Alastair Crooke: Next US-Israeli Attack NUKES Iran? Tucker Carlson Exposes Their Plan

Summary

Danny Haiphong interviews former British diplomat and geopolitical analyst Alastair Crooke about claims that the United States and Israel may escalate against Iran. Crooke’s central theme is uncertainty: he says the situation is shaped by political maneuvering, competing accounts, and decisions that may depend heavily on President Trump’s response to election results.

Israeli politics and Netanyahu’s incentives

Crooke argues that Netanyahu’s weaker-than-expected election performance leaves government formation unsettled. He suggests Netanyahu could seek a unity government and press Trump to act against Iran, potentially using a crisis to rally political rivals.

According to Crooke’s account of Israeli security officials’ views, there is no immediate need for war and no evidence of a sudden Iranian move toward nuclear weapons.

Possible US action

Haiphong raises Tucker Carlson’s claim that Netanyahu is urging Trump to use a nuclear weapon against Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain facility. Crooke treats the claim as unverified and questions the military logic. In his assessment, even a powerful nuclear bomb might not reach a deeply buried installation in hard rock, while still causing immense destruction and escalating the conflict.

Crooke also discusses a possible seizure of Kharg Island, arguing that the limited US forces described would face serious logistical and military obstacles. These are presented as possibilities, not confirmed plans.

Domestic politics and messaging

Crooke speculates that poor election results could affect Trump’s decisions, while stressing that the administration’s intentions are unclear. He suggests that claims of regional success—including assertions about oil flows and military operations—may serve political purposes and obscure the situation on the ground.

Risks of distorted analysis

Drawing on past conflicts, Crooke warns that intelligence and policy circles can become invested in a preferred narrative and suppress inconvenient assessments. He argues that US officials may mistake Iran’s willingness to negotiate for an indication that greater pressure will force concessions. According to the interview, Iran’s stated position is that specific preconditions must be met first.

Diplomacy and mediation

Crooke cautions against relying too heavily on reports of imminent talks or a quick agreement. He says intermediaries can misrepresent positions to both sides, and that issues such as ceasefire terms, Lebanon, and control of the Strait of Hormuz would require detailed negotiation.

Israel’s direction

Crooke describes Israel as politically divided and fatigued by prolonged conflict, while saying the electorate is moving further to the right. He expects hard-line policies toward Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, Syria, and Iran to continue, regardless of who forms the next government. He also argues that religious and messianic ideas have become more influential, particularly among younger Israelis.

Presenters and contributor

• Danny Haiphong — Presenter and interviewer
• Alastair Crooke — Guest analyst