As tensions in the Middle East rise despite a tenuous ceasefire, actor John Cusack ignites a firestorm by arguing that Iran should develop nuclear weapons as a deterrent against the United States and Israel. His remarks came after President Trump declared an end to Israel and Iran’s “12-Day War” conflict. Iran’s nuclear program is said to have been set back years by the US’s precision strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. Iran and Israel have both charged one another with breaking the ceasefire.
Cusack’s Controversial Nuclear Stance
Hollywood actor John Cusack has sparked outrage by publicly stating that Iran should acquire nuclear weapons. Following recent military actions between Israel, Iran, and the United States, Cusack suggested that Iran would “rush to get a nuclear weapon” and added controversially that “they should get one” as a deterrent against what he characterized as American and Israeli aggression in the Middle East. His remarks come at a particularly sensitive time following President Donald Trump’s declaration of a ceasefire in what has been termed the “12-Day War” between Israel and Iran.
The comments represent an escalation in Cusack’s political activism, which has increasingly focused on Middle Eastern conflicts. His statement advocating for Iranian nuclear armament is particularly controversial given Iran’s long-standing hostility toward Israel and the United States, and the international efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation in the region. The actor’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from national security experts and political commentators who view such statements as potentially dangerous and inflammatory.
John Cusack says….." Iran will surely rush to get a nuclear weapon- and they should get one – it's the only way to deter US and Israel from bombing every country in Middle East". 🤨🤨🤨
WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO THIS LOSER? pic.twitter.com/dBL6zfk6Zc— Gary M (@gman5180) June 30, 2025
Military Strikes and Ceasefire Violations
Cusack’s comments followed significant military actions in the region. According to reports, the United States conducted “massive precision strikes” on three key Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. The operation at Fordow reportedly required a 15-ton Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, delivered by a B-2 Spirit bomber, indicating the hardened nature of the target. U.S. and Israeli officials have claimed these strikes substantially set back Iran’s nuclear program by “many years,” though Iran has disputed the extent of the damage.
Despite President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire, both sides have accused each other of violations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provided a timeline alleging that Iran launched missiles both before and after the ceasefire was implemented, resulting in Israeli casualties. In response to these purported violations, Israel reportedly destroyed a radar installation near Tehran. The ongoing tit-for-tat actions have cast doubt on the durability of the ceasefire and heightened concerns about further escalation in the region.
Actor John Cusack, known for his anti-Israel views, said Iran should have access to nuclear weapons to combat the United States and Israel, Fox News reported on Wednesday.
He said that roughly one week after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the military strikes on three… pic.twitter.com/vhuBxKAPRb
— Rita Rosenfeld (@rheytah) July 3, 2025
Cusack’s History of Controversial Middle East Commentary
This is not the first time Cusack has generated controversy with his comments on Middle Eastern politics. The actor was previously labeled “Antisemite of the Week” by the organization Stop Antisemitism for sharing posts that denied Hamas’s involvement in sexual assaults during the October 7 attack in Israel. He also reportedly characterized Hamas as a charitable organization and accused Israel of creating Hamas for its own purposes. Cusack has shared numerous posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
When confronted with the antisemitism accusations, Cusack dismissed them as “a list of lies” and suggested they were meant to distract attention from other issues. Stop Antisemitism stood by its decision, referencing Cusack’s 2019 apology for sharing content with antisemitic tropes. The actor has also shared content from controversial figures like Roger Waters, who has been accused of antisemitism and has refused to condemn the October 7 attacks despite available evidence, instead framing Hamas’s actions as resistance to occupation since 1967.