Iran protests intensified this week as Sen. Ted Cruz called on the United States to take direct action by arming demonstrators facing a violent crackdown from the Islamic Republic. The push came as Iran-backed militias warned of “total war” against America and U.S. forces moved deeper into the region.
Cruz issued his call Tuesday as reports described worsening conditions inside Iran. “We should be arming the protesters in Iran. NOW,” Cruz wrote. He said toppling Iran’s ruling regime would improve U.S. security, adding, “For the Iranian people to overthrow the Ayatollah — a tyrant who routinely chants ‘death to America’ — would make America much, much safer.”
Iran protests have continued since late December, driven by economic hardship, political repression, and corruption. A post cited by Tehran Bureau described extreme violence by Iranian security forces against civilians. “They shoot directly with bullets. They kill outright,” the source said, adding that protesters face death simply for going into the streets. “There is absolutely no way for us to gather unless we had weapons, unless we were armed like them.”
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, activist groups estimate more than 6,000 people have been killed, with additional cases under review.
The unrest coincides with escalating regional threats. Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq warned it was prepared for “total war” if the U.S. attacked Iran. Its leader, Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, said America’s allies would face “the bitterest forms of death.” Yemen’s Houthis also threatened renewed attacks in the Red Sea.
As Iran protests continue, President Trump said Tehran appeared open to negotiations, stating, “They want to make a deal. I know so.” The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the Middle East on Monday as tensions escalated.
