Podcaster Joe Rogan on Thursday sharply questioned President Trump’s strategy in Iran, calling it “confusing” and expressing doubt about the administration’s objectives just days after appearing with Trump at the White House for an executive order signing.
On his show, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan discussed the Middle East situation with Australian comedian James McCann. When McCann asked if things would “be OK,” Rogan responded, “No one f—ing knows.” He added, “What’s going on with the Iran ceasefire? Supposedly, they extended, but then they’re shooting at ships.”
Trump on Tuesday extended an indefinite ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s request, hours before a two-week truce was set to expire. He also maintained the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The move has drawn criticism from both allies and adversaries, as Trump has expressed frustration with the pace of talks.
McCann questioned whether the conflict aimed at regime change. Rogan said he was unsure why the Trump administration launched initial strikes when it did. “People have wanted the people running Iran out for 47 years, but no one has done it the way this administration did,” Rogan said. “It doesn’t make sense they chose to do it when they did.” He added, “I think they’re trying to negotiate something, but I don’t know how this will ever work out.”
Rogan contrasted the Iran operation with the U.S. military capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, calling it “a totally different experience.” He also suggested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s influence played a role. “Why did we do it? I don’t know, I think because of Israel, if I had to guess,” Rogan said.
He questioned the exit strategy, asking, “How do you get out of this? Do we have troops there forever? Do we subsidize them if we blow up their power grid and infrastructure?” The remarks come amid Trump’s assurance that he would not use nuclear weapons in Iran, citing conventional success.
Rogan, who endorsed Trump before the 2024 election, has grown more critical since the start of the second term, particularly regarding the joint U.S.-Israeli operation in Iran. He appeared with Trump on Saturday as the president signed an executive order accelerating psychedelic drug research for mental health. Rogan recalled Trump calling him a “liberal” at the event; he has previously described himself as “politically homeless.”
