Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, stated in a July 26, 2026 interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the recent pause in U.S. strikes against Iran is "giving diplomacy some space" and "a little bit of time" to work. This pause followed 13 consecutive days of bombing after the collapse of a nearly three-month ceasefire earlier in July.

Waltz also confirmed that "additional military assets are moving into the region," emphasizing that the U.S. has the necessary resources in theater and more are arriving. He dismissed concerns about weapon depletion as "nonsense."

Over the past two days, Iranian officials and their Omani counterparts have engaged in constructive discussions, according to an Iranian official who spoke with CBS News. Waltz praised Oman's role in facilitating these talks.

CBS News reported last week that the rapid use of advanced U.S. air-defense interceptors and precision-guided weapons in the Middle East has caused tension within the Trump administration. Public sentiment toward the conflict remains mixed, with many Americans describing their feelings as "uncertain" or "frustrated," based on a CBS News poll published on July 26.

Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana appeared on "Face the Nation" after independent Senator Bernie Sanders and expressed support for continuing the blockade against Iran, stating, "I think we ought to continue the blockade and starve them out."

Waltz characterized President Trump as "a president of peace" who is "giving diplomacy a chance."

Sources