Meet the Press March 8 — Amb. Mike Waltz, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Iranian FM Araghchi
Mar 8, 2026
Abbas Araghchi, Iranian foreign minister defending Iran’s positions. Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic leader on congressional oversight and policy. Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador with national security experience. They debate whether the U.S. is at war with Iran, talk possible ground troop options, Russia-Iran ties, accountability for strikes, and conditions for ceasefires and negotiations.
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Congress Will Scrutinize Any War Funding Request
- Jeffries says Democrats will evaluate any Pentagon funding request but warns the administration hasn't made its case for the war's rationale.
- He links the war to campaign promises not to enter another endless Middle East conflict and predicts difficulty getting funds without justification.
Iran Describes Domestic Succession Process
- Abbas Arachi says Iran's interim leadership council runs the country and the Assembly of Experts will elect the new supreme leader.
- He rejects foreign interference, insisting succession is an internal Iranian matter decided by elected bodies.
Iran Will Not Accept Unconditional Surrender
- Arachi rejects "unconditional surrender," framing Iran's resistance as defending people, territory and dignity and recalling past ceasefires where Iran resisted successfully.
- He states Iran will not sell its dignity and will continue resisting until aggression stops.