First Quasi debate featuring Paul, Cruz and Rubio LIVE NOW 1/25/15 11:30pm ET

UPDATE WITH VIDEO CLIPS: Rand Paul sparred with fellow Republican hopefuls last night. Drawing some heat from the crowd, he separated himself from his more hawkish colleagues.

“I’m a big fan of trying the diplomatic option as long as we can…I do think diplomacy is better than war…what are we gonna do? Are you ready to send ground troops in Iran? Are you ready to bomb ’em? Are you ready to send 100,000 troops?

Ted Cruz countered,

“This is the worst negotiation in the history of mankind,” Cruz said, predicting an Iranian nuclear strike in “Tel Aviv, New York or Los Angeles.”

Face Off over Iran

A full transcript can be found here.

Rand Paul “Surrounded”

World News Videos | ABC World News

NOTE: ABC cut their live feed after 15 minutes because of an agreement with the venue.

WASHINGTON – Rand Paul is demonstrating how he could disrupt the Republican presidential field if he seeks the nomination, sparring with potential rivals over Iran, Cuba and the Pentagon’s budget in a face-to-face forum that offered an early preview of the feisty policy debate to come.

Each likely candidate has broad backing from tea party activists, who helped push them to victory over establishment-minded rivals in their most recent races. But a split is already starting to emerge even before they formally decide if they will run, and Paul seems to be an eager wedge.

“I’m a big fan of trying the diplomatic option as long as we can,” Paul said of talks with Iran over its nuclear plan. “I do think diplomacy is better than war.”

Lawmakers from both parties are pushing for a new round of sanctions against Iran. The White House and foreign leaders have urged Congress to not do that, for fear it would agitate Iran and prompt them to end negotiations over its nuclear abilities.

Cruz and Rubio were sharply critical of negotiations, backed by President Barack Obama.

“This is the worst negotiation in the history of mankind,” Cruz said, predicting an Iranian nuclear strike in “Tel Aviv, New York or Los Angeles.”

Added Rubio: “At this pace, in five years, we’re going to build the bomb for them.” More from FOX.

Short news clip:

In a few minutes,  Rand Paul, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will participate in a forum sponsored by the Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce in Palm Springs, Calif at 11:30 p.m. EST Sunday. It will be livestreamed on ABCNews.com and moderated by ABC’s White House correspondent, Jonathan Karl.