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 intensify pressure on Iran's regime by arming Iranian protesters, allowing them to overthrow their government independently. "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 expressed no preference for who leads the opposition, 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," referencing exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.

Cruz criticized a memorandum of understanding he described as a "disaster" and a "terrible deal," warning it could lead to Iran receiving billions in sanctions relief and $300 billion in economic development funds, potentially enabling Iran to secure "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 initially called for arming protesters in late January after Iran's crackdown on large-scale demonstrations resulted in at least 12,000 deaths, according to sources cited by CBS News. President Trump has also urged ordinary Iranians to "take over your government" and remove the hardline clerical regime that has governed Iran since 1979.

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