With the U.S.-Iran conflict now in its sixth month, Senator Ted Cruz is urging the Trump administration to abandon diplomatic talks and actively push for the collapse of Iran’s government by arming anti-regime protesters.
“I think our objective should be regime collapse,” the Texas Republican said on the “School of War” podcast, renewing his call to supply weapons to Iranian citizens following a crackdown on demonstrations that left at least 12,000 dead, according to CBS News sources.
Cruz’s hardline stance directly opposes recent White House efforts to negotiate peace. After joint U.S. and Israeli strikes began targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites earlier this year, the administration worked toward diplomatic solutions.
A June memorandum collapsed last month, though new negotiations facilitated by Oman aim to restore shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Cruz blasted those diplomatic efforts—specifically criticizing potential sanctions relief and $300 billion in development funds—as a “disaster.” The administration clarified the reconstruction funds would come from private investors and Gulf states, not U.S. taxpayers, but Cruz insists the U.S. should maintain a strict naval blockade on oil exports and continue military pressure instead.
“What I have urged President Trump repeatedly… is arm the protesters, give them the guns, to let them overthrow their own government,” Cruz said, adding he cares little who takes power afterward—including exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi—as long as they are not anti-American.
The dispute highlights a deepening rift within the Republican Party over foreign policy. While lawmakers like Cruz, Sen. Bill Cassidy, and Sen. Tom Cotton favor heavier pressure, others like Sen. Rand Paul oppose the war entirely.
Meanwhile, President Trump has called deal critics “fools,” and Vice President JD Vance defended diplomacy on Joe Rogan’s podcast, arguing military strikes alone cannot protect global shipping lanes without direct talks.
READ: Victor Davis Hanson: Economic And Military Strain Mounts On Iran Ahead Of U.S. Midterms
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