Controversial Carlson Interview

 

In a provocative new interview, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sat down with American commentator Tucker Carlson, claiming that Israel—with backing from the United States—attempted to assassinate him. The accusation, aired without evidence, adds fuel to the already volatile relationship between Tehran, Washington, and Jerusalem.

The interview delved into Iran’s nuclear ambitions, U.S.-Iran diplomacy, and the regime’s worldview—but it was the platform itself that drew as much criticism as the content. Carlson’s decision to host Pezeshkian has ignited fierce backlash, especially from pro-Israel conservatives who once viewed Carlson as an ally.

Since his departure from Fox News, Carlson has increasingly distanced himself from traditional Republican orthodoxy, including on foreign policy. His perceived soft line on authoritarian regimes—from Russia to Iran—has alienated many in the GOP establishment, particularly those who view Israel as a vital U.S. ally.

To interview the president of Iran—at a time when Iran is actively funding terror proxies and refusing to halt its nuclear program—is seen by critics as lending legitimacy to a hostile regime. Carlson’s critics argue that he is veering into isolationist and even anti-Western territory, complicating his standing among Republicans and cementing his controversial status in the 2024 election discourse.