{"id":2615961,"date":"2026-06-19T06:07:01","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T10:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ted-cruz-stokes-2028-speculation-with-iran-deal-criticism\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T06:08:46","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T10:08:46","slug":"ted-cruz-stokes-2028-speculation-with-iran-deal-criticism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ted-cruz-stokes-2028-speculation-with-iran-deal-criticism\/","title":{"rendered":"Ted Cruz stokes 2028 speculation with Iran deal criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fted-cruz-stokes-2028-speculation-with-iran-deal-criticism%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2615961&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Senate Republicans are voicing strong criticism of President Donald Trump\u2019s Iran deal, with some, like Sen. Ted Cruz, taking a more prominent stance. Cruz, who is perhaps running for president in 2028, openly disagrees with the administration, criticizing the deal as effective in providing billions to Iran that could be used against Americans. He argues that funding Iran\u2019s nuclear ambitions and its military infrastructure is hazardous, viewing the deal as a poor decision based on bad advice. Cruz\u2019s criticism has caused tension within the Republican Party, including with Trump\u2019s allies like Donald Trump Jr., who accused cruz of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/surviving-roommates-of-stabbing-attack-that-killed-four-university-of-idaho-students-break-silence\/\" title=\"Surviving Roommates of Stabbing Attack that Killed Four University of Idaho Students Break Silence\">spreading false facts<\/a>. The deal involves lifting sanctions and unfrozen assets for Iran in exchange for commitments on nuclear activities and regional security. Other GOP senators have also criticized the agreement, viewing it as undermining previous military victories and providing Iran with extensive funds. Cruz\u2019s stance exemplifies a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-fight-against-sexualizing-kids-doesnt-just-win-debates-it-wins-elections\/\" title=\"Fighting against sexualizing kids wins elections, not just debates\">broader ideological divide<\/a> within the party regarding the approach to Iran, with some Republicans opposing the deal and others expressing cautious support.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senate Republicans are openly venting over President Donald Trump\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4612947\/iran-peace-deal-doubts-good-behavior\/\">Iran deal<\/a>. But Sen. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/ted-cruz\/\">Ted Cruz<\/a> (R-TX) is making a higher-profile \u2014 and perhaps more calculated \u2014 bet with his criticism.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cruz, considered a possible <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2028-elections\" type=\"link\" id=\"washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2028-elections\">2028<\/a> presidential candidate, is publicly breaking with the administration on the memorandum, positioning himself as more hawkish than the White House as Republicans fear an end to the conflict that ultimately rewards Iran.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/presidential\/4610712\/kamala-harris-absolutely-wouldnt-start-iran-war\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Kamala Harris says she \u2018absolutely\u2019 wouldn\u2019t have started Iran war<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/presidential\/4610021\/vance-praises-trump-rebellion-against-gop-donors-new-book\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Vance praises Trump\u2019s \u2018rebellion\u2019 against GOP donors in new book<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/presidential\/4606158\/rubio-newsom-meet-fifa-world-cup-game-us-paraguay\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Rubio and Newsom set to meet at US-Paraguay World Cup game<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHistory demonstrates that sending billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is a very bad idea, and I think the president is receiving very, very poor advice on this deal,\u201d Cruz told reporters Thursday. \u201cI hope we don\u2019t send a single penny to the ayatollah.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cruz, a third-term senator, was already at odds with Trump on the campaign trail over which GOP candidates to back in the 2026 elections. His decision to split with the president creates further daylight on one of the most politically risky choices of Trump\u2019s second term and could help bolster his reputation with conservatives who fear a repeat of the Obama-era nuclear deal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two men repaired their relationship after a bruising run for president in 2016, in which Cruz fought tooth and nail to keep Trump from the Republican nomination. And so far, he\u2019s generally been an ally of the administration and its policies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, Cruz had already begun making waves with his decision to oppose Trump-backed candidates for governor in South Carolina and Georgia, and his latest moves have sparked criticism from those in Trump\u2019s orbit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Donald Trump Jr., his eldest son, accused Cruz of \u201clying thru his teeth\u201d about Trump\u2019s memorandum of understanding with Iran and of \u201cusing fake news about the peace deal to undermine\u201d the president. He called it \u201cthe opposite of MAGA.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trump Jr. took particular issue with Cruz\u2019s determination that the deal\u2019s terms were akin to giving \u201cbillions of dollars to Iran\u201d that \u201cwill be used to murder Americans.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the memorandum, the United States will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/iran-refuses-to-share-data-from-nuclear-sites-with-iaea\/\" title=\"... refuses to share data from nuclear sites with IAEA\">lift economic sanctions<\/a>, unfreeze Iranian assets, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >issue oil export waivers<\/a>, and develop a $300 billion international reconstruction fund, although the administration won\u2019t contribute to the fund and White House officials have stressed that the terms of the deal are \u201cperformance-based.\u201d In exchange, Iran will commit to yet-to-be-named guardrails on its nuclear program and drop its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trump used a Truth Social post Thursday to lash out at the GOP \u201cfools\u201d who\u2019ve spoken out against his deal, painting them as \u201ceither jealous, bad people, or stupid.\u201d Vice President JD Vance, another potential 2028 hopeful, has been enlisted to sell the deal publicly and negotiate its details with Tehran over the next two months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cruz treaded carefully between praise and criticism, saying Trump\u2019s attacks on Iran\u2019s leaders and its military infrastructure were successful but offered the caveat that he does \u201cnot believe that we should now be rebuilding the military we destroyed.\u201d He echoed language used by other Republicans who\u2019ve been critical, such as retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), to say the president has received \u201cpoor advice.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for Trump Jr.\u2019s accusation Cruz was \u201clying thru his teeth,\u201d the senator told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>: \u201cMy views are clear.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">Ted Cruz R-Texas, left, speaks during a signing ceremony regarding AI initiatives with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Alex Brandon)<\/p>\n<p>&#8221; data-large-file=&#8221;https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2026\/06\/localimages\/AP25345849989844.jpg?w=696&#8243; &#8220;https:><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), left, speaks during a signing ceremony regarding AI initiatives with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Alex Brandon)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strategic disagreements have extended into at least one race where Cruz has opposed a Trump-backed candidate. In the June 23 runoff for South Carolina governor, Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette is using comments from Cruz against Alan Wilson, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/PatrickSvitek\/status\/2067388304039854547?s=20\">saying<\/a> Wilson should shun the senator\u2019s support or embrace the \u201cNever Trump that he truly is.\u201d Cruz is backing Wilson in the primary.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4612947\/iran-peace-deal-doubts-good-behavior\/\">IRAN PEACE DEAL INSPIRES LITTLE CELEBRATION AS US BANKS ON \u2018GOOD BEHAVIOR\u2019 AND \u2018UNDERSTANDING\u2019 FROM TEHRAN<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-26\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senate Republicans across the conference\u2019s ideological spectrum, from centrist Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS), have also rebuked the agreement that proponents counter is the solution to long-term peace.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a scathing rebuke, Wicker said Thursday that the agreement \u201cnegotiates away the victories\u201d over the last several months of war and that the $300 billion reconstruction fund, \u201cthough not funded by U.S. taxpayers, would make Iran\u2019s payoff under President Obama\u2019s 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Senate GOP criticizes Trump\u2019s Iran deal; Cruz takes a hawkish stance<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3108,"featured_media":2615962,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AP25345849989844.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[54491,77512,35795,32090,35343],"class_list":["post-2615961","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-2028-speculation","tag-iran-deal-2","tag-political-criticism","tag-ted-cruz","tag-u-s-politics"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AP25345849989844.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2615961","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3108"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2615961"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2615961\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2615965,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2615961\/revisions\/2615965"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2615962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2615961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2615961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2615961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}