Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz

Episode: “A Message to the Iranian People: You can Change the World Right NOW, plus WHY it Matters so much for the Safety of Americans”
Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Senator Ted Cruz, Ben Ferguson
Podcast: Verdict with Ted Cruz

Overview of the Episode

This episode is a focused, urgent discussion on the civil unrest in Iran, its geopolitical and historical significance, and what a regime change could mean for both Iran and American national security. Senator Cruz directly addresses the Iranian people, encouraging their fight for freedom, while the hosts analyze how these developments connect to American interests, past U.S. policy, and the broader struggle against oppressive regimes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Current Crisis in Iran

• Nationwide Uprising & Blackout:
  • Over 1 million Iranians are rising up against the regime, with the government imposing blackouts—cutting off internet, phone lines, and TV access—while violently suppressing protests.
  • “It is a very real possibility. We will see the Iranian ayatollah, the mullahs, see that regime fall... That could happen this month, it could happen this week, it could happen in the next 24 hours.” — Ted Cruz (02:50)
• Historical Parallels:
  • 1979 Islamic Revolution cited as historic precedent for regime collapse and U.S. policy failures.
  • Ted Cruz draws links between the perceived weakness under Carter, Obama, and Biden, and greater aggression from “bad guys”:
    • “Jimmy Carter showed what happens...when the American president will not stand up for America...the bad guys get more aggressive and end up becoming stronger and American lives are lost.” — Ted Cruz (06:11)

2. Iran’s Export of Terror and Direct Threat to the U.S.

• Iran’s Support for Terror Groups:
  • Iran funds over 90% of Hamas and Hezbollah budgets and is responsible for the October 7 incident and attacks on U.S. troops.
    • “Iran in a very real sense funded October 7th. By the way, Joe Biden...flowed over $100 million to the Ayatollah and Iran.” — Ted Cruz (10:14)
• Targeting Americans:
  • IRGC’s assassination plots against President Trump.
  • Extensive U.S. casualties (593+) linked to Iranian weapons and tactics in Iraq/Afghanistan.
    • “Iran is responsible. The IRGC is responsible for a minimum of 593 murders of American servicemen and women.” — Ted Cruz (11:54)

3. Courage of Iranian Protestors & the Global Impact

• Protests as Acts of Extreme Bravery:
  • Powerful viral images and stories (e.g., woman lighting cigarette with burning Ayatollah photo, women burning veils in religious cities) spread at grave risk.
    • “That image, it reminds me of the man standing in front of the tank in Tiananmen Square...that kind of bold courage...” — Ted Cruz (18:38)
  • Dangers faced by protestors: “If this doesn't happen, these videos will come back to haunt them...they know they're risking their lives.” — Ben Ferguson (17:54)
• Message of Solidarity from the U.S.:
  • Senator Cruz delivers a direct message to Iranian listeners, emphasizing support and hope for freedom and peace.
    • “Now is your moment...Know that America is with you. Know that you are in my prayers. And know that Joe Biden is not in the White House anymore...Donald J. Trump is in the White House.” — Ted Cruz (13:49)
• Influence of Information and Technology:
  • Notable that even amidst blackouts, the Verdict podcast is being downloaded in Iran, partially thanks to Starlink’s open access.

4. How Iran’s Defeat and Regime Change Would Transform the World

• Crisis Induced by Military Defeat:
  • Iranian regime’s recent losses in the “12 Day War” with Israel seen as exposing vulnerabilities and shattering aura of invincibility.
    • “Iran completely and totally lost...And after losing...decisively, crushingly to Israel...the people say, ‘wait a second, these guys aren't nearly as powerful as we thought.’” — Ted Cruz (22:46)
  • U.S. military power underscored by President Trump’s order to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities without casualties.
• Altering the Geopolitical Landscape:
  • Parallels drawn to the fall of the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc, emphasizing how regime change can bring lasting peace and safety for the U.S.

