In a recent interview clip released June 17, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson pressed Republican Senator Ted Cruz on his knowledge of Iran, highlighting a growing rift within conservative circles over US policy toward the country.
Carlson questioned Cruz on basic facts about Iran’s population and ethnic composition. When Cruz admitted he did not know the population size, Carlson responded sharply: “You don’t know the population of the country you seek to topple?”
The interview grew increasingly confrontational as Cruz attempted to outline Iran’s ethnic mix, describing Iranians as “Persians” and predominantly “Shia,” only for Carlson to interrupt and demand specifics, leading to a heated back-and-forth.
Cruz has voiced support for regime change in Iran, a position at odds with prominent MAGA figures like Carlson, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who advocate against US military intervention in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Greene recently stated on social media that foreign wars and regime change efforts “put America last” and warned they risk killing innocent people and causing economic harm.
Pray for our troops. 🙏
Pray for the innocent people in Israel and Iran. 🙏
Pray that we aren’t attacked on our homeland after our border was open for 4 years and millions of people and millions of gotaways came in. 🙏
War has bad consequences.
We voted for America First.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) June 16, 2025
President Donald Trump has been closely involved in the situation, speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and consulting his national security team following Israeli airstrikes against Iran that began June 13.
The dispute between Carlson and Cruz reflects deeper tensions within the Republican Party, as some members push for a more cautious foreign policy while others support stronger action against Iran.
Cruz defended his position, stating, “I am not the Tucker Carlson expert on Iran,” but emphasised the need for regime change. Carlson criticised Cruz for not knowing details about Iran despite calling for its government’s overthrow.
Carlson, once a staunch Trump supporter, has recently clashed with the former president over Middle East policy, warning that Trump’s legacy could be affected by the unfolding conflict.
