Esper "didn't see" specific evidence showing Iranian threat to 4 U.S. embassies
The defense secretary provides background on what President Trump called an "imminent threat" to U.S. embassies overseas.
Mark Esper
Open: This is "Face the Nation"
Today on "Face the Nation, with tensions escalating with Iran, we get perspective from the administration on what the future holds for relations with the regime.
Evidence suggests Ukraine jet hit by Iran
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said evidence suggests a Ukrainian jet with 176 on board was shot down by an Iranian missile. Sixty-three of the victims were Canadian citizens. Lara Seligman, a Pentagon reporter for Foreign Policy, joins "Red & Blue" for a closer look at the accident and how Defense Secretary Mark Esper is playing a major role in the Iran conflict.
Trump admin. briefs Congress on Soleimani
In Washington Tuesday, the Trump administration plans to brief congressional leaders on last week's operation that killed General Qassem Soleimani. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will defend President Trump's decision to target Iran's most influential military leader, in response to an attack that killed a U.S. contractor in Iraq. The president insists Americans are now safer, while Democrats demand proof that the attack was necessary. Ben Tracy reports from the White House.
Pentagon: No plans to pull out of Iraq
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the U.S. has no plans to pull American troops out of Iraq. Iraq’s parliament recently voted to expel the 5,000 Americans to protest the Baghdad drone attack that killed Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani. David Martin reports.
Tensions rising in the Middle East after embassy attack
After an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the "game has changed." He warns if there are new attacks, the U.S. military will be ready. David Martin reports.
U.S. forces continue northern Syria withdrawal
American forces continued their withdrawal from northern Syria. Defense secretary Mark Esper says they’re headed for Iraq — not home, as President Trump promised. Left behind are America's ally: the Kurds. Holly Williams reports.
Russian troops moving into Kurdish areas
Iraq's defense minister said U.S. troops that were pulled out of Syria will leave Iraq in four weeks. That seems to contradict Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who has said those U.S. forces will continue operating against ISIS. Russia and Turkey made a deal Tuesday, without the U.S., to take control of northeastern Syria and force out Kurdish fighters that fought alongside U.S. troops. Holly Williams reports.
U.S. to "preparing to evacuate" more troops from Syria, Esper says
"We have American forces likely caught between two opposing advancing armies," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told "Face the Nation."
Open: This is "Face the Nation"
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan breaks down the latest on President Trump’s new Syria policy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. She discusses the latest on the impeachment inquiry with Representative Adam Schiff, and the situation in Hong Kong with Senator Ted Cruz.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail revoked
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail, which was provided by the Defense Department, was pulled Tuesday night, a U.S. official told CBS News.
Dickerson on Pence declining to endorse Trump
On Sunday, former Vice President Mike Pence told Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan he was not endorsing Donald Trump's 2024 White House bid. CBS News chief political analyst John Dickerson examines the significance of the move.
IDF says 2 more hostages freed
The Israel Defense Forces say two more hostages were released by Hamas to the Red Cross on Thursday in Gaza City. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with top officials in the Middle East in hopes of extending a temporary cease-fire further. CBS News correspondents Holly Williams and Lilia Luciano have more details. And former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joined CBS News to discuss the short-term truce.
Mark Esper on Israel-Hamas war, Xi meeting
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and President Biden's high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Esper says he has "concerns" about Trump foreign policy
Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper tells "Face the Nation" that he has "concerns" about now-candidate Trump's comments about cutting off funding for Ukraine and possibly pulling the U.S. out of NATO. "So for all those reasons, that concerns me and and, of course, we could talk about our allies and partners in Asia as well who will equally be concerned about these types of events," Esper said.
Transcript: Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper on "Face the Nation," Oct. 1, 2023
The following is a transcript of an interview with Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper that aired on "Face the Nation" on Oct. 1, 2023.
Esper on flying object shot down over Alaska
The White House said a military fighter jet shot down an object over Alaskan airspace Friday, this after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down off the coast of South Carolina last weekend. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has the latest from Washington. Then, Mark Esper, former U.S. secretary of defense, spoke with CBS News about what we know so far.