5. Critique of American Media and Voices Used by the Iranian Regime

• Tucker Carlson Broadcast in Iran:
  • The Iranian regime is airing Tucker Carlson’s show in Persian to suppress internal dissent.
    • “The Islamic regime is choosing to play Tucker Carlson interviews because this is...Islamist propaganda...if I didn't do this, no one would believe this is literally what's...going on in occupied Iran right now.” — Islamic Regime Commentator (32:01)
  • Cruz calls for reflection from Tucker:
    • “What does it say to you that the Ayatollah Khamenei...views what you're saying as the propaganda he wants to use to suppress his people and to silence a revolution?” — Ted Cruz (32:35)

6. Debate on ‘Regime Change’ and American Foreign Policy

• Cruz’s America-First Approach:
  • Explains difference between supporting regime change (voice/diplomacy/inspiration) and military occupation.
    • “We should want regime change in Iran. Are there ways to promote regime change other than boots on the ground? Yes...” — Ted Cruz (39:30)
  • Opposes Iraq/Libya-style interventions, but promotes strong, vocal support for freedom.
• Historical Lessons:
  • Draws lessons from Reagan’s “evil empire” rhetoric and support to Soviet dissidents.
    • “Berlin Wall did not come down because Reagan ordered in the Marines... It was the power of the bully pulpit, of the voice for freedom, of the president.” — Ted Cruz (45:51)

7. Uncertainty After Regime Change, But Optimism for the Future

• Acknowledges Risks:
  • “If the Ayatollah is toppled, it doesn't mean tomorrow it’s suddenly utopia and peace and harmony. There could be real conflict.” — Ted Cruz (41:52)
  • But asserts nearly any outcome is preferable to continued theocratic tyranny.
• Parallels with Venezuela, Cuba, Soviet Union:
  • Links between events in Iran and developments in Venezuela and elsewhere, emphasizing broader anti-tyranny stance.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Iran’s Potential for Change:

• “Now is your moment. If you are standing up right now...know that America is with you. Know that you are in my prayers.” — Senator Ted Cruz (13:49)

On Regimes and Foreign Policy:

• “Tyrannies exist in large part by conveying the impression that they are unbeatable... ‘abandon hope all ye who enter here.’” — Senator Ted Cruz (22:46)
• “We should want regime change in Iran. And are there ways to promote regime change other than boots on the ground? Yes...” — Senator Ted Cruz (39:30)

On American Leadership:

• “Reagan's strategy on the Cold War... ‘We win, they lose.’...less than three years...the Berlin Wall was torn to the ground.” — Senator Ted Cruz (45:37)

On the Danger Protestors Face:

• “The people that are out there in the streets, they know that this is being recorded. And if it doesn't go well, they are risking their lives being put into jail or being one of the disappeared.” — Ben Ferguson (17:54)

On Tucker Carlson as Propaganda in Iran:

• “What does it say to you that the Ayatollah Khamenei...views what you're saying as the propaganda he wants to use to suppress his people...” — Senator Ted Cruz (32:35)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Beginning of Iran Discussion: 02:30
• Historical Lessons: 1979 Revolution & U.S. Policy: 05:41–09:59
• Iran’s Funding of Terrorism: 09:59–11:54
• U.S. Casualties Linked to Iran: 11:54–13:25
• Direct Message to Iranian People: 13:49–17:03
• Stories of Protestor Bravery: 17:03–18:38
• Iran’s Loss in “12 Day War”: 18:38–22:46
• Discussion of Regime Weakness and Hope: 22:46–24:47
• Media/Information—Tucker Carlson Segment: 31:45–35:59
• Debate on Regime Change/Foreign Policy: 35:59–40:27
• Uncertainty and Looking Ahead: 41:52–43:29
• Lessons from Reagan & Cold War: 43:29–46:45
• Closing Thoughts: 46:45–48:03

Structure and Tone

• The conversation is urgent, sometimes passionate, and frequently references historical parallels and personal stories for emotional weight.
• Senator Cruz combines policy analysis, clear moral statements, and direct appeals both to American listeners and to Iranians.
• The tone is deeply supportive of the Iranian protesters and highly critical of the current and former regimes in both Iran and the U.S. when perceived as weak.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as both a call to action and an analysis of a potentially world-changing event. The hosts stress the enormous stakes for Iranians and Americans alike, lifting up protestor courage, critiquing past and present foreign policy, and offering historical perspective on how freedom can prevail—even against seemingly invulnerable tyranny.