Former U.S. envoy reacts to Iran strikes and NATO summit
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By Kathryn Fink, Scott Detrow, Patrick Jarenwattananon

Thursday, July 9, 2026 • 4:02 PM EDT

Heard on All Things Considered Transcript
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:

For a second consecutive day, the U.S. has launched new airstrikes against Iran. And in response, Iran fired missiles at U.S. allies in the Middle East. The strikes came hours after President Trump said the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal was, quote, "over" at a NATO summit yesterday, and also insulted Iran's leaders.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: I don't want to deal with them anymore. They're scum. You know what scum is? They're scum. They're sick people. They're led by sick people. And they're vicious, violent people.

DETROW: Here to talk about all the latest is Ambassador Nicholas Burns. He was the U.S. ambassador to NATO under President George W. Bush and led negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Ambassador Burns, welcome.

NICHOLAS BURNS: Thanks so much, Scott.

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