Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson alleges that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring the Trump administration to launch a nuclear strike on an Iranian site.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Conservative US commentator Tucker Carlson has claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring Donald Trump to launch a nuclear strike on an Iranian site at Pickaxe Mountain.
In a post on X, Carlson wrote, "Under pressure from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Trump administration may be within days of launching a nuclear strike on Iran."
Carlson cited an "informed observer" who stated, "Bibi calls Trump about it every day."
Carlson claimed that Pickaxe Mountain in central Iran is a target because "no conventional weapon in the American arsenal can penetrate 300 feet of solid granite to destroy the tunnels where enrichment is supposedly taking place. The only military option is a nuclear strike."
Carlson suggested that Netanyahu's push for war is linked to his political survival following recent Israeli elections. Carlson wrote, "Netanyahu is cornered and desperate… Netanyahu must stay close to Trump. He needs this war."
The US and Israel have not confirmed that a strike is being considered. A White House official stated that the administration "keeps all options open to stop Iran from getting the bomb," but did not mention nuclear arms and would not discuss military plans.
Trump has previously ruled out using nuclear weapons in Iran. In a 16 October interview with Newsmax, he stated he "wouldn’t use nuclear" and that Washington doesn’t "have to."
Regarding Pickaxe Mountain, Trump told reporters on a Saturday that the U.S. still had to "take care" of one or two Iranian nuclear sites, though he did not provide further details on the specific site.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Qatari mediators met Iranian officials for a third consecutive day to discuss diplomacy. "We are making every effort in this regard and hope that the other side will demonstrate enough rationality to choose diplomacy over other paths," Araghchi said.
According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration has told several Gulf allies to prepare for a round of strikes potentially as soon as 4 November.
Research by the Pew Research Center in October found that 65 per cent of Americans disapprove of how Trump has handled military action in Iran, while 33 per cent approve. The cost of the US war in Iran was estimated at $47.1 billion as of mid-October.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
PoliticsTrending
Voters head to the polls for the 2026 midterm elections, which will determine the makeup of the Senate and House of Representatives.
President Trump stated he is willing to issue 'preemptive' pardons to allies, including Elon Musk, if the Democratic Party launches investigations following the midterm elections.
