Senator Ted Cruz has intensified his conflict with Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian official now working at Princeton, by calling for his deportation due to alleged pro-Iran allegiances. Cruz's remarks followed a public challenge from Mousavian to debate, as Cruz had urged Princeton to dismiss Mousavian over concerns about his impact on Jewish students and his past affiliations. Mousavian, who has been outspoken about promoting peace between Iran and the U.S., has a controversial history, including support for Hamas and Hezbollah and attending Qassem Soleimani's funeral. The debate invitation was part of Mousavian's response to Cruz's criticism, arguing for his work's focus on peaceful resolutions. Concerns about Mousavian's past roles, including his time as an ambassador during a period linked to the assassination of dissidents, have been raised by other Republican figures in letters to Princeton University.

Senator Ted Cruz has publicly called for the deportation of Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian diplomat now teaching at Princeton, due to his past affiliations and the discomfort reported by Jewish students at the university.

Mousavian has invited Cruz to a public debate to allow the public to judge the situation, emphasizing his academic work's focus on peace and stability between Iran and the United States.

Cruz's call for Mousavian's dismissal from Princeton was based on allegations of Mousavian's pro-Iranian stances, which Cruz argues pose a risk to students, especially given Mousavian's attendance at the funeral of Qassem Soleimani.

Mousavian, who previously served as Iran's ambassador to Germany, has been scrutinized for his support of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and his tenure has been questioned by Republican leaders who wrote to Princeton expressing their concerns.

Mousavian claims his work at Princeton focuses on peaceful resolutions to Middle Eastern conflicts, including avoiding war and promoting security, while also recounting his own forced departure from Iran after being arrested in 2007.

Top Republicans have questioned Princeton's decision to employ Mousavian, citing a past incident when a German court linked the Iranian embassy in Berlin to an assassination plot, raising concerns about his influence and background.

Cruz's comments reflect broader tensions about Mousavian's role, with political and historical implications due to his previous diplomatic positions and the U.S. government's stance on Iranian relations.