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.

The viral interview comes as the U.S. stands on the precipice of direct engagement in another major conflagration in the Middle East.

Right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson clashed with Ted Cruz in an interview and posted a clip Tuesday night where the senator was unable to answer questions about Iran."How many people live in Iran,