Political commentator Tucker Carlson said he was stunned to learn the United States had launched military operations against Iran, despite previously discussing the issue with President Donald Trump, who he said had consistently opposed such action.
Speaking in a Sky News video on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Carlson recalled that he had received a notification the previous evening indicating military operations were imminent. However, he convinced himself an attack would not happen, believing the U.S. would not begin military action during daylight hours.
“I checked the time in Tehran, and it was dawn or just after sunrise… I told myself there’s no way we would start a war during daylight hours,” Carlson said. “I woke up the next morning early when my wife informed me that we had entered Iran, and I was utterly shocked. I was in disbelief.”
Carlson compared his reaction to his experience before the Iraq War, when he similarly doubted an invasion would occur despite clear warning signs. He said his surprise stemmed from repeated conversations with Trump, during which the president had expressed opposition to going to war with Iran.