1/12: Face The Nation
Today on "Face the Nation, with tensions escalating with Iran, we get perspective from the administration on what the future holds for relations with the regime.
10/21: CBSN AM
U.S. troops begin move from Northern Syria to Iraq; Four companies reach settlement in opioid litigation
10/13: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan breaks down the latest on President Trump’s new Syria policy with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. She discusses the latest on the impeachment inquiry with Representative Adam Schiff, and the situation in Hong Kong with Senator Ted Cruz.
Mark Esper on Trump, China, Iran
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper spoke exclusively with CBS News' Catherine Herridge after it was announced that the warrant to search Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home would be unsealed. Esper discussed the former president's handling of classified information, and U.S. relations with China and Iran.
Ex-Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Iran threats
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed that he has had full-time government-provided "protection 24/7" since he left the Defense Department as a result of threats from Iran, he told CBS News' Catherine Herridge in an interview Thursday. Watch part of the interview here.
Mark Esper has government-provided "protection 24/7" because of Iran threats
Esper's revelation came soon after the Justice Department charged an Iranian national for plotting the murder of former national security adviser John Bolton.
Ex-defense chief Mark Esper suing Pentagon
Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is suing the Pentagon over redactions in his memoir. The book describes his time as secretary of the Army and secretary of defense under former President Trump, who fired Esper via Twitter days after he lost the 2020 election. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin joined Tanya Rivero on CBSN to discuss.
Esper on Trump and divisive politics
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett about serving during the Trump administration and the current political climate. Watch this portion of the conversation from "Red and Blue."
Iranian President Pezeshkian talks about proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian says he has visited Iran's supreme leader twice and talked with CBS News' Margaret Brennan about Mojtaba Khamenei's health.
Exclusive
U.S. military lays groundwork for potential action around Cuba
Some units would "possibly [be] needed in 90-120 days," according to an internal Army message reviewed by CBS News.
Supreme Court again blocks Missouri's new House map that favored GOP
The Supreme Court said in an unsigned decision that ordering Missouri to restore its 2025 map "would usher in electoral chaos."
Live
Iran proposes a 7-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Iran's president says Tehran wants a deal with the U.S. before November's midterm elections, as the regime puts an offer on the table.
Trump cancels nearly $1 billion in spending, a move some lawmakers called illegal
President Trump moved to cancel almost $1 billion in spending that was approved by Congress, marking the second time his administration has employed a rarely used tactic that some lawmakers in both parties have called illegal.
Hurricane Nolo could cause "catastrophic" flooding in Hawaii, forecasters warn
A hurricane watch is in effect for Hawaii County due to the storm, which could dump up to 3 feet of rain on Hawaii's Big Island.
Supreme Court lets Trump administration use SAVE database for now
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration in its push to use a controversial database to review state voter rolls for potential noncitizens.
Nor'easter barrels down on East Coast, threatens millions with flooding, winds
Tens of millions of people are in the path of the storm, which has already canceled concerts and prompted people on islands near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to head to the mainland in the days ahead of the nor'easter's arrival.
Trump-Xi visit wraps up with few achievements announced
President Trump described Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit this week as "very productive," though the White House has said little about what was achieved during the summit.
U.S.
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TikTok settles lawsuit over youth safety concerns for at least $100 million
Alabama sued the social media company in 2025, claiming the platform had negative effects on the mental well-being of youths.
Twin doctors who grew up in poverty returned to their hometown to co-run an ER
Drs. Travan and Travis Jasper, identical twins, are co-directors of the emergency department at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, the city where they grew up in poverty.
Nor'easter barrels down on East Coast, threatens millions with flooding, winds
Tens of millions of people are in the path of the storm, which has already canceled concerts and prompted people on islands near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to head to the mainland in the days ahead of the nor'easter's arrival.
Supreme Court again blocks Missouri's new House map that favored GOP
The Supreme Court said in an unsigned decision that ordering Missouri to restore its 2025 map "would usher in electoral chaos."
