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's regime by arming Iranian protesters who oppose the 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," Cruz said.

He emphasized that he does not favor any particular opposition group, 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." This refers to exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father was overthrown as Iran's shah in 1979.

Cruz first advocated for arming protesters in late January, following Iran's crackdown on the country's largest wave of demonstrations in years, which sources told CBS News resulted in at least 12,000 deaths.

He 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 for Iran, potentially allowing Iran a "permanent role with the Strait of Hormuz." Cruz expressed skepticism about providing these funds, saying, "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.

The stated U.S. goal remains to degrade Iran's conventional military and nuclear program, with President Trump encouraging ordinary Iranians to "take over your government" and oust the hardline clerical regime that has ruled since 1979.

Sources