On December 11, during a bipartisan event at the U.S. Senate, Senator Ted Cruz delivered a passionate speech advocating for renewed sanctions on Iran and a tougher U.S. policy toward the Iranian regime. Criticizing the Biden administration’s approach, Cruz highlighted how the easing of sanctions allowed Iran to boost its oil exports from 300,000 to 2 million barrels per day, generating funds that have supported groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. He vowed that stringent oil sanctions would be reinstated on January 20 to cripple Iran’s financial resources.
Criticism of the Iranian Regime
Senator Cruz did not hold back in his condemnation of Iran regime’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, calling him a “theocratic, homicidal, genocidal lunatic.” He stated that Khamenei’s calls for “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” should be taken seriously and argued that strength, not weakness, is the only language tyrants respect. Cruz expressed optimism that a change in U.S. leadership would mark the end of Iran’s unchecked influence.
Maximum Pressure Policy and Oil Sanctions
Recalling the Trump administration’s “Maximum Pressure” policy, Cruz detailed the internal debates surrounding the Iran nuclear deal and the imposition of oil sanctions. He noted his personal efforts to persuade President Trump to pull out of the nuclear deal and end waivers that allowed Iran to sell oil. Despite opposition from the State Department, Trump’s administration ultimately enforced these sanctions, reducing Iran’s oil exports to 300,000 barrels per day by the end of his presidency without significantly affecting global oil prices.
Cruz criticized the Biden administration for reversing these policies, which led to a dramatic increase in Iran’s oil exports. He emphasized that the resulting revenue has financed terrorist activities and regional destabilization. “On January 20th, those oil sanctions are coming back,” Cruz declared, promising a return to policies that would deprive the regime of its financial lifelines.
Regional Impact and Regime Change
The Senator highlighted the weakening of Iran’s proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, as an opportunity to diminish Tehran’s influence in the region. He called for regime change in Iran, expressing hope for “free and democratic elections” in the country. Cruz underscored the suffering of the Iranian people under the current regime and predicted that change could come swiftly, citing recent political shifts in Syria as evidence.
The Role of U.S. Leadership
Cruz concluded by emphasizing the importance of strong U.S. leadership. He argued that a “weak and feckless” Commander-in-Chief emboldens America’s enemies, whereas a resolute leader deters them. Expressing gratitude to those advocating for change, he stated, “Change is coming, and it is coming very soon.”
Looking Ahead
The Senator’s speech underscored his commitment to a policy of strength and accountability toward Iran. As January 20 approaches, Cruz’s promises of renewed sanctions and a focus on regime change signal a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, with implications for Iran’s leadership and its role in the region.
Source » irannewsupdate