The CBS News Vice Presidential Debate kicked off with a strong focus on foreign policy following Iran’s missile strikes on Israel earlier in the day.

“Despite being weakened, Iran is still viewed as the leading state sponsor of terrorism worldwide, and it has significantly shortened the timeframe for developing a nuclear weapon,” stated CBS moderator Margaret Brennan, directing her question to Democratic candidate Tim Walz.

Walz stressed the importance of consistent leadership, asserting that Kamala Harris was the right choice. In response, Republican candidate JD Vance argued that Donald Trump could provide “peace through strength.”

Here’s more about their exchanges:

Walz discusses Trump’s Iran nuclear deal

Walz remarked, “Iran is now closer to acquiring a nuclear weapon than they were before, due to Donald Trump’s inconsistent leadership.”

Trump has claimed that Iran is targeting him as revenge for his administration’s strict policies, including withdrawing from the Iranian nuclear deal. In 2018, he reinstated sanctions on Tehran, criticizing the agreement negotiated under Barack Obama as “terrible and unbalanced,” a decision that upset U.S. allies.

Vance references Reagan’s ideology

Vance attempted to shift the focus for foreign policy failures onto Harris, stating that her time in the White House contributed to the situation.

Nevertheless, Vance reiterated that Trump could ensure “peace through strength.” He explained, “For the world to fear the United States, there must be peace through strength. They should understand that if they act out of line, U.S. leadership will restore stability and peace.”

This approach mirrors Ronald Reagan’s foreign policy during his presidency, which emphasized increased defense spending and efforts to improve relations with the Soviet Union.

Catch the VP debate:

Don’t miss the CBS News Vice Presidential Debate on Tuesday, October 1, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS