US Senator Ted Cruz told Iran International on Wednesday that the American people back ongoing protests in the country against theocratic rule and credited President Donald Trump for attacks on Iranian nuclear sites in June.
"I absolutely support the (Iranian) people. They’re rising up against a tyrannical regime, a regime that is theocratic, that is corrupt, that murders and tortures the Iranian people and the American people are cheering for the people of Iran to shake free this yoke of oppression, to have a free and democratic society," Cruz said.
The hawkish Texas lawmaker is close to Trump and is a strong backer of Israel and muscular US military stance in the Middle East.
Protests have roiled Iranian cities since December 28 and 34 demonstrators along with two members of the security forces have died according to US-based rights group HRANA.
Economic grievances sparked the unrest, which quickly transformed into anti-government rallies throughout the country.
"I think the people of Iran want to stand with America," Cruz added. "They want to stand with freedom. They want to stand with the West. And tragically, they have suffered under this radical Islamist regime."
"The Ayatollah is a zealot. He is He is a murderer, and I think the regime is fatally weakened as a consequence of losing the war. Not only did the Ayatollah lose the war," Cruz continued.
Israel launched a surprise military campaign against Iran in June which was capped off by US attacks on three key nuclear facilities. US President Donald Trump said the strikes "obliterated" Iran's atomic program.
"I will say President Trump showed bold leadership. Taking out the Iranian nuclear facilities, very few things would produce greater peace in Iran, across the world than seeing the end to this to radical regime."
Iranian authorities have said legitimate protest against economic hardships will be tolerated but what they have deemed riots will be put down. Iran has quashed with deadly force previous waves of unrest against authorities.
