Cruz Urged Trump to Strike Iran During Corpus Christi Visit

Senator says he advised president to take action against Iran's leadership

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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According to Sen. Ted Cruz, he urged President Donald Trump to take military action against Iran during their visit to Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday. Cruz said he told Trump "now is the time" as they discussed Iran, and the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran shortly after, killing the country's supreme leader.

Why it matters

The attacks on Iran followed months of planning and came after talks aimed at limiting the country's nuclear capabilities crumbled. Cruz, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he believed Iran was not close to obtaining nuclear weapons and that the regime was "teetering" and weaker than ever before.

The details

Cruz said he advised Trump to give Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an ultimatum to "leave and flee" or face unacceptable consequences. The U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran shortly after, killing Khamenei. Three U.S. military service members have died and five have been seriously wounded in the conflict so far.

  • On Friday, February 27, 2026, Cruz accompanied Trump to Corpus Christi, Texas.
  • Early on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

The players

Ted Cruz

A Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time of the events.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The supreme leader of Iran, who was killed in the U.S. and Israeli strikes.

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What they’re saying

“My advice was: 'Do not miss this opportunity.'”

— Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator (CBS News)

“Khamenei made his choice.”

— Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator (CBS News)

What’s next

Iran's foreign minister said the country would select a new supreme leader in "one or two days", and Iran's parliamentary speaker has pledged to enact revenge.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and the role that influential lawmakers like Sen. Cruz play in shaping foreign policy decisions. It also raises questions about the long-term consequences of the strikes and whether they will lead to further escalation or a shift in the regional balance of power.