Senator Ted Cruz joined Margaret Brennan on "Face the Nation" to discuss the global security landscape and domestic events. Brennan opened by addressing a mass shooting in Austin, Texas, where three people were killed and over a dozen injured. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating, and early reports suggest a possible link to terrorism, though Senator Cruz emphasized the need to follow the evidence.
Cruz then shifted to U.S. military action against Iran, calling President Trump's decision the "single most important decision of his presidency." He stated that Iran has been the leading state sponsor of terrorism for 47 years, responsible for killing nearly 1,000 Americans and funding groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Cruz advised President Trump that the Iranian regime was weak and vulnerable, making it the opportune moment for decisive action. He believes Iran is now much safer without a "theocratic, murderous dictator."
Regarding diplomacy, Cruz asserted that negotiations were an "abject failure" as Iran refused to cease uranium enrichment and discuss their proxies. He characterized the talks as a "stall tactic." Brennan questioned the administration's rationale for abandoning diplomacy while a mediator was reportedly close to a deal.
On Iran's nuclear program, Cruz stated that a year prior, Iran had an "active and ongoing nuclear weapons program." He claimed that U.S. bombing operations, particularly at facilities like Fordow, significantly degraded these efforts. He noted Iran's continued missile production, stating they are building approximately 100 missiles a month to threaten neighbors. Cruz indicated he did not have present-day intelligence on Iran's progress toward rebuilding nuclear weapons but reiterated that their bombing was devastating. He concluded by saying Iran decisively losing a previous conflict weakened the regime, setting the stage for current U.S. actions.