On January 11, 2026, Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, appeared on CBS’s “Face the Nation” to discuss several pressing international issues. The interview, hosted by Margaret Brennan, focused on U.S. military actions in Iran and Venezuela, as well as President Trump’s controversial remarks regarding Greenland.
Senator Kaine’s Stance on Military Action in Iran
In the context of potential military action in Iran, Senator Kaine firmly opposed such measures. He stated, “U.S. military action in Iran would be a massive mistake.” According to Kaine, military intervention would allow the Iranian regime to deflect blame onto the United States for its internal failures. He emphasized that Iranians are currently holding their government accountable. Senator Kaine called for continued sanctions against Iran, likening it to past actions taken against Syria to punish the regime.
Support for Freedom Fighters without Military Intervention
When discussing the situation in Syria, Kaine referred to the sanctions that were effective in destabilizing the Assad regime without direct U.S. military action. He argued that the same strategy should apply to Iran’s protesters. Kaine believes in supporting freedom fighters primarily through sanctions rather than military engagement.
- U.S. support should focus on non-military options, especially sanctions.
- Military intervention in Syria was aimed at battling ISIS, not the Assad regime directly.
- Supporting Iranian protesters should also avoid military action.
Authorization of Military Force and Actions in Venezuela
Senator Kaine also addressed recent U.S. military strikes against ISIS in Syria, considering them legally justified under the 2001 congressional authorization following the September 11 terrorist attacks. This authorization allows U.S. forces to act against groups that threaten American troops.
Moving to Venezuela, Kaine led an effort to limit the President’s military actions in the region, requiring congressional approval for any new military engagements. He highlighted that five Republican senators joined him in this initiative, emphasizing the need for public debate on military interventions. Kaine noted the significant toll of the ongoing conflict in Venezuela, urging for clarity and public discussion regarding U.S. military involvement.
Concerns over Greenland and NATO Alliances
In discussing President Trump’s comments about Greenland, Senator Kaine expressed concern about the potential ramifications for U.S. alliances, particularly with NATO allies such as Denmark. He warned that any military action regarding Greenland could isolate the United States. Kaine asserted that both Republican and Democratic senators would oppose such actions, fearing they could lead to the collapse of established alliances.
Conclusion
Senator Kaine stressed a clear message: U.S. military actions must be approached with caution and require leadership and approval from Congress. He underscored the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations and advised against unilateral military decisions that could jeopardize global alliances.
