Tensions have risen sharply within the conservative media landscape as Tucker Carlson, the host known for his anti-war stance, openly criticizes his former Fox News colleague Mark Levin for actively opposing President Donald Trump's diplomatic initiatives towards Iran. The discord came to light as Levin, during a White House meeting with Trump and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, expressed strong disapproval of any potential agreement with the Islamic Republic.
The quarrel unfolded publicly when Carlson took to Twitter on June 5, 2025, accusing Levin of lobbying for war. "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," he tweeted. Carlson's comments reflect a broader concern over the risks of military engagement in the Middle East, a topic that has long polarized political commentators and policymakers.
This exchange has brought to the fore the ideological cleavages within conservative media circles, especially regarding the United States' foreign policy approach in the Middle East. Levin's hawkish perspective has been a staple on his Fox show, where he has openly criticized the Trump administration's attempts to negotiate with Iran, focusing particularly on the nuclear threat posed by Tehran. In response to Carlson's criticisms, Levin dismissed the coverage of his White House visit as mainstream media propaganda and defended his position on Iran policy, emphasizing his close relationship with President Trump.
Adding fuel to the fire, Levin accused certain conservative factions, presumably including Carlson, of leaking details about his visit in an attempt to sabotage Trump's diplomatic efforts. "I know who the leakers are," Levin declared. "It’s the isolationists who are doing it… they’re making his job 1,000 times more difficult."
The dispute took an even more sensitive turn with Levin's reaction to the term "neoconservative." In a response that highlighted the complex intersection of political labels and ethnic identities, Levin, who is Jewish, labeled the term a veiled antisemitic insult. This accusation was countered by Carlson, who spoke to the Daily Mail, refuting any antisemitic undertones and praising Witkoff's peace-oriented approach.
Levin escalated the confrontation on his radio show, labeling Carlson a "schmuck" for the public critique and insisting on the political origins of the "neoconservative" label, citing its association with former left-wing Democrats.
This back-and-forth comes amidst a backdrop of skepticism from other conservative outlets, such as the New York Post, regarding Iran's intentions in nuclear negotiations. The public disagreement between Carlson and Levin underscores the ongoing debate over Trump's Middle East policy and, more broadly, the United States' role in international affairs.
