Tucker Carlson raised the possibility of a nuclear strike on Iran, alleging Benjamin Netanyahu pressured Donald Trump to consider the move. The former Fox News host warned Trump could decide within days, escalating tensions.
Carlson, 57, made the claims on Sunday, Nov. 1. He predicted a decision by Nov. 7 and warned a nuclear attack could trigger catastrophe.
Tucker Carlson alleges Benjamin Netanyahu is urging Donald Trump to consider a nuclear strike on Iran
In a lengthy X post, Carlson cited an unnamed “informed observer” who claimed Netanyahu needed conflict to remain in power. Carlson argued the prime minister could not form a government without Trump brokering support from other parties. He said Netanyahu needed 61 Knesset seats or faced investigations and possible jail.
Carlson alleged Netanyahu lobbied Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper for a nuclear plan. However, he claimed Trump hesitated, listening to Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff. Both reportedly favored negotiating a deal with Iran.
He identified Pickax Mountain as the proposed target, claiming Israeli intelligence believed Iran had restarted nuclear enrichment there. He warned a ground explosion could contaminate the Persian Gulf and poison drinking water for 100 million people.
Carlson also claimed Russia had told at least two governments that a U.S. nuclear strike would free it to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. He suggested Pakistan and India could target each other, while North Korea could attack Seoul. “After the first nuclear strike, World War Three is inevitable,” he wrote. “That war would be short and final.”
Carlson added, “To his credit, he’s hesitating.” He urged the public to speak up: “Now would be the time for them to speak up.” The claims drew skepticism. No other news organization had corroborated his reporting, and Carlson had warned about an imminent strike for months. He had become a vocal critic of Trump’s support for Israel.
Some observers connected the post to the Nov. 3 midterms. Others speculated Carlson echoed Sen. Chris Murphy’s warning about “insane” U.S. war plans, made two days before Murphy suffered a stroke.
