Joe Rogan engaged in a heated debate with fellow comedian Harland Williams on Friday, discussing President Donald Trump's military actions against Iran. Rogan echoed the perspective of recent podcast guest Scott Horton, an author and anti-war activist, who argued that Israeli interests have drawn the United States into the conflict.
Rogan's Concerns Over War and Exit Strategy
"Essentially, this is Israel wanting us to go to this war," Rogan stated, adding that the argument "makes sense." The host of "The Joe Rogan Experience" expressed his opposition to the war, highlighting the lack of a clear exit strategy after the U.S. spent 20 years and trillions of taxpayer dollars in Afghanistan. Williams, a Canadian-American actor known for roles in "Dumb and Dumber" and "Half Baked," countered by questioning whether Rogan disapproves of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Williams argued that Trump's war on Iran, ostensibly aimed at halting its nuclear program, represents a more "positive agenda" than targeting Taliban-linked Afghans involved in opium production.
Rogan's Rebuttal on Nuclear Capability
"That's true if it made sense," Rogan countered. "The problem is, I had Scott Horton on the podcast explaining what is actually involved in making depleted uranium, and making it weapons-grade, and what would have to be done in order to get it to a bomb level ... It's very difficult. It's not as simple, and they weren't nearly capable of doing that." Williams, however, insisted that Iran was "not nearly, but pursuing" nuclear weapons.
Rogan acknowledged understanding Israel's motivation for war with Iran, drawing a hypothetical scenario: if Mexico were building a nuclear weapon next door to America and was "constantly in conflict" with the U.S., Rogan said, "that would be a good reason" for America to "want to go fuck up" Mexico. "Like, 'Hey, you can't have a nuclear bomb,'" Rogan added. "This is Israel's position, and Israel is right there with Iran, they're close enough to throw missiles at each other. I get why they want it. I don't know if it's a good thing for America. And I don't know if there's a way out of it."
Rogan's Complex Relationship with Trump
Rogan noted earlier in the show that he appreciates when Trump engages in unconventional actions, such as organizing an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House South Lawn. He endorsed Trump in the 2024 election but has also diverged from the administration on multiple issues. The podcaster has criticized the president's "horrific" deportations, "insane" immigration raids, and "terrifying" war on Iran. Recently, he condemned Palantir, the tech company streamlining data on U.S. citizens for the federal government, for advocating a military draft amid the Iran conflict.
