Washington, DC: American political commentator Tucker Carlson has made a startling claim that the administration of President Donald Trump could be days away from authorising a nuclear strike against Iran, alleging that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing Washington to launch an attack on a heavily fortified underground nuclear facility.
In a lengthy post on X on Sunday (local time), Carlson identified Pickaxe Mountain in central Iran as the alleged target, claiming that Israeli intelligence believes Tehran has resumed its uranium enrichment programme at the site.
Carlson alleged that conventional American weapons would be incapable of penetrating the mountain’s extensive underground infrastructure and claimed that a nuclear weapon was being considered as the only military option.
He further suggested that Trump could make a decision on whether to authorise such an attack by November 7, raising fears of a potentially catastrophic escalation in the eight-month-long conflict.
However, Carlson’s claims have not been independently verified, and there is no publicly confirmed evidence that the Trump administration is preparing to use nuclear weapons against Iran.
What has the Trump administration said?
There has been no direct response from the White House to Tucker Carlson’s latest post alleging that the Trump administration could be preparing for a nuclear strike against Iran.
However, the administration has previously addressed speculation surrounding a possible military escalation. On October 29, a White House official told Voice of America that Trump was keeping “all options on the table” to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. The official declined to comment on reports of potential military operations, saying the administration does not discuss sensitive military plans.
Trump had also explicitly ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran in an October 16 interview with Newsmax, saying, “I wouldn’t use nuclear. We don’t have to.”
Carlson alleges Netanyahu pushing for escalation
In his post, Carlson alleged that Netanyahu has been pressing Trump to authorise a decisive military operation against Iran, claiming the Israeli prime minister has been making repeated calls to the US president.
He further linked Netanyahu’s alleged push for military escalation to his political difficulties at home, suggesting that the Israeli leader needs continued support from Washington to remain in power.
Carlson also claimed that senior figures within the Trump administration, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper, favour renewed military operations rather than a negotiated settlement.
However, he provided no publicly verifiable evidence to substantiate these allegations.
Carlson further warned that a nuclear strike could trigger a wider international crisis, with potentially devastating consequences for the Middle East and global security.
US-Iran negotiations continue in Doha
Carlson’s warning comes as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue through Qatari mediation.
Iranian negotiators and Qatari mediators held a third consecutive day of discussions in Doha on Sunday, November 1, seeking a framework to end the US-Israeli war.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said consultations were progressing but acknowledged that no final agreement had been reached.
The discussions reportedly include a proposal to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within two days of a potential agreement with Washington.
Trump has said the US would not launch fresh attacks against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, although he has not ruled out military action afterwards.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said that Trump had not made a decision on whether to resume strikes, adding that the president would prefer a diplomatic resolution.
Iran, meanwhile, has warned that any renewed attacks could invite retaliation against American and Israeli targets across neighbouring countries.
While Carlson’s post has raised alarm over the possibility of an unprecedented escalation, the available public statements from Washington point to continued military uncertainty alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts.
