American journalist and right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson sharply criticized Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in a heated two-hour interview posted Wednesday. The fiery exchange focused on the Israeli lobby’s influence in American politics, the Russia-Ukraine war and potential military action against Iran.

Before the full interview aired, Carlson released a preview clip Tuesday night of the two conservatives battling it out over Cruz’s lack of knowledge on Iran.

 “How many people live in Iran, by the way?” Carlson asked, to which Cruz responded “I, I don’t know the population.”

Carlson then challenged the senator’s hawkish side, pointing out that he had earlier called for the overthrow of Iran’s government. 

“You’re a senator calling for the overthrow of the government, and you don’t know anything about Iran!?” Carlson exclaimed.

Iran is one of the most populous countries in the Middle East with 92 million people, Carlson noted.

Cruz responded defensively, saying “I don’t sit around memorizing population tables.”

A  longtime supporter of aggressive US foreign policy toward Iran, Cruz has been one of the most vocal advocates in Congress for supporting Israel in its current war with the Islamic Republic.

During the interview, he suggested the United States was already playing a direct role in the conflict.

“We are carrying out military strikes today,” Cruz said. When pressed by Carlson, he clarified that Israel is attacking Iran “with our help.”

Cruz’s remarks come as bipartisan lawmakers in Congress prepare to introduce a War Powers Resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s ability to unilaterally launch military strikes against Iran without congressional authorization.

Trump has repeatedly hinted at growing American involvement in the ongoing conflict through a series of social media posts in recent days.