Transcript: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 14, 2026

The evening’s conversation turns to the Middle East as Israeli forces conduct strikes in Lebanon’s Beirut southern suburbs targeting Hezbollah leadership, described by the IDF as retaliation for prior attacks on Israel. CBS has learned that a potential US-Iran truce memorandum includes a vague provision to end the fighting in Lebanon, a clause that may not satisfy Iran’s leaders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking from Tennessee on Face the Nation, said the signing could still occur on a timetable contingent on ongoing talks and Hezbollah’s actions, with Washington watching for Iran to restrain Hezbollah and maintain momentum toward a broader deal. The defense chief reaffirmed Iran will not obtain a nuclear weapon and emphasized a performance-based approach to any agreement, insisting no funds be released until Iran proves compliance, with verification on all terms.