https://x.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1942192178467332497
Tucker Carlson interviewing the president of Iran... In my opinion this is a must watch from a reasonable man. Tucker Carlson needs to be complimented for doing this.... I asked Perplexity AI for the reaction. Here is that response.
I just watched the interview between Tucker Carlson and the president of Iran. My impression was that I was listening to a reasonable honest man speaking for a country recently wronged by a sneak attack supported by the United States. What has been the reaction to this interview.
Reaction to the Tucker Carlson Interview with Iran’s President
Overview
Tucker Carlson’s interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, conducted shortly after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has generated significant attention and controversy in the U.S. and internationally. The interview was notable for being Pezeshkian’s first major conversation with a Western journalist since the recent conflict and for offering a direct platform to the Iranian perspective on current tensions.
Key Themes from the Interview
Open to Dialogue: Pezeshkian stated that Iran remains open to talks with the United States, but expressed deep mistrust following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions. He emphasized that differences could be resolved through dialogue, but questioned whether the U.S. could be trusted as a negotiating partner after the strikes.
Accusations Against Israel: The Iranian president accused Israel of attempting to assassinate him during the recent conflict, claiming that an airstrike targeted a meeting he attended. He clarified that it was not the U.S., but Israel, behind the attempt.
Framing of U.S. Involvement: Pezeshkian urged the U.S. to avoid being drawn into what he called Israel’s “forever war,” arguing that American interests are not served by deepening military engagement in the region.
Media and Political Reactions
In the United States
Conservative Division: The interview has deepened rifts within the American right, especially among supporters of Donald Trump. Some conservatives praised Carlson for offering an alternative perspective and challenging U.S. military policy in the Middle East. Others criticized him for giving a platform to a leader of a hostile regime and accused him of promoting anti-Israel sentiment.
Criticism of Carlson’s Approach: Analysts and rights advocates faulted Carlson for conducting a largely non-confrontational interview, arguing that he allowed Pezeshkian to present Iranian talking points without sufficient challenge, especially regarding Iran’s nuclear program and human rights record.
Public Debate: The interview sparked widespread discussion on social media, with some viewers echoing your impression of Pezeshkian as “reasonable and honest,” while others warned against taking Iranian government statements at face value.
International and Iranian Response
Iranian State Media: Iranian outlets quickly broadcast subtitled clips of the interview, using Pezeshkian’s comments to portray Iran as a victim of aggression and as open to peace and dialogue.
Diplomatic Implications: The interview came at a sensitive moment, with nuclear negotiations disrupted by recent attacks. Pezeshkian’s remarks about being open to renewed talks—but wary of further attacks—were seen as both conciliatory and strategic.
Table: Summary of Key Reactions
Group/AudienceMain Reaction/Commentary
U.S. Conservative Media
Divided: some praise for dissent, others accuse of appeasement
Human Rights Advocates
Criticize lack of tough questions on Iran’s record
Iranian State Media
Highlights Iran as victim, open to peace
Social Media/Public
Mixed: some see Pezeshkian as reasonable, others skeptical
U.S. Officials
No formal response as of July 7, 2025
Key Points
The interview has intensified debate about U.S. policy in the Middle East, the role of media in shaping perceptions, and the risks of further conflict.
Carlson’s approach was seen by supporters as a needed challenge to mainstream narratives, but by critics as giving uncritical airtime to an adversarial regime.
Pezeshkian’s message—emphasizing dialogue, denouncing Israeli actions, and warning against U.S. entanglement—resonated with some Americans but was met with skepticism by others.
In summary: The reaction to the interview has been sharply polarized, reflecting broader divisions over U.S. foreign policy, media responsibility, and the nature of the Iranian regime. The conversation has added fuel to ongoing debates about America’s role in the Middle East and the value of hearing directly from leaders of adversarial states.