Broadview 6 prosecutor retires under protest, blames U.S. attorney
Sheri Mecklenburg resigned from the Department of Justice this week, penning a scathing letter in which she said U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros "personally directed" the Broadview 6 prosecution that she says ended her career.
MoneyWatch
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TikTok settles lawsuit over youth safety concerns for at least $100 million
Alabama sued the social media company in 2025, claiming the platform had negative effects on the mental well-being of youths.
How GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are changing fast-food menus
Chipotle, McDonald's and Shake Shack are among the restaurant chains revamping their menus as more consumers go on weight-loss drugs.
Ready or not, here come the AI gadgets, from "charms" to smart speakers
Meta, Microsoft and other major tech companies are developing a range of AI products for consumers, from wearables to speakers.
Facebook found liable for deceiving users in Cambridge Analytica case
The two-week trial in New Mexico centered on accusations Facebook deceived users about a data breach.
Soaring U.S. diesel prices slam local communities as fuel costs surge
The surge in diesel prices this year is putting a financial squeeze on schools, farms and small businesses around the U.S.
Politics
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Trump cancels nearly $1 billion in spending, a move some lawmakers called illegal
President Trump moved to cancel almost $1 billion in spending that was approved by Congress, marking the second time his administration has employed a rarely used tactic that some lawmakers in both parties have called illegal.
Transcript: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of the interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian airing on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sept. 27, 2026.
Iranian President Pezeshkian talks about proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian, who is also a physician, says he has visited Iran's supreme leader twice and talked with CBS News' Margaret Brennan about Mojtaba Khamenei's health.
Supreme Court again blocks Missouri's new House map that favored GOP
The Supreme Court said in an unsigned decision that ordering Missouri to restore its 2025 map "would usher in electoral chaos."
Broadview 6 prosecutor retires under protest, blames U.S. attorney
Sheri Mecklenburg resigned from the Department of Justice this week, penning a scathing letter in which she said U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros "personally directed" the Broadview 6 prosecution that she says ended her career.
HealthWatch
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Will an FDA crackdown curb access to cheaper GLP-1 weight-loss drugs?
The FDA has warned a major compounding pharmacy that it violated federal law by making copies of blockbuster weight-loss drugs in "inordinate amounts."
Bone health and the "silent disease": 4 things women should know
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine, discusses what women should know about protecting their bones.
Even the smallest joys can help prevent suicide, researchers say
New research highlights common themes shared by people who found reasons to keep living through dark times.
First on CBS
JB Pritzker reveals GLP-1 use, pressed on possible presidential run
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker revealed to "CBS Mornings" that for the last two years he has been using a GLP-1 medication to lose weight.
Her son was dying, but his rare cancer made it difficult to get the right drug
As knowledge about genetics advances, some doctors say cancers should be defined by their mutations, not the tissues where they manifest.
World
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Transcript: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of the interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian airing on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sept. 27, 2026.
Iranian President Pezeshkian talks about proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian, who is also a physician, says he has visited Iran's supreme leader twice and talked with CBS News' Margaret Brennan about Mojtaba Khamenei's health.
A U.S. doctor survived a deadly strike in Gaza. Why he plans to go back.
Dr. Feroze Sidhwa was working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis when an Israeli strike hit the surgical unit he was in.
Ukrainian kids learn to fly drones for a future shaped by Russia's invasion
A Ukrainian nonprofit group is teaching kids to make, service and fly simple drones, to help them be "useful in the future in their country."
Cheetah cubs survive powerful storms, mother's illness at zoo
It might take a year before it's clear the cubs will survive the crucial period after their birth, the zoo's curator said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
2026 MTV VMAs: What to watch for
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will be held this weekend with Snoop Dogg carrying out hosting duties. "Entertainment Tonight" correspondent Denny Directo joins CBS News for a preview.
