Political speech, timestamped and in context

Michael Waltz: “Lebanon is actually talking to Israel to break free from Hezbollah.”

Featuring: Michael Waltz, Republican | U.S. House, Florida, District 6

Mike Waltz: 'October 7 Completely And, I Think, Irreversibly Has Backfired On Iran'

Published October 6, 2026

The Shia Crescent that Iran spent decades and billions building has shattered. Assad is gone. Syria is no longer Iran's pawn. Lebanon is actually talking to Israel to break free from Hezbollah. Iraq is turning westward. All of these things, you never know this by reading any of the, any of the headlines. But most importantly, Hamas, it's friends and its backers are in shambles. (00:39–00:45)

STATEMENT

Asserts that Lebanon is engaging with Israel to distance itself from Hezbollah.

This is an excerpt from a raw transcript. The assertions have not been audited or verified. Tap the video to view the source footage and understand the context.

See the main statements from Michael Waltz in this video

“Assad is gone. Syria is no longer Iran's pawn.”
Asserts that Bashar al-Assad is no longer in power and Syria is not under Iranian influence.00:36-00:40
“Iron Dome technology is protecting cities like Abu Dhabi and, and Dubai.”
Asserts that Israeli Iron Dome technology is being used to protect cities in the UAE.01:14-01:20
“The Shia Crescent that Iran spent decades and billions building has shattered.”
Asserts that Iran's influence in the region, known as the Shia Crescent, has collapsed.00:30-00:37
“Hamas, it's friends and its backers are in shambles.”
Asserts that Hamas and its allies are in disarray.00:52-00:57
“The Abraham Accords are actually expanding.”
Asserts that the Abraham Accords are growing in scope and participation.01:07-01:10
“Israelis and Arabs are standing shoulder to shoulder to defend the region from Iranian attacks.”
Asserts that Israelis and Arabs are collaborating to defend against Iranian threats.01:24-01:30
“The Foreign Minister of Israel and the Foreign Minister of Morocco...expanded their relationship, they upgraded their embassies, they have direct flights, they're upgrading their trade and tourism, they're establishing new avenues for investors.”
Asserts that Israel and Morocco are strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.01:34-01:51