Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, American TV host Tucker Carlson has made a bold statement, warning that US involvement in the war could lead to the "end of the American empire." Speaking on June 16, 2025, on former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon's "War Room" show, Carlson expressed support for the US president, but stressed that involvement in the conflict with Iran would be a disaster for the country. He compared the situation to the presidency of George W. Bush, whose plans to solve the US's domestic problems were thwarted by the war in Iraq. According to Carlson, America is not ready for a large-scale military conflict, and a war could not only undermine the economy, but also end Trump's presidential term. In response, Trump called Carlson a "nutcase" on his social network Truth Social, stressing that Iran should under no circumstances have nuclear weapons.

Carlson's statement comes amid growing resistance in the US Congress to the country's possible involvement in the conflict. According to The Hill, Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie has announced the preparation of a bipartisan resolution that would prohibit the US from entering a war with Iran without Congressional approval. "This is not our war. But even if it were, the Constitution requires Congress to decide," Massie wrote on social media. His initiative was supported by both his fellow party members and Democrats, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who publicly expressed her agreement with Massie's position. The move reflects growing concerns among US lawmakers about the consequences of escalation in the Middle East.

The conflict between Israel and Iran, which began with Israel’s Operation Rising Lion on June 13, continues to escalate. According to Reuters, Israel has carried out more than 400 strikes on Iranian military targets, including the Natanz nuclear complex and Shahed drone depots, killing 520 people, according to the Tasnim news agency. Iran has responded with more than 900 missiles and drones fired at Israel, causing devastation in Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing 64 people, The Times of Israel reports. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a ninth wave of Operation True Promise 3, which includes drone and missile attacks before dawn on June 17.

The US, while not engaging in offensive operations, is supporting Israel with intelligence and air defense systems and has sent the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Mediterranean, Bloomberg reports. However, internal divisions in the US are growing.

Social media platforms, including the X platform, are actively discussing Carlson’s words and the position of Congress, highlighting the divisions in American society. The conflict, fueled by mutual attacks and political disagreements, threatens catastrophic consequences for the region and the global economy.