John Cusack’s recent comments advocating for Iran’s nuclear armament have escalated tensions in an already volatile Middle East conflict.
At a Glance
- Actor John Cusack stated that Iran “should get” a nuclear weapon to deter the U.S. and Israel.
- His comments came in the wake of a recent conflict that saw U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
- The remarks drew immediate and fierce condemnation, with the watchdog group StopAntisemitism labeling him “Antisemite of the Week.”
- Cusack has a long history of anti-war activism and criticism of U.S. foreign policy.
A Hollywood Actor’s Dangerous Suggestion
In a profoundly irresponsible statement, Hollywood actor John Cusack has advocated for the Islamic Republic of Iran—the world’s leading state sponsor of terror—to acquire nuclear weapons. In a social media post that has drawn widespread condemnation, Cusack made the shocking suggestion following a recent, tense military conflict in the Middle East.
“Iran will rush to get a nuclear weapon,” Cusack wrote, “and they should get one to stop the U.S. and Israel from bombing anyone they want in the region.”
In the Wake of a Middle East Conflict
Cusack’s comments came in the immediate aftermath of a tentative ceasefire that ended what has been dubbed the “12-Day War” between Israel and Iran. The conflict saw retaliatory strikes from both nations and culminated in a massive U.S.-led precision bombing campaign against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The Pentagon has stated that the strikes significantly set back Iran’s nuclear program by years. Cusack’s call for Iran to obtain the ultimate weapon as a deterrent is a direct reaction to this display of Western military force.
Widespread Condemnation
The backlash to Cusack’s remarks was swift and severe. The watchdog group StopAntisemitism, which monitors anti-Jewish rhetoric, named Cusack its “Antisemite of the Week” for his statement. As reported by Breitbart News, the group “unequivocally stands by its decision to spotlight John Cusack” for what it deems dangerous and hateful rhetoric.
Critics argue that advocating for a nuclear-armed Iran ignores the regime’s long history of threatening to “wipe Israel off the map” and its role in funding terror groups across the globe.
A History of Anti-War Activism
This latest controversy is consistent with Cusack’s long history of anti-war activism and his sharp criticism of U.S. foreign policy. He co-wrote and starred in the 2008 satirical film War, Inc., which took aim at war profiteering and American intervention in the Middle East.
At the time of the film’s release, Cusack told the HuffPost that he believed “the ever-expanding war machine is completely out of control.” While his anti-war stance is well-established, his latest comments advocating for nuclear proliferation for one of America’s staunchest adversaries have crossed a line for many, moving from anti-war critique to dangerous naivete.
