Overview

• On June 28, actor John Cusack posted on X that Iran “should get” a nuclear weapon to deter U.S. and Israeli military actions.
• Cusack framed his stance as “anti-war” and described it as “pro-troops and pro-human” to justify his nuclear deterrence argument.
• Major outlets reported his remarks on July 1, highlighting sharply divided reactions from across the political spectrum.
• Critics warned that endorsing Iranian nuclear acquisition risks fueling a Middle East arms race and weakening diplomatic restraint.
• No immediate policy shifts have occurred but the episode has intensified debate over celebrity influence on foreign policy.