Senators Bernie Sanders, John Kennedy and UN Ambassador Mike Waltz discuss Iran war on Face the Nation

U.S. senators Bernie Sanders (I‑VT) and John Kennedy (R‑LA) appeared on CBS’s "Face the Nation" alongside U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz, former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb and a CBS News pollster. The program linked the ongoing conflict with Iran to the 2026 midterm election, highlighting public frustration and uncertainty about the war’s direction.

Waltz described a recent pause in strikes by the United States and Iran as “giving diplomacy some space,” noting ongoing constructive talks between Iranian and Omani officials. Sanders called for an immediate diplomatic push to end the fighting, citing economic impacts such as higher gas prices, while Kennedy echoed concerns about the war’s progress. CBS polls cited show most Americans want the war to end but remain skeptical about U.S. success.

The discussion underscored how the Iran conflict is becoming a central issue in upcoming domestic politics, influencing voter sentiment and shaping policy debates ahead of the 2026 midterms.