US President Joe Biden has been blasted by Texas Senator Ted Cruz, over his relations with Iran amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
On Wednesday, the Biden administration granted Iraq a new four-month waiver, enabling the release of billions of dollars to Iran.
The latest decision from Biden would unfreeze an estimated $10 billion that Iraq owes Iran, but cannot pay due to current US sanctions.
A State Department official told media that the agreement "isn’t a free pass for all the money to move".
Senator Ted Cruz said Biden 'shouldn't give money to terrorists that want to kill us'
HBO
Following Joe Biden's visit to Israel, the US President issued his support for the country in a statement claiming "you are not alone".
Biden added: "We are going to make sure you have what you need to protect your people, to defend your nation."
Appearing on Real Time With Bill Maher, Senator Ted Cruz hit out at Joe Biden's stance amid the conflict and claimed he had "direct responsibility" in the war, which began on October 7.
Cruz stated: "Let me give you one reason why. Joe Biden is responsible for $100 billion going to the Ayatollah."
Cruz continued: "He made a decision to do that, and Iran funds Hamas, the Wall Street Journal reported it in September.
"They brought Hamas terrorists to Iran and trained them in Iran to carry out the attack.
"And I start from a really simple principle. Don't give money to terrorists who want to kill us. And unfortunately the Democrat Party's on the other side of it."
Bill Maher appeared to disagree with Cruz's comments, arguing "it's more complicated than that."
Joe Biden has been criticised for approving a new waiver with Iraq to give money to Iran
Reuters
Cruz hit back at Maher, explaining: "No, I actually don't think it is. When when the Ayatollah chants death to America and death to Israel, I believe him."
Maher replied: "But what's the complicated part is what I was saying. The people of Iran is different than the regime."
Cruz fought back: "But he didn't give the money to the people. He gave the money to the Ayatollah. The person he's giving it to is the one who has pledged he wants to murder as many Jews and as many Americans as possible.
"Obama gave him $100 billion. Biden gave him $100 billion, and that was catastrophically foolish."
Maher said in response: "All right. I'm against that."