Full transcript of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” June 21, 2026

Full Transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 21, 2026

Full transcript of Face the Nation - On this edition of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," hosted by Margaret Brennan, the discussion centers on U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Democratic Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, alongside CBS News’ Anthony Salvanto, director of elections and surveys. The panel also features Amos Hochstein, a former White House adviser on global infrastructure and energy security, and Kevin Book, managing director at ClearView Energy Partners.

Iran Nuclear Talks Begin Amid Uncertainty

This week’s episode of Face the Nation highlights the ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over the nuclear issue. The Trump administration faces mounting challenges as it seeks a resolution to the conflict, which has persisted for nearly four months. President Trump’s efforts to secure an agreement were driven by concerns over economic fallout from the Strait of Hormuz shutdown, yet critics argue the terms fall short of his initial goals.

"You can do a little softer touch, Bibi. You don't have to knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that's from Hezbollah." — Donald Trump

"You can't just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have." — J.D. Vance

Public Opinion Reflects Diverging Views

According to a CBS News poll released this morning, 76% of Americans support ending the conflict with Iran. Among respondents, 69% believe the war was not worth the costs, while 57% say the administration’s actions created more issues than solutions. A majority of 67% also think the agreement was primarily driven by the desire to conclude hostilities.

Republican Criticism and Internal Doubts

Tensions have escalated within the Republican Party as some leaders criticize the administration’s concessions on Iran’s ballistic missile program. Senator Ted Cruz, for instance, expressed concerns about the deal allowing Iran to retain weapons that could threaten U.S. interests.

"I do not want a theocratic lunatic who wants to kill us to have weapons to enable him to kill us." — Senator Ted Cruz

The U.N. Ambassador, Mike Waltz, joins the conversation from New York. Margaret Brennan extends a warm greeting and wishes him a happy Father’s Day.

Amplifying the Administration’s Position

“Hey. Good morning. Thank you. And happy Father’s Day to all the great fathers out there. Strong men make strong families. Thanks.” — Mike Waltz

Brennan acknowledges the war’s unpopularity but emphasizes the importance of how it concludes. She notes that senior figures in Trump’s national security team, including Secretary Rubio, remain skeptical about Iran’s compliance with the agreement’s terms. Intelligence from the CIA suggests Iran may not fully honor its commitments, raising questions about the deal’s long-term viability.

“If even the president’s own team doubts this is a win, how do you sell this to the public?” — Margaret Brennan