The growing uprising in Iran represents a historic moment as millions of Iranians risk their lives to challenge the oppressive rule of the ayatollah and the ruling mullahs, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Tuesday.
Cruz told Newsmax's "The Chris Salcedo Show" that the violence unfolding in Iran is the direct result of the Islamist regime's brutality.
"Everyone being killed is the result of the ayatollah and the mullahs," Cruz said. "It is oppression."
Cruz described the protests as extraordinary, noting that millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to demand freedom and an end to decades of authoritarian rule.
There are reports of hundreds — and by some accounts thousands — of deaths.
"The American people stand with the people of Iran," Cruz said.
The Texas senator drew a sharp contrast between President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama, pointing to the 2009 Iranian protests, when Obama declined to publicly support demonstrators.
Cruz said Trump has taken the opposite approach.
"Donald Trump is not Barack Obama," he said. "Donald Trump has made clear: We have your back."
Cruz argued the stakes could not be higher, saying the coming weeks or months could determine the future of the Iranian regime itself.
He said there is a "very real possibility" the current government could collapse, removing what he described as a dangerous and hostile force from power.
"Very few things would make America safer than having this crazed jihadist who chants 'Death to America' no longer leading a military," Cruz said, noting that the Iranian regime has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. service members.
Cruz said he is proud to stand with Iranians who are risking everything to reject Islamist dictatorship and state-sponsored terrorism.
"They're saying, 'No more. We don't want an Islamist dictator oppressing us and spreading terrorism throughout the world,'" Cruz said.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.