Neocon Dreams of Iran War Clash With Trump’s Envoy
Feud between conservative media figures exposes divisions over foreign policy.
As President Donald Trump navigates his second term, a schism is widening among conservative voices regarding U.S. foreign policy, notably concerning Iran. A public dispute between media personalities highlights these tensions.
Clash of Conservative Titans
the conflict ignited after Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, suggested that neoconservatives favor war as a primary solution. This remark drew sharp criticism from Mark Levin, who called the term “neocon” a pejorative for Jews.
Tucker Carlson questioned Levin’s reaction, expressing confusion over the anti-Semitism claim, especially as Witkoff is Jewish. The exchange escalated when Carlson accused Levin of lobbying for war with Iran during a White House visit.
Mark Levin was at the White house today,lobbying for war with Iran. To be clear, Levin has no plans to fight in this or any other war. He’s demanding that American troops do it. We need to stop iran from building nuclear weapons, he and likeminded ideologues in Washington are now arguing. They’re just weeks away.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because the same people have been making the same claim since at least the 1990s. It’s a lie. In fact, there is zero credible intelligence that suggests Iran is anywhere near building a bomb, or has plans to. None. Anyone who claims otherwise is ignorant or dishonest.
A ten paragraph essay followed, dismantling some of the usual arguments neoconservatives make to push for war with Iran, with Levin in particular to make his points.
on enrichment, Carlson observed, “[M]any Americans would die during a war with Iran. People like Mark Levin don’t seem to care about this. It’s not relevant to them. Instead they insist that Iran give up all uranium enrichment, nonetheless of its purpose. they no perfectly well that Iran will never accept that demand. They’ll fight first. and of course that’s the whole point of pushing for it: to box the Trump governance into a regime change war in Iran.”
The most crucial part of Tucker’s tweet is on enrichment. He doesn’t just issue a generic warning against war. He addresses the impasse of the talks: The neocon red line of zero enrichment.
At a crucial moment, Tucker wisely advises Trump to drop this deal-killing demand. Huge!
No war with Iran. The war in Iraq was the biggest foreign policy blunder of the 21st century. Americans – right and left – do not want more dumb wars.
Mark Levin is the last person who should be whispering in Trump’s ear at this stage of negotiations. I hope Vance and Gabbard are actively exerting a counter-influence.
The one thing that people like Mark Levin don’t want is a peaceful solution to the problem of iran, despite the obvious benefits to the United States. They denounce anyone who advocates for a deal as a traitor and a bigot. They tell us with a straight face that Long Island native Steve Witkoff is a secret tool of Islamic monarchies. They’ll say or do whatever it takes. They have no limits”
These are scary people. pray that Donald Trump ignores them.
Posted by Tucker Carlson on X
Carlson refuted the claim that Iran is close to developing nuclear weapons, labeling it a “lie”
and accusing those who promote it of being “ignorant or dishonest.”
Did you know?
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), while Iran continues some uranium enrichment activities, it is indeed still subject to ongoing monitoring and verification. IAEA Report 2024
Dismantling Neoconservative Arguments
Carlson argued that neoconservatives push for Iran to abandon all uranium enrichment, knowing that Iran will refuse, thus creating a pretext for war. He believes this strategy aims to trap the Trump administration into a regime change conflict.
Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute supported Carlson’s stance,emphasizing the importance of addressing the enrichment issue.He urged Trump to reconsider the demand for zero enrichment to facilitate a deal.
The most crucial part of Tucker’s tweet is on enrichment.He doesn’t just issue a generic warning against war. He addresses the impasse of the talks: The neocon red line of zero enrichment.
At a crucial moment, Tucker wisely advises Trump to drop this deal-killing demand. Huge!
Posted by Trita Parsi on X
Representative Ro Khanna and former Representative Matt Gaetz also shared Carlson’s post, signaling bipartisan agreement against military intervention in Iran.
No war with Iran. The war in Iraq was the biggest foreign policy blunder of the 21st century. Americans – right and left – do not want more dumb wars.
Posted by Ro Khanna on X
Andrew Day of The American Conservative cautioned against Levin’s influence on Trump, hoping that Vice President JD Vance and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who have historically opposed war with Iran, would exert a counter-influence.
Pro Tip:
Stay informed by following diverse voices and perspectives on foreign policy. Consider think tanks,independant journalists,and government reports to get a well-rounded view.
Carlson’s Closing Remarks
Carlson concluded by asserting that figures like Levin oppose peaceful resolutions with Iran and resort to extreme measures to undermine those who advocate for diplomacy. He described such individuals as “scary people”
and urged Trump to disregard thier advice.
With over 5.4 million views, Carlson’s post reflects a meaningful shift in conservative media, where anti-war voices are gaining prominence, challenging the long-standing neoconservative foreign policy views promoted by figures like Mark Levin.
