“The View” cohost breaks down in tears over painful personal connection to Iran war: 'I want them to come home safe'

Shania RussellThu, March 26, 2026 at 6:47 PM UTC

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Sunny Hostin and Abby Huntsman on 'The View'Credit: ABC

The View cohost Abby Huntsman has more to say about the U.S. military, after getting into a heated debate with Joy Behar on Wednesday.

Huntsman, who rejoined the morning show this week to fill in during Alyssa Farah's maternity leave, previously got into it with Behar after voicing support for American military members amid the war in Iran. Unpacking the conflict on The View: Behind the Table podcast, Huntsman broke down in tears while sharing her experience as a member of a military family.

"It's personal. It's real," said Huntsman, who has brothers serving in the armed forces. She added that having someone on the frontlines means it feels different to "get alerts on your phone" about conflicts abroad.

Her voice breaking with emotion, the daughter of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. choked up as she continued, "I wake up every day and you just hope that our men and women are okay. You hope that they're getting through this because they're not making the political decisions."

Huntsman, who was a permanent View panelist from 2018 to 2020, added that this was the point she was trying to make during the conversation with Behar.

Abby Huntsman on 'The View'Credit: ABC

"They are doing what they are told and they are the most badass military in the entire world and that is what makes this country still the best that has ever existed," Huntsman argued. "It's that much more important to feel like we have a plan. If we're going into Iran — which we can all agree, yes, we want a safer country — but what is our strategic plan? When are we getting out of here? What are we doing there? I want them to come home safe and I want us to move on to make this country the best that it can be."

She told the host, "I'm sorry to get emotional but there's just so many military families where it's like, it's not just getting another headline in the news."

Earlier this week, President Trump claimed that the United States and Iran have been engaging in "very strong talks" toward resolving the war that began on Feb. 28. But Iran has denied that any negotiations are taking place and is pledging to fight "until complete victory," per the . In the meantime, thousands more U.S. Marines are on their way to the Gulf, and the Army announced plans to deploy at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East in the coming days.

During Wednesday's broadcast of The View, Huntsman praised American military members for their "incredible" accomplishments in Iran, an idea that Behar was quick to challenge.

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"What have they accomplished over there? Explain to me," the 83-year-old asked.

After a pause, in which she appeared shocked by the question, Huntsman answered, "Any time we can deter Iran, whether it's for a year or more, that's a win for this country."

Joy Behar and Abby Huntsman on 'The View' on March 25, 2026Credit: ABC (2)

Behar countered with a criticism of President Trump, arguing, "Obama had a deal, and he tore it up."

Huntsman then bit back, arguing, "I think it’s really easy to sit here and say, 'What has our military accomplished?' It's because of our military that we're able to sit here and have these conversations and do a show like this."

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Behar took issue with that response and fired back by pointing out that she too has family members serving in the military.

"Don't make it sound like I'm against the military. I'm not," she pushed back. "All my uncles, my father, they all fought, so don't make it sound like that. I'm talking about this particular, as he calls it, excursion into Iran. What have they accomplished so far?"

The argument came to a close when Huntsman agreed, "The bombing has got to stop… I want our troops home."

on Entertainment Weekly

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