US senator says Trump should "take every step possible” against Iran

US Senator Ted Cruz said the United States should “take every step possible” to end Iran’s current leadership, arguing that the country’s religious authorities pose a direct threat to American security.

In an interview with Fox News, Cruz accused Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of fostering hostility toward the United States, citing state‑backed rallies where crowds chant anti‑American slogans..

“I think the US should take every step possible to end this regime. The Ayatollah, Khamenei, hates America. He regularly leads massive mobs chanting ‘death to America’. In fact, every year in Iran they celebrate as a holiday ‘death to America day’,” he said.

Cruz defended US President Donald Trump’s decision to order a B‑2 bomber strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling it a justified action by a US commander‑in‑chief. He argued that allowing a “theocratic dictator” to acquire nuclear weapons would create an unacceptable risk, claiming such weapons could potentially be used against Americans.

The protests, which began on December 28 over the economy, have turned into calls for the end of the rule of Iran's supreme leader. The Iranian government has called the demonstrations "riots" backed by Iran's enemies.

Protesters have been met with deadly force. There has also been a near-total shutdown of the internet and communication services in Iran. 

By Sabina Mammadli