Ted Cruz Intensifies Criticism of Princeton Professor with Ties to Former Iranian Regime

Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz has escalated his verbal confrontation with a former Iranian official now serving as a faculty member at Princeton University. This conflict arises amid increasing global tensions and reports that the professor is making Jewish students uncomfortable on campus.

Cruz made his stance clear on social media, expressing his reluctance to associate with individuals linked to Iranian terrorists. He responded to a lengthy post by Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian ambassador to Germany, stating, “I try not to be in the room with people linked to Iranian terrorists who have murdered dozens of dissidents.” Cruz’s sharp rebuttal highlighted concerns over Mousavian’s influence at Princeton.

In a provocative exchange, Cruz claimed, “Your books are unreadable, and the only debate you should be having is with DHS agents, at the end of which you should be deported.” This remark was part of a broader reaction to Mousavian’s defense of his role at Princeton, where he specializes in Middle East security and nuclear policy.

Mousavian, who previously served as a spokesman for Iran during nuclear negotiations in the 2000s, responded to Cruz’s comments on social media, inviting the senator to engage in a public debate. He argued that the American public should be allowed to assess the facts regarding his work and perspectives. Mousavian wrote, “If you do not accept this offer, I ask you to read some of the books and articles I have written over my 15 years of academic work at Princeton University.”

The former ambassador insisted that his written work emphasizes the importance of establishing peace between Iran and the United States. He advocated for a peaceful resolution to Iran’s nuclear crisis based on the Non-Proliferation Treaty, urging the avoidance of further American military engagements in the Middle East. Mousavian’s scholarship, he claims, aims to promote stability and security in the Persian Gulf while advocating for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.

Calls for Action from Cruz

Amid this escalating feud, Cruz has publicly called for Princeton to take action against Mousavian. He voiced concerns about the implications of the professor’s views for the safety of Jewish students on campus. In his remarks, Cruz highlighted the need for educational institutions to scrutinize the backgrounds of their faculty members, especially those with connections to contentious political regimes.

Mousavian’s Controversial Past

Mousavian’s history adds another layer to this ongoing controversy. He was arrested by Iranian authorities in 2007 and forced to leave the country in 2009. His past affiliations with controversial groups have raised eyebrows among some legislators and constituents. For instance, Mousavian has expressed support for groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah and attended the funeral of Qassem Soleimani, a high-ranking commander killed in a U.S. airstrike during President Donald Trump’s administration.

Legislative Concerns and Backlash

The debate surrounding Mousavian’s position at Princeton is not isolated to Cruz’s remarks. In 2023, several high-profile Republicans, including House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and Florida’s now-DOGE Chairman Aaron Bean, sent a letter to Princeton addressing concerns regarding Mousavian’s academic position. The letter underscored Mousavian’s past as Berlin’s ambassador and questioned whether Princeton consulted U.S. government officials before hiring him, given his controversial roles in the Iranian government.

The letter stated, “Did Princeton consult with U.S. government officials regarding the hiring of Mousavian?” This inquiry reflects a growing unease among policymakers about the implications of having individuals associated with a regime known for its history of human rights violations and terrorism in positions of influence within American educational institutions.

Responses from Princeton and the Community

Fox News Digital reached out for comments from Cruz, Mousavian, and Princeton University regarding this contentious issue. So far, responses from these parties have been limited, but the situation continues to draw reactions from both sides of the political spectrum.

Cruz further elaborated on his views during a recent episode of his podcast, where he reiterated concerns about Mousavian’s influence on students and the potential risks to Jewish students at the university. The podcast serves as a platform for Cruz to communicate directly with his supporters and express his perspectives unfiltered.

A University in the Spotlight

This conflict raises critical questions about academic freedom and the responsibilities of universities to ensure a safe environment for all students. As the dialogue progresses, critics argue that academic institutions must strike a balance between promoting diverse viewpoints and safeguarding the well-being of their student communities.

The tension between Cruz and Mousavian encapsulates a broader national conversation about free speech, the influence of foreign-affiliated scholars, and the responsibilities of educational institutions in a globalized world. As this intriguing story unfolds, the implications for both Princeton University and broader discussions on academic integrity remain significant.

As this article demonstrates, the unfolding situation at Princeton not only highlights the clash between political ideologies but also the varying perceptions of safety and representation in academic settings. The complexity of these issues requires continued dialogue and careful examination as students navigate their educational journeys.