As the U.S.-Iran conflict enters its sixth month, GOP Sen. Ted Cruz has called on President Trump to intensify pressure on Iran by arming Iranian protesters opposing the regime. Speaking to CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean on the "School of War" podcast on August 7, 2026, Cruz stated, "I think our objective should be regime collapse."

Cruz first advocated arming protesters in late January after Iran's harsh crackdown on the country's largest demonstrations in years, which reportedly resulted in at least 12,000 deaths. The senator emphasized that the goal is to enable Iranians to overthrow their own government rather than deploying American forces.

He criticized a memorandum of understanding that could provide Iran with billions in sanctions relief and $300 billion in economic development funds, warning it might allow Iran a "permanent role with the Strait of Hormuz." Cruz expressed skepticism about providing such 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.

Cruz also stated he supports arming any opposition group that is not Islamist and hostile to America, mentioning the exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi and the Mojahedin-e-Khalq opposition group as examples. He said, "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."

The senator urged both President Trump and Israel to provide weapons to protesters to empower Iranians to fight for their own country.

Sources