Tucker Carlson set to air controversial interview with Iranian president

In early July 2025, American journalist Tucker Carlson announced an upcoming interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Carlson, previously known for his Fox News program, is now hosting his own podcast, which he launched in 2024. He shared a promotional video on his social media account, indicating that he expected the episode to air soon, specifically on a Sunday or Monday. The interview was conducted remotely and was described as ‘awkward’ due to reliance on a translator. Carlson framed the interview as a way to offer insights into Pezeshkian's perspective, while stating that he chose to ask basic questions to avoid misleading answers. For instance, he inquired about Pezeshkian’s goals regarding conflict with the U.S. and Israel. Nevertheless, he refrained from specific inquiries about the Iranian nuclear program, suggesting his awareness of the Iranian leader's tendency to provide dishonest responses. Carlson faced criticism for this interview, prompting him to defend his actions by highlighting the importance of providing the American public with diverse viewpoints. He noted the necessity of questioning narratives presented by official sources, acknowledging the audience's skepticism regarding the president's claims. Carlson expressed concern about the influence of certain factions within the Republican Party that he believes are advocating for military action against Iran, urging that American citizens should be critical of such pushes for conflict. In his ongoing effort to broaden discourse, he has also sought interviews with other leaders, having recently attempted to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the third time.