Sen. Ted Cruz discusses Iran, nuclear program, and Austin shooting on "Face the Nation"

The Texas Republican senator defends President Trump's decision to take military action against Iran.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In an interview on "Face the Nation", Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, discussed the recent mass shooting in Austin, the U.S. military action against Iran, and the status of Iran's nuclear program. Cruz defended President Trump's decision to launch attacks against Iran, arguing that the Iranian regime is a "profound and malign influence" and that now was the time to act. He claimed the U.S. had previously taken out a significant portion of Iran's nuclear weapons program, but acknowledged he did not have current intelligence on the status of their nuclear capabilities.

Why it matters

The interview provides insight into the Republican perspective on the escalating tensions with Iran and the administration's decision to use military force. It also touches on the ongoing security concerns in the U.S., including the mass shooting in Austin.

The details

During the interview, Cruz defended President Trump's decision to launch attacks against Iran, stating that the Iranian regime has been the "leading state sponsor of terrorism" and has killed nearly 1,000 Americans over the years. He claimed the U.S. had previously taken out a significant portion of Iran's nuclear weapons program, but acknowledged he did not have current intelligence on the status of their nuclear capabilities. Cruz also discussed the mass shooting in Austin, saying there were early reports it may be connected to terrorism, but that the evidence was still being investigated.

  • The interview aired on March 1, 2026 on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan".
  • Cruz said he spent the entire day with President Trump on Friday, right before he launched the attacks on Iran.

The players

Sen. Ted Cruz

A Republican senator from Texas who defended President Trump's decision to launch military action against Iran.

President Donald Trump

The former president who launched the military attacks against Iran that Cruz defended.

Vice President Vance

The current vice president who was involved in diplomacy efforts with Iran that Cruz criticized.

Margaret Brennan

The host of "Face the Nation" who interviewed Sen. Cruz.

Ayatollah Khamenei

The supreme leader of Iran who Cruz said was "actively trying to murder the President of the United States Donald J. Trump".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“President Trump's decision to launch this decisive action against Iran is the single most important decision of his presidency. I think he laid out powerfully and effectively why he is taking this action.”

— Sen. Ted Cruz, Republican Senator from Texas (Face the Nation)

“The Iranians approached the diplomacy with arrogance, which with absolute hubris. They said they would not stop enriching. No matter what they were going to continue to enrich uranium.”

— Sen. Ted Cruz, Republican Senator from Texas (Face the Nation)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This interview highlights the partisan divide over the administration's approach to Iran, with Cruz staunchly defending the president's decision to use military force over diplomacy. It also underscores the ongoing security concerns in the U.S., including the mass shooting in Austin.