Conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson has claimed that the Trump administration could launch a nuclear strike on Iran in just 'days'. The remarks come as Iran remains a major talking point ahead of the US midterm elections, which could see Donald Trump lose his Republican majority in Congress.
Carlson's Claims About Pickax Mountain
In a lengthy statement released on social media this weekend, Carlson claimed that Trump is facing pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who lost his majority party in recent elections. Carlson said the target would be Pickax Mountain in central Iran, where Israeli intelligence claims the Iranian government has restarted its nuclear enrichment program.
'No conventional weapon in the American arsenal can penetrate 300 feet of solid granite to destroy the tunnels where enrichment is supposedly taking place,' Carlson claimed. 'The only military option is a nuclear strike. Netanyahu has been pushing hard for one. "Bibi calls Trump about it every day," says an informed observer.'
Netanyahu's Political Position
Carlson pointed out that Netanyahu is 'cornered' and unable to form a government unless 'Trump intervenes directly in Israeli politics and brokers a deal with other parties'. He added: 'Otherwise, he is out as prime minister and on his way to ignominy, investigations and possibly jail. Netanyahu must stay close to Trump. He needs this war.'
Citing Russian sources, Carlson added that an American nuclear strike would allow Pakistan and India to attack each other, and North Korea to strike South Korea, beginning and ending World War Three – a 'short and final' war.
Earlier Statements and Reactions
Earlier this year, Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. But maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?'
In April, explosive claims said that Trump tried to use US nuclear weapons on Iran – but was stopped by a General. The chances of Trump using a nuclear weapon in Iran remain low, but Carlson's claims have sparked conversation online. Former MAGA ally Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote: 'This would be crimes against humanity. It must be stopped.'
