On Sunday, July 26, 2026, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, a Republican, appeared on CBS's "Face the Nation" with Margaret Brennan to discuss several pressing international issues. Kennedy expressed skepticism about the Saudi civil nuclear deal, noting the timing was problematic given ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He remarked that while the deal is commercial, the world might perceive it as potentially leading to Saudi Arabia acquiring nuclear weapons. Kennedy also highlighted that the deal's success hinges on Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel, which he doubted would happen.

Margaret Brennan noted that Saudi officials indicated willingness to recognize Israel but sought a pathway for the Palestinians. Additionally, Brennan cited a statistic that 67% of Americans want the war to end immediately. During the interview, Kennedy suggested to General Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, that the U.S. could cease operations in Iran, end the blockade, and bring troops home.

The interview aired from Madisonville, Louisiana, and reflected ongoing debates about U.S. foreign policy and military engagement.

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