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EXCLUSIVE – Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, has urged Princeton University to take decisive action against a former Iranian official employed at the institution. This follows rising concerns about student safety amidst a surge of antisemitism on campus.
Seyed Hossein Mousavian, who previously held a high-ranking position in Iran’s regime and now serves as a specialist in Middle East security and nuclear policy at Princeton, faces intense scrutiny. Congressional representatives, university students, and experts on antisemitism have recently pressed Princeton to reevaluate Mousavian’s role.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Cruz highlighted the implications of Mousavian’s background, stating, “His connections to the Iranian regime and its history of terrorism incite justified fears for student safety. Princeton chooses to retain him, which suggests a greater allegiance to pro-regime narratives and anti-American sentiments than to the well-being of its students. This ideological bias prompts questions concerning the university’s federal funding status under the Trump administration’s review.”
Mousavian’s past involvement with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah has raised alarms. In 2020, he attended the funeral of Qassem Soleimani, a notorious general implicated in the deaths of American personnel. The events surrounding Soleimani’s assassination by a U.S. drone strike reflect deep geopolitical tensions and resonate with ongoing debates about American foreign policy.
Critics point to Mousavian’s support for organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah as evidence of his problematic affiliations. He has notably refrained from condemning Iran’s fatwa against British-American writer Salman Rushdie, which many see as an endorsement of violence against dissent. Historical context shows that Hezbollah was responsible for the 1983 Beirut bombing that killed numerous U.S. military personnel, amplifying concerns over Mousavian’s ties.
Maximillian Meyer, president of Princeton Tigers for Israel and a current student, commended Cruz for voicing concerns regarding Mousavian’s employment. Meyer stated, “Mousavian has a history defined by advocating for one of the world’s leading state sponsors of terrorism. Reports regarding his involvement in overseeing the assassination of dissidents in Europe are profoundly alarming.”
Fox News Digital previously reported that the House Committee on Education and the Workforce initiated an investigation into Mousavian as concerns mount over his influence and the implications for student safety. During his time as Iran’s ambassador to Germany, Mousavian was allegedly connected to a series of murders against dissidents, raising significant legal and ethical questions.
Despite these accusations, Mousavian has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He has characterized the allegations as falsehoods, asserting that judicial findings do not implicate him in any crimes and that he has frequently visited Germany without issue.
Nevertheless, testimonies from former Iranian intelligence officials cast doubt on his claims, suggesting that Mousavian may be complicit in the Iranian regime’s criminal activities.
Critics argue Mousavian’s tenure at Princeton is indicative of a broader malaise within elite academic institutions. Meyer remarked, “Anyone associated with the repressive Iranian regime represents a potential threat to American national security. His continued presence at Princeton reflects anti-American ideologies that have taken root in so-called elite universities.”
Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber has faced backlash over his handling of this situation. He recently criticized the use of antisemitic language during campus protests but has remained silent regarding Mousavian’s role. Following a protest that disrupted an event featuring ex-Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Eisgruber expressed his dismay over the incidents but has yet to take public action concerning Mousavian.
As antisemitic incidents increase, leading Jewish figures and organizations question why Houdavian, whose online presence shows hostility toward Israel, continues to hold a position at Princeton. His social media indicates a pattern of comparing Israel to Nazi Germany, a stance that fits into the category of modern antisemitism as defined by leading advocacy groups.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, urged Eisgruber to reassess Mousavian’s association with Princeton amid escalating antisemitism. His statement called on the university president to clarify why Mousavian remains at the university during a time when antisemitic sentiments are becoming pervasive.
The ramifications of Eisgruber’s decisions extend beyond mere employment; they prompt serious moral inquiries about the direction of the university. Cooper emphasized that Eisgruber owes it to the Jewish community and to Iranian dissidents to address the unsettling atmosphere fostered by Mousavian’s continued employment.
The university has stated it will not obstruct investigations into Mousavian’s alleged ties to violent acts. Calls for transparency regarding his academic qualifications have also surfaced. Questions about the authenticity of his PhD degree from the University of Kent remain unresolved, with both institutions facing requests for documentation.
Former Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman did not respond to inquiries about her vetting process for Mousavian during his hiring period, raising further doubts about the decision-making practices of the university’s administration.
The debate surrounding Mousavian serves as a microcosm of broader cultural and ideological battles within American institutions. Voices from across the political spectrum express their concerns, emphasizing the need for accountability and a recommitment to safeguarding student safety against harmful ideologies.
As this situation unfolds, the impact on Princeton’s reputation and the future of academic discourse remains to be seen. Ongoing calls for action highlight the tension between academic freedom and the responsibility of institutions to uphold a safe environment for all students.
This situation presents key questions regarding the balance of academic inquiry and ethical accountability. Institutions like Princeton must navigate these challenges while ensuring they maintain their commitments to diversity and safety within their academic communities.
In an era marked by rising intolerance, Princeton stands at a crossroads, where its choices now could define its legacy for future generations. Upholding a commitment to both scholarly advancement and the integrity of its educational environment will be crucial moving forward.
