Amb. Mike Waltz, Rep. Ro Khanna, and More Featured on ‘This Week’ 4-19-26 Transcript
ABC News aired a rush transcript of This Week on April 19, 2026. The program covered high-stakes diplomacy, regional attacks, and heated U.S. debate. Guests included senior U.S. and regional officials and members of Congress.
Diplomatic talks set for Islamabad
Officials said fresh negotiations will begin in Islamabad the night after the broadcast. The White House initially named the vice president to lead the U.S. delegation. Later, the administration said the vice president would not travel due to Secret Service security concerns on short notice.
The session was described as the highest-level U.S.-Iran engagement since 1979. That year saw the seizure of 66 Americans during the hostage crisis.
U.S. stance and pressure measures
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz warned that any agreement must be verifiable and enforceable. He emphasized the role of the IAEA and U.N. mechanisms in verification.
Waltz said Washington has intensified economic pressure. He referenced Operation Economic Fury, announced by Treasury Secretary Bessent. He also noted a U.N. resolution condemning the attacks, joined by 135 nations.
Military options and maritime control
Waltz said all military options remain available to the president. He added the U.S. Navy would determine what moves through key waterways.
He accused Iran of using missile and drone strikes against civilian targets. He claimed Iranian command structures had been disrupted by recent strikes.
UAE reports heavy targeting
Reem al-Hashimy, the UAE minister of state for international cooperation, described prolonged attacks on her country. She said the UAE endured roughly 2,800 missiles and drones in a 40-day span.
Al-Hashimy argued more than 90 percent of the strikes hit civilian infrastructure. She urged that any regional deal must address Iran’s proxies and missile and drone capabilities.
Congressional critique and domestic politics
Representative Ro Khanna of California reiterated his opposition to the war. He labeled the conflict a major foreign-policy failure and raised concerns about escalating threats to civilians.
Khanna highlighted economic effects, noting gasoline price rises from about $2.30 to $4 per gallon. He also criticized large defense expenditures abroad, and questioned continued U.S. funding for allied military budgets he described as substantial.
Israel, aid and generational shifts
Khanna said younger American voters feel less aligned with current Israeli policy. He defended a two-state goal while arguing U.S. assistance should reflect changing political and moral considerations.
He expressed support for missile-defense technology such as Iron Dome but opposed unlimited U.S. subsidies to countries with large defense budgets.
The broadcast included Amb. Mike Waltz, Rep. Ro Khanna, and More Featured on ‘This Week’ 4-19-26 Transcript. Filmogaz.com reviewed the program and the remarks for readers tracking the unfolding diplomatic and military developments.