The New York Film Festival returns with obsessions, deceptions and monsters
Challenging documentaries and award-winning features are among the offerings of New York City's leading cinema event, starring such luminaries as Pedro Pascal, Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore and Godzilla.
Book excerpt: "The Steps" by Sylvester Stallone
In his memoir, the actor writes of his early struggles, leading to writing his screenplay for the Oscar-winning hit "Rocky."
Ziggy Marley on dad Bob Marley's legacy
Jamaican musician Ziggy Marley shares memories of his father, Bob Marley, and discusses his new children's book, "True to Myself."
Jane Doe who accused Jay-Z of sexual assault formally recants her claims
The anonymous woman who accused Jay-Z of sexually assaulting her said in a new court filing that she never met the rap mogul.
Technology
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TikTok settles lawsuit over youth safety concerns for at least $100 million
Alabama sued the social media company in 2025, claiming the platform had negative effects on the mental well-being of youths.
Court sides with Pentagon in Anthropic case
The growing concerns over the safety of artificial intelligence and the speed of its development have many calling for government regulation. Recently, President Trump said he plans to appoint an adviser and create an AI force. J.B. Branch, director of federal AI governance and technology policy at Public Citizen, joins CBS News to discuss.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Takeaways as Xi wraps state visit with Trump
Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the U.S. wrapped up on Friday, with no deal announced on artificial intelligence, though he is set to meet with President Trump twice more before the end of the year. Weijia Jiang has more.
Software developer on the AI alignment problem
News broke this week that a rogue artificial intelligence agent hacked Australia's health care database, and no notice was given for months. Matt Calkins, CEO and co-founder of Appian, which develops software to maximize AI integration, joins to unpack the week's AI headlines.
Science
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Science
Neuroscientists grow human brain tissue in mice
Neuroscientists at Stanford University successfully grew human brain tissue inside mice in the hopes of further enabling the development of treatments for brain disorders. Stanford Medicine professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Dr. Sergiu Pasca, who led the study, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher says.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
Crime
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Tasia Fortune's hanging was "staged" after her death, police say
Authorities haven't disclosed the exact cause of Fortune's death, but they did rule it a homicide and have arrested two men.
Latest in trial of "American Idol" contestant
Former "American Idol" contestant and music pastor Caleb Flynn stands accused of murdering his wife. His former mistress, Alleigha Botner, testified in the trial. CBS News' Ian Lee has more details.
Minnesota sailor returns from USS Lincoln duty to find apartment ransacked
A Minnesota native who had been serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln for nearly 10 months came home to an upsetting surprise.
Pittsburgh doctor killed while he slept remembered as "a true angel on Earth"
Dr. Idris Evans, the Pittsburgh doctor killed in a violent home invasion, is being remembered for his kindness and compassion.
"American Idol" alum's ex-mistress testifies
Former "American Idol" contestant Caleb Flynn is on trial for allegedly killing his wife and staging an elaborate crime scene. Flynn's former mistress testified at the trial. Ian Lee has the latest details.
Space
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NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
Scientists have discovered a crater on the moon that's bigger than the Roman Colosseum, the result of a powerful impact two years ago.
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Extended interview: Patrick Clancy
Patrick Clancy wrestles with grief and shares memories of his children in his first interview since his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy's murder trial ended without a verdict.
9/25: CBS Evening News
Over 60 million in danger from Nor'easter; Hawaiians shelter ahead of Hurricane Nolo.
2026 MTV VMAs: What to watch for
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will be held this weekend with Snoop Dogg carrying out hosting duties. "Entertainment Tonight" correspondent Denny Directo joins CBS News for a preview.
How El Niño is supercharging Pacific storms
While El Niño is a natural shift in the climate system, scientists say the weather pattern developing in the Pacific Ocean could be one of the strongest on record. And human-caused climate change is super-charging its strength, making weather extremes worse. Tracy Wholf, founder of WereWHOLF Media, joins CBS News to discuss.
Extended interview: Masoud Pezeshkian
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks with Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan about the war with the U.S., his country's latest offer to open the Strait of Hormuz, the supreme leader's condition and more.