or cease them from being retaliated in opposition to?
SENATOR TIM KAINE: I don’t. And I worry about that. Look, if faculty youngsters are being killed in bombing, seemingly U.S. bombing, though the president and the secretary of protection at the moment are making an attempt to invent a declare that it was Iran. If faculty youngsters are being killed, I fear in regards to the destiny of U.S. prisoners – U.S. residents who’re being held prisoners there.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, we all know the navy is investigating that. Secretary Hegseth has stated in regard to the ladies’ faculty.
Now we have to go away it there. Senator, thanks on your time.
SENATOR TIM KAINE: Glad to be with you, Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We might be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We flip now to the warfare in Ukraine, and Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishyna.
Welcome again to “FACE THE NATION.”
OLGA STEFANISHYNA (Ukraine’s Ambassador to the US): Good day, Margaret. Thanks for having me.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, one of many largest threats to Ukraine has been Russia’s ballistic missiles that it has been firing into your nation for a while. The answer has been the Patriot system, the American interceptors. They’re briefly provide, as you properly know, and now America’s allies within the gulf inform us that also they are briefly provide there and so they want them.
Your president stated he’s involved America goes to cut back its air protection assist for Ukraine. How a lot of an issue is that this on your nation?
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: Nicely, thanks, Margaret, for asking this query.
After all, we’ve been speaking about that publicly as properly and have been having nonpublic discussions. However a very powerful factor that we see that, you realize, the occasions occurring proper now with the warfare in Iran have been so resolute that most likely these are a very powerful developments in a world area over a decade. So, no shortages of means needs to be a difficulty. And we’re certain that American protection trade is able to ensuring that each one the fronts are coated. Ukraine has the sources and skill to acquire extra, and we’re trying ahead for exploring the choices easy methods to do it.
But in addition, you realize, we ended up with 300 Shahed drones over the homes of Ukraine, which was solely attainable as a result of Iran has been a strategic enabler of the Russian aggression three years in the past. And we see what the (INAUDIBLE) chief technologist is and we’ve been able to contribute.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, I requested that earlier in this system of the power secretary, Chris Wright, as a result of Russia and Iran have been allied right here. They’ve been buying and selling sources and expertise. They’re allied in some ways. He appeared to say they have been probably not an element. You say they’re instantly one.
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: Nicely, I imply, they’re completely an element as a result of principally the Shahed drone expertise was developed to assault individuals, to demoralize inhabitants, to trigger the losses amongst civilians. So, it killed like tons of of Ukrainian youngsters, so many households, and this was a strategic enabler of warfare. And Russia has been – they – Russia weren’t investing in bilateral relations or growth or investments, they have been investing within the regimes like Iran, Venezuela, and Syria, simply because they noticed it as not attainable to have the resolute motion because it has now taken place with Iran and because it was earlier than in Venezuela. And it was not attainable a pair years in the past with Syria. So, they’re disadvantaged of technique of their affect. They’re weaker. But in addition we should always not neglect that Ukraine has proven that Russia isn’t any totally different from all of those nations. It is simply greater. And we see that, you realize, the expertise, which is being gained proper now, and the brand new actuality, which is being fashioned by President Trump, additionally paves the way in which for the brand new actuality for the Russians, and I am certain they’re actually, actually afraid of that.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, your president stated he was requested by the US to supply anti-drone expertise that Ukraine has to America. When does that arrive? When will that be operational?
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: So, you realize, we perceive greater than anyone on this world what is required in a second of disaster. What is required while you see when your individuals now are dying simply and throughout so many cities of the gulf nations. And what we advise is the fast motion and fast response. So, we are able to safe the skies. We will present the air protection as a result of we’ve a lot data.
And these are solely Ukrainian individuals, Ukrainian armed forces, who’ve this information and functionality. So, we’re in a position to present it to the US and the gulf nations. And that is what we did. We aren’t going to face apart realizing that individuals are dying as a result of we all know how painful it’s and we are going to do every little thing we are able to to make it possible for this resolute motion is ending up with one thing that known as optimistic.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, sending advisers to assist with the drones, it seems like, specialists?
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: And in addition capabilities.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: So, it is – the drone capabilities of Ukraine will not be solely the drone or the individuals, it is the entire spectrum of actions you’re taking as a result of the state of affairs is altering each week and you might want to have individuals and the mechanism which allowed to react instantly. And that is what solely Ukraine has total planet.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, just some days in the past President Trump stated he thinks Vladimir Putin is able to make a deal. And he stated that Volodymyr Zelenskyy, your president, has to get on the ball and he has to get a deal achieved, and he referred to him as a P.T. Barnum of Ukraine. It looks like the connection continues to be actually tense, though you are speaking about Ukraine serving to the US. What is going on on right here?
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: Nicely, I imply, I believe undoubtedly a few minutes of debate will not be sufficient for that, however I believe we’re assessing the state of affairs by actions. And the actions are that there’s a mechanism the place Ukraine nonetheless can get entry to American navy tools. President Trump has launched a major sanctions to the Russian Federation over the past months. And in addition, we’re in dialogue already trilaterally with the US and Russians on ending the warfare. All of this can be a essential growth, and we’re trying ahead for his or her success. However for us, a very powerful factor is that we’re in a position to defend ourselves and safe our cities. We’re doing that to the extent we are able to with the American assist.
And we’ve by no means been too drained to provide credit score to President Trump for therefore many vital issues he did, though the rhetoric we hear generally will not be one thing that basically very clear or very optimistic.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: However, you realize, we’re a tricky nation. We’re a tricky individuals. Now we have been by means of a lot that, you realize, a few phrases will not be one thing that basically can destruct us. And we all know what we all know, that Ukraine is a rustic on the earth which actually needs the warfare over, greater than anyone, and that is the place we stand.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And what proof do you might have that Russia helps Iran in its warfare proper now on these American allies?
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: Nicely, some data has been offered. It isn’t one thing that we’d wish to share – to share, you realize, within the media or go public with, however I may also guarantee you that it is not solely Ukraine. They’re like a variety of nations who’ve a variety of data and a disposal (ph) and intel neighborhood may be very properly developed throughout all of the NATO codecs (ph). So, no matter data is there, it is already on the disposal of, you realize, all allies and companions, together with the US. And I am certain that is an data which is black and white. It is nothing which might be referred to as grey.
MARGARET BRENNAN: But it surely goes past sharing concentrating on data, which CBS has reported (INAUDIBLE)?
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: I am undecided that I may actually touch upon that, however I believe we should always look additionally within the context that Russia has been supporting the regimes of the nations I’ve talked about, like Venezuela, like Syria –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: Like Iran –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: For years.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: And this partnership was attainable –
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
OLGA STEFANISHYNA: And advanced in constructing the productions on the Russian Federation.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Ambassador, thanks on your time at this time.
Thanks all for watching. Till subsequent week. For “FACE THE NATION,” I am Margaret Brennan.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
