As the U.S.-Iran conflict enters its sixth month, GOP Sen. Ted Cruz has advocated for a more aggressive U.S. stance against Iran. Speaking to CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean on the "School of War" podcast on August 7, 2026, Cruz said, "I think our objective should be regime collapse."

Cruz urged President Trump to increase pressure on Iran by arming Iranian protesters to enable them to overthrow their government. "What I believe we should do, what I have urged President Trump repeatedly, what I've urged Israel to do repeatedly, is arm the protesters, give them the guns, to let them overthrow their own government so that it's not American boots on the ground, it's Iranians fighting for their own country," he said.

He expressed openness to various opposition figures, stating, "I don't have a dog whether it's the son of the Shah, whether it is the [Mojahedin-e-Khalq opposition group], whether it is someone local, as long as they are not an Islamist who hates America and is actively trying to kill Americans," referring to exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.

Cruz first advocated for arming protesters in late January, following Iran's crackdown on the country's largest wave of demonstrations in years, which reportedly resulted in at least 12,000 deaths. The broader U.S. goal has been to degrade Iran's conventional military and nuclear capabilities, while President Trump has encouraged Iranians to "take over your government" and remove the hardline clerical regime in power since 1979.

Cruz criticized a memorandum of understanding related to Iran, calling it a "disaster" and a "terrible deal," warning it could lead to billions in sanctions relief and $300 billion in economic development funds flowing to Iran, potentially allowing it a "permanent role with the Strait of Hormuz." He added, "You'll forgive me if I'm not terribly eager to give them $300 billion to facilitate their carrying out their stated intent of murdering us."

The Trump administration clarified in June that the $300 billion in reconstruction funds would be voluntary and sourced from Gulf states and private investors, not the U.S. government.

Cruz also emphasized the need to "continue ratcheting up the economic pressure" on Iran.

Sources

  • CBS Politics, "Sen. Ted Cruz calls for Trump to arm Iran's protesters: 'Our objective should be regime collapse'", August 7, 2026, by Joe Walsh

Notable Quotes

  • "I think our objective should be regime collapse."
  • "What I believe we should do... is arm the protesters, give them the guns, to let them overthrow their own government."
  • "You'll forgive me if I'm not terribly eager to give them $300 billion to facilitate their carrying out their stated intent of murdering us."