Geopolitics

Macgregor predicts Israel may consider a 5–10 kiloton nuclear strike on Iran

Mario Nawfal Interviews · Israel May Use a NUCLEAR WEAPON on Iran - Col. Macgregor · July 25, 2026

Mario Nawfal Interviews

Israel May Use a NUCLEAR WEAPON on Iran - Col. Macgregor

"the only way that we can respond and make any difference is to use at least a nuclear weapon, whether it's 5 kiloton or 10 kiloton, whatever it is, and against a specific target. Now, what would that target be? I don't know. I mean, they can pick cities."

Retired US Army colonel Douglas Macgregor argues that, if Israel believes it cannot achieve its aims in Iran through conventional means, it may be tempted to use a low-yield nuclear weapon against what he describes as a “specific target”. He adds that he does not know what target would be chosen and suggests cities could be at risk as military targeting “fails or doesn't turn out” to produce the desired result.

About this episode

In this short interview, retired US Army colonel Douglas Macgregor discusses escalation risks in the US–Iran conflict and argues that Israel and the United States are “joined at the hip” militarily through resupply and munitions support. Macgregor speculates that if conventional attacks fail to produce the desired outcome, Israeli decision-makers could be tempted to use a low-yield nuclear weapon, and he warns that doing so would open “Pandora's box” and draw reactions from major powers. He suggests any Israeli attempt to claim the action was taken without US involvement would lack credibility internationally.

The host cites a threat attributed to President Donald Trump to strike Iranian infrastructure in response to maritime attacks, and a response attributed to an Iranian official warning that regional oil and infrastructure could be targeted if Iran’s security is not assured. Macgregor predicts Trump is unlikely to end the war voluntarily, arguing he would continue until domestic political or economic conditions force a halt. He draws a historical analogy to Vietnam-era debates over whether withdrawal signals weakness.

Macgregor also repeats rumours that Iran could seek a nuclear warhead or external assistance and considers — without endorsing — the possibility of a demonstrative detonation on Iranian soil; he urges against it, warning it could trigger immediate Israeli retaliation. He closes by arguing that ammunition depletion and financial strain may become the decisive incentives to stop the war.

Key takeaways

Macgregor says Israel may be tempted to use a low-yield nuclear weapon if conventional attacks fail.
He argues the US could not plausibly deny responsibility for an Israeli nuclear strike due to dependency on US resupply.
The host cites threats attributed to Trump and an Iranian response warning of wider regional infrastructure and oil disruption.
Macgregor predicts Trump will prolong the conflict until domestic political hostility or economic damage forces a change.
He alleges pro-Israel donors constrain Trump’s decisions, framing it as protection against impeachment (unsupported allegation).
Macgregor cites rumours of Iranian nuclear progress and urges against any demonstrative detonation, warning it could trigger Israeli devastation.
He argues weapons stockpiles and financial crisis risks may push Washington to end the war.