Conservative podcast host Tucker Carlson flamed U.S. Senator Ted Cruz in a Wednesday interview over Cruz's apparent limited knowledge of Iran amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The tense back-and-forth between the two men began when Carlson asked Cruz what the population of Iran was—prompting an awkward pause and no clear answer.

In an interview that highlighted a rift on the far right over the role of the United States in confronting Iran, the host confronted the senator over his hawkish stance, suggesting he was ill-informed.