Tucker Carlson Alleges Netanyahu Is Urging Trump to Consider Nuclear Strike on Iran

US political commentator Tucker Carlson has claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring US President Donald Trump to authorise a nuclear strike against Iran, warning that Washington could make a decision within days. The allegation has attracted attention amid renewed discussions about possible military action against Tehran and ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

In a lengthy post on social media platform X on Monday, November 2, Carlson identified an underground Iranian nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain, in central Iran, as the possible target. He claimed that Israeli intelligence believes Tehran has resumed uranium enrichment activities at the site.

However, Carlson did not provide independently verifiable evidence that Netanyahu had requested a nuclear attack or that the Trump administration was preparing to use nuclear weapons. Neither US nor Israeli officials have publicly confirmed the allegation.

Carlson Claims Netanyahu Is Pressuring Washington

Carlson alleged that Netanyahu has been repeatedly urging Trump to approve an attack on the underground facility. He quoted an unnamed source as saying, "Bibi calls Trump about it every day."

The commentator argued that the facility is protected by approximately 300 feet of solid granite, making it difficult to destroy using conventional American weapons. He claimed that a nuclear strike could therefore be considered as a military option.

Carlson also alleged that several senior US officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper, favour renewed military action against Iran. He further claimed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe were aligned with Netanyahu's position.

These assertions remain unverified, and Carlson did not provide supporting evidence for the alleged discussions within the US administration.

Netanyahu's Political Position and the Iran Conflict

Carlson linked the alleged pressure for military action to Netanyahu's political position following Israel's recent election. He argued that the Israeli prime minister could face difficulties forming a stable government and would need continued support from Trump.

According to Carlson, Netanyahu has an interest in keeping the conflict with Iran going because of the political consequences he could face if he loses office. He also alleged that the Israeli leader could face investigations and possible legal consequences after leaving power.

Carlson further claimed that Netanyahu had travelled secretly to Abu Dhabi on September 27 to seek the United Arab Emirates' support for another military operation against Iran. He said the UAE declined to support the proposal. These claims have not been independently established.

Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Possible Military Action

The allegations come amid reports of differences between Trump and Netanyahu over the timing of further military operations against Iran.

According to an Axios report cited by the Times of India, the two leaders spoke by telephone on Saturday, November 1, discussing Washington's negotiations with Tehran and the possibility of resuming military action.

The report said Netanyahu was pressing for fresh strikes after the US midterm elections on November 3, while Trump preferred to allow diplomatic efforts to continue. An Israeli source described the conversation as "tough", while an American source characterised it as "direct".

Trump later described the conversation as a "very good talk" and confirmed that Iran was among the subjects discussed. He did not publicly disclose the details of the discussion.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the White House declined to comment on the reported conversation, according to the coverage.

Trump Says Nuclear Weapons Are Not Necessary

Despite Carlson's claims, separate reporting by Moneycontrol noted that Trump had previously ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran, saying that the United States did not need to resort to them.

Trump has nevertheless indicated that Washington could consider further conventional strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Referring to Pickaxe Mountain, he reportedly said that the United States had plans to deal with the site and could act quickly.

The distinction is significant because discussions about renewed conventional military operations do not establish that the administration is considering nuclear weapons. No publicly confirmed decision to authorise a nuclear strike has emerged.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue Through Qatar

While speculation about further military action continues, diplomatic efforts to restart negotiations between Washington and Tehran are also underway.

Qatari mediators have been holding discussions with Iranian officials in an effort to facilitate an agreement and bring the two sides back to direct negotiations. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that progress depends on Washington responding to Tehran's questions.

US Vice President JD Vance has also reportedly sent a letter to Iran's national security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, concerning the possibility of restarting negotiations.

Carlson claimed that Trump was listening to officials including Vance and US envoy Steve Witkoff, whom he described as favouring a negotiated settlement. He urged the administration to continue pursuing diplomacy rather than escalate the conflict.

Concerns Over Regional and Global Consequences

Carlson warned that a further escalation could have serious consequences for the Gulf region and the global economy. He pointed to damage to oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions to energy and fertiliser markets.

He also argued that using a nuclear weapon against Iran could establish a dangerous precedent for other countries and increase the risk of wider nuclear escalation. His post included warnings about possible radioactive contamination of the Persian Gulf, although the specific consequences he described were not independently verified.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for international energy shipments. Any renewed confrontation involving Iran could create further risks for commercial shipping, energy infrastructure and regional economies.

For now, Carlson's claims about Netanyahu pushing Trump towards a nuclear strike remain unsubstantiated. Although Washington and Jerusalem are reportedly discussing the possibility of renewed military operations, diplomatic negotiations are continuing, and no public confirmation has emerged that the United States is preparing to use nuclear weapons against Iran